Newton sets date for $1.6M park bond referendum

Four parks projects — including the construction of a new, long-awaited clubhouse at Westwood Golf Course — are included on the city’s $1.6 million bond referendum, which was approved 6-0 by council on Feb. 21 after weeks of discussion. It will officially be placed on a ballot for a public vote Sept. 13.

In addition to the new clubhouse and site improvements, the bond referendum would pay for new play features at Maytag Pool, the installation of pickleball courts at Aurora Park and a fenced-in dog park at Sunset Park.

Newton Community Services Director Brian Laube told council members in past meetings that the new clubhouse is estimated to cost $1,233,600, but the bond would not pay for the entire project. Only $908,600 of the $1.6 million would go toward the city’s share, with the remaining $325,000 covered by private donors.

Likewise, the new play features at Maytag Pool, which will include a shallow end play area, a three-meter diving board with a safer stairway and a rock climbing wall, are estimated to cost $437,500 of the bond. The remaining $253,900 will be divided amongst the pickleball courts and the dog park.

Updated estimates of the pickleball courts and dog park could not be obtained by Newton News as of press time Feb. 23.

In order for the referendum to pass, the city needs 60 percent of the total votes in favor of the bond. City documents state if the bond passes it would not require Newton to increase its property tax levy. The city’s finance team have determined payments of the bond could be absorbed by the current debt service levy.

The city’s elected officials and its staff cannot advocate for or against the bond referendum, city attorney Matt Brick advised on Jan. 17. However, staff can provide residents with factual information about the projects and the costs. Other independent groups may still be able to promote or argue against the bond.

Jessica Lowe Vokes, president of Friends of Newton Parks, said, if approved, it would allow for many parks improvements. At this time, she is unsure what role the group will play leading up to the election, but Lowe Vokes said getting the funds to make those improvements is a way to meet the community’s needs.

“We are fortunate in Newton to have the most parks space per capita in the state. Part of having that luxury is maintaining and improving it to future generations can enjoy it,” Lowe Vokes said. “As far as clubhouse, I’m not a golfer but I see it is an important piece of economic development.”

At the past few meetings, council members have debated over which projects they would like to see included in the bond referendum. There was clear support for the clubhouse and the pool play features. Initially, only three projects were tied to the bond, but it has since extended to four.

Although members of the Newton City Council on Feb. 21 did not talk in length about their vote to call for a special election, some did ask some clarifying questions about the two newest projects — the pickleball courts and the dog park — and where they would be located within Aurora Park and Sunset Park.

Residents reached out to council member Mark Hallam regarding the location of the dog park, worrying it would be built in a way that would detract from sledding opportunities. Newton Mayor Mike Hansen quelled those worries, saying the desired location “isn’t anywhere close” to the popular sledding areas.

Council member Melissa Dalton questioned why the pickleball courts would be installed at Aurora Park over Maytag Park. She thought the latter park might be a better fit. Aurora Park is visible from First Avenue, and Dalton worried the fenced-in courts with lighting fixtures would detract from the park’s character.

Fellow council member Randy Ervin said an advantage of having Aurora Park on First Avenue is it allows passersby to see the activity at its facilities. Pickleball tournaments would attract crowds and activity to the park, which Ervin said is a good thing for the city. He also argued Maytag Park is smaller than it appears.

“Because you have the disc golf going on right now, you have the tennis going on right now — it’s actually harder to find a spot,” Ervin said. “…I believe the courts we’re looking at are a piece that could expand. And I think moving to Maytag Park you’re not going to have the ability to expand more courts.”

If the courts were installed at Maytag Park, the popular disc golf course may have to be rerouted. Evidently, disc golfers have high praise for Newton’s course, Hansen said. Council member Evelyn George said the proximity of Aurora Park to nearby convenience stores and restaurants is also a plus for pickleball.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com