March 18, 2024

City to review Sunset Park designs with open house

Newton residents are invited to a Sunset Park Design Concept Open House to view ideas conceived for Sunset Park. The open house will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday in the council chambers at Newton City Hall, 101 W. Fourth St. S.

“Open houses and public meetings are a way for us to seek citizen input, this absolutely helps shape the concept and features we will try to incorporate into the final design,” Newton Public Works Director Jody Rhone said.

The city has been working with HBK Engineering to create a new design concept for Sunset Park, 110 N. Sixth Ave. E. Renderings of park designs will be on display at the open house along with city representatives to explain the ideas and gather public response.

Additions to the park following HBK’s work include a trail system, fitness equipment, a new playground, nature play area and an additional parking lot and shelter on the northeast side of the park. The little league field would also be replaced with multi-purpose field and a terrace was sketched out to complement the existing shelter at the park.

When discussed at the September Park Board meeting, the board suggested tying the trail system into the surrounding buildings including Skiff Medical Center, Park Centre and Newton Village, a possible shelter at the top of the sledding hill and adding a dog park.

“It is planned to be a very senior friendly park,” park board chair Amanda Price said. “It is a good time for everybody to come and tell us what they like and don’t like about the designs.”

For more information about the open house, call 641-792-6622.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson
at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534
or jpierson@newtondailynews.com