REAP grant awarded to Baxter for Giese Park pond

Flooding can cause a variety of problems for communities, and when Baxter was hit in 2024 the pond at Giese Park was negatively impacted. To address the issue, Baxter was awarded a $50,000 Resource Enhancement and Protection grant by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

“During the storm, the pond at Giese Park filled with sediment and reached its capacity to handle storm-water,” the city said in a press release.

In order to make the needed improvements, Baxter Public Works Director Bryce Halter worked with city staff to request funding to dredge the pond and increase its capacity. The work was approved by FEMA in July 2025, which had previously declared the area a disaster.

This is the fifth project in Jasper County to be awarded a REAP grant. The dollars fully fund the dredging work.

Previously, the pond was too shallow to support fish, but the dredging work will create a healthier habitat and allow fishing at Giese Park for the first time.

“This will give local residents a place to fish close to home, rather than having to travel outside the community,” the city said.

Additional funds left over from the dredging will be used towards establishing a walking trail around the pond. The trail was identified by residents as an important priority during the Community Visioning process.

“The city will continue to working toward long-term improvements at Giese Park to support both recreation and storm-water management, and we appreciate the community’s input and support along the way,” the city said.