The City of Newton has awarded the Maytag Bowl renovation project to Roy Sargent Builders of Menlo, the only bid received by the city, Public Works Director Keith Laube reported to the Newton Parks Board Friday afternoon.
Laube said the construction crew planned to begin work sometime next week with sandblasting on the bowl, removing paint and the unsightly graffiti on the bowl’s east end.
The board discussed the possibility of fund-raising to supplement the grants already received for the Maytag Bowl project. There is approximately $300,000 left in a Whirlpool fund, and about $130,000 in city funds.
Joyce Moen gave the park board a report on her findings concerning historical signage for the Maytag Park entrance, after talking with Paula Mohr, P.hD., with the State Historic Preservation Office of the State Historical Society of Iowa. Moen said she felt it was important that park visitors know the type of park as they enter.
The board agreed to place a plaque on a pillar at the entrance announcing the historic aspect of the park, with another plaque placed inside the park with more detailed information. Moen said money for the plaques was available without using tax dollars.
In other discussion Friday, Parks Administrator Nathan Unsworth told the Park Board that the Newton High School IT Club would like to implement a tree identification process at Maytag Park using QR codes placed on the trees. The board gave the club permission to proceed with the project.
Laube informed the board that the northwest soccer field at Agnes Patterson Park will be tilled and will be crowned with topsoil, then seeded with grass to improve the surface. City crews also will grade the parking lot to make the driveway less steep, and grade near the concession stand for better handicap accessibility.
Laube said the next project at the soccer field will be to install a water line from East 31st Street South for irrigation.
John Jennings can be contacted at (641) 792-3121 ext. 425 or via email at jjennings@newtondailynews.com.