HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-11-2024 Parks & Recreation CommissionIowa City
Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
5:00 P.M.
Robert A. Lee Recreation Center — Meeting Room B CITY of IOWA CITY
200 S. Gilbert Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
Public Comment for each item will be limited to 3 minutes for each person and a total for no more than 30
minutes per item. Written comments submitted to parksandrecreation@iowo-city.orq, prior to 4 p.m. on
Monday, September 09, 2024, will be distributed to the Commission in advance of the meeting.
AGENDA
ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER
ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF AUGUST 14, 2024, MINUTES
ITEM 3 PUBLIC COMMENT ON ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
The Commission cannot engage in discussion or debate. However, once the
commenter has left the stand, the Commission may ask staff to respond to
a concern or question posed by the public, or to follow up with the speaker.
ITEM 4 MERCER BASEBALL/SOFTBALL ATHELETIC FIELDS — ICCSD Staff
ITEM 5 POOL ATTENDENCE UPDATE — Recreation Superintendent Brad Barker
ITEM 6 NEW PARK NAME — Parks & Forestry Superintendent Tyler Baird
ITEM 7 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
a) Recreation Superintendent — Brad Barker
b) Parks & Forestry Superintendent —Tyler Baird
ITEM 8 CHAIRS REPORT
ITEM 9 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM 10 ADJOURN
If you will need disability -related accommodations to participate in this program/event please contact
Gabe Gotera, Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department at 319-356-5210 orggotero@iowo-city.org.
Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COb
MINUTES OF AUGUST 14, 2024
PARK SHELTER — TERRELL MILL PARK
19R DtBluWE]*1414
Members Present: Alex Hachtman, Connie Moore, Aaron Broege, Virginia Hayes, Brian
Morelli, Alex Stanton
Members Absent: Missie Forbes, Rachel McPherson, Caleb Recker
Staff Present: Juli Seydell Johnson, Brad Barker, Tyler Baird, Gabe Gotera
Others Present: None
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Hachtman called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
None
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Haves, seconded by Morelli, to approve the July 10, 2024, minutes. Motion
passed 6-0 (Forbes, McPherson, & Recker absent).
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None
REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF:
Parks and Recreation Director — Dir. Seydell Johnson
Ribbon Cutting: Dir. Seydell Johnson thanks the Commission for coming out to Terrell Mill Park
to attend both the Commission meeting and the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Ice House Single
Track Trail.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
August14,2024
Page 2 of 4
Skate Park: Dir. Seydell Johnson says that the following day, she will be presenting the grant
application that the department had submitted to the IA DNR office for a Land and Water
Conservation Fund grant. The grant would go towards the budget for the Terrell Mill Park Skate
Park. Seydell Johnson explains that staff will not have an official announcement this week
regarding the grant, but that staff should have a sense of whether or not they will receive the
grant. Seydell Johnson clarifies that the plan will move forward even if the grant is not received,
but that there might be a few less items than on the original design. Seydell Johnson adds that
staff are hopeful for the project to go out to bid this year.
City Park Pool: Dir. Seydell Johnson says that the design process for City Park Pool is moving
forward, explaining that there have been meetings to look over details in the bath house and filter
house such as choice of restroom faucets. Seydell Johnson expects the process to move onto
construction documents within the next month. Seydell Johnson clarifies that the Commission
likely will not see much more on the project until January/February 2026 when staff are
preparing for the project to go out to bid.
Park Name: Dir. Seydell Johnson talks about an option submitted for the name of the new park
near Shannon Drive. Seydell Johnson describes receiving an email from a member of the public
about Adelaide Joy Rogers, the first female to run for election to the Iowa City Parks and
Recreation Commission back in the early 1900s, when commissioners had to be elected and not
appointed. Seydell Johnson explains that Rogers ran for office but was not elected, the same year
that Emma Harvett become the first female elected to the city council. Throughout her life,
Rogers did a lot of things in Iowa City, advocating especially for women in sports, Parks and
Recreation, and recreation facilities. Seydell Johnson adds that staff have reviewed Rogers and
like the idea and tie-in to the west side of Iowa City, where Rogers lived. Seydell Johnson says
that this member of the public will be at the September Commission meeting to comment more
on the subject, and that information about Rogers will be included in the agenda packet. Seydell
Johnson clarifies that staff are still open to other ideas and encourages the Commission to bring
these ideas to the September meeting.
REAP Grant: Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that staff have applied for the Resource
Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Grant. Seydell Johnson reminds the commission that the
department has been very successful regarding state REAP grants from the state DNR, receiving
$200,000 every year for the past seven years. Past projects have included, Whispering Meadows
Park, Terry Trueblood Recreational Area, Ryerson's Woods, Ned Ashton House. Seydell
Johnson explains that this year the grant would go towards environmental restoration efforts
along the Sycamore Greenway, including the removal of invasive species, replanting desired
plants, and adding new benches and bike repair stations.
CHAIRS REPORT:
None
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
August14,2024
Page 3 of 4
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Commissioner Hayes explains that she has heard from members of the public who are not happy
with the City Park Pool closing times, specifically Saturdays when the pool closes at 5 p.m.
Hayes says that she understand that it is late in the season and that the schedule is likely derived
from staffing, but asks if during City Park Pool discussions, it could be made a goal to keep the
pool open until 8:00 p.m. Dir. Seydell Johnson encourages Hayes to bring this up again when
staff are preparing the open the new pool, as that will be when staff are looking over the entire
pool schedule.
Vice Chairman Moore thanks Diane Allen of Project GREEN for the correspondence received
via email including volunteer info, project updates, and pictures. Moore says that she loves to
read these weekly updates. Moore says that she had received messages from a member of the
public who had concerns about unhoused people living in Riverfront Crossings Park (RFX).
Moore explains that the concerns are specifically about power cords that are pulled across the
trails and people that are camping in the parks, despite a sign that says, `No Camping'. Moore
says that past response has been to contact the police if there is a problem but asks what the
recommendation of Parks and Recreation staff is. Dir. Seydell Johnson responds that staff are
aware of individuals that lack housing that are using some of the Parks past hours, some in more
obvious locations that others. Seydell Johnson explains that some department staff participates
on a city committee that includes Police, Public Works staff, Parks staff, Shelter House staff, and
Outreach officers who have been trying to make contact as best they can with each of these
individuals when they are identified. Once the outreach officers make contact, they will try to get
them entered into services, but this can take some time per individual. Seydell Johnson says that
staff do have cameras on the buildings in RFX Park to monitor the area, but that the restrooms in
the park have been locked off due to the amount of damage/vandalism sustained recently,
opening for larger events in the park.
Commissioner Morelli says that it is cool to see the updates from Project GREEN. Morelli says
that he also has heard concerns regarding RFX Park, specifically about the restrooms being
unusable by the public, wondering how the issue can be addressed equitably. Dir. Seydell
Johnson responds that the bulk of the group that had been staying near the restrooms have moved
on from the area in the last six days, but that staff are unsure of when the restrooms will be a
operating normally. Parks Supt. Baird does mention that a temporary restroom was recently
added at RFX Park.
Moved by Morelli, second by Stanton, to adjourn the meetin( at 5:09 p.m. Motion passed
6-0 (Forbes, McPherson, & Recker absent).
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
August14,2024
Page 4 of 4
PARKS AND RECREATION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
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Missie
12/31/25
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Forbes
Alex
12/31/24
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Hachtman
Virginia
12/31/27
*
*
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X
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X
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Hayes
Rachel
12/31/26
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McPherson
Connie
12/31/25
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Moore
Brian
12/31/25
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Morelli
Caleb
12/31/26
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Recker
Alex
12/31/27
X
X
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X
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O/E
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Stanton
KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting
LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum * = Not a member during this meeting
Date: September 5, 2024
To: Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks & Recreation
From: Brad Barker, Superintendent of Recreation
Re: Swimming Pool User Count Update
Commission Role:
Staff recommends no change at this time.
Background:
The Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department has been monitoring, recording and reporting monthly
user counts for the indoor pools at Robert A. Lee Recreation Center (RAL), Mercer Park Aquatic Center
(MPAC) and City Park Pool (CPP). The following summary provides an update on user counts since
consistent monthly reporting began in October 2022. The Parks and Recreation Commission periodically
reviews counts and uses this data to assess facility hours.
Robert A. Lee Recreation Center (RAL):
The indoor pool at RAL hosts a variety of daily activities including lap swim, open swim, water fitness
classes, swim lessons and special events. Swim lessons are very well attended but occur only seasonally
throughout the year. Including them in average monthly facility counts, while as equally as important as
all other activities, can make trend assessment more challenging due to its seasonal swings. Reviewing
the data without swim lesson counts begins to paint a picture that suggests the average daily
attendance has been gradually increasing over the monitored period from October 2022 through July
2024. Recorded counts for daily recreation, in particular, are the driving force behind this increase since
water fitness and special events counts have remained relatively flat.
One item to note is that pool hours were increased by two hours beginning in September 2023.
User count spikes upward in September 2023, March 2024 and July 2024 were mostly likely due to the
MPAC indoor pool being closed for maintenance during a portion of those months.
Mercer Park Aquatic Center (MPAC):
The indoor pool at MPAC hosts a variety of daily activities including lap swim, open swim, water fitness
classes, and special events. MPAC also hosts the swim teams for City High School, Southeast Junior High
and the Iowa City Eels. Swim teams provide a large userbase and their sport seasons occur at various
times throughout the year. Including them in average monthly facility counts, while as equally as
important as all other activities, can make trend assessment more challenging due to its seasonal
swings. Reviewing the data without swim team counts begins to paint a picture that suggests that user
counts have been cyclical. Count totals are at their lowest around January, gradually increase until June,
and then declines in the late summer and fall. Recreation totals are the main driver of this cycle with
Water Fitness and Special Event counts being relatively flat.
User count spikes downward in September 2023, March 2024 and July 2024 were due to the MPAC
indoor pool being closed for maintenance during a portion of those months.
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • (319) 356-5100 • FAX (319) 356-5487
Robert A. Lee Recreation Center Indoor Pool
Monthly Participation by Activity Type
500
Mercer Closure
aoo A
Mercer Closure Mercer Closure
200 - n
300
I=
500
100
200
0
October 2022 January2023 April 2023 July 2023 October 2023 January2024 April 2024
—Recreation —Water Fitness —Special Event
Robert A. Lee Recreation Center Indoor Pool
Average Daily Attendance Totals
120.0
100.0
80.0
60.0
40.0
20.0
July 2021 1
0.0
October 2022 January2023 April 2023 July 2023 October 2023 January 2024 April 2024 July 2024
Total Daily Average —Total Daily Average (w/o Swim Lessons)
—Total Daily Average (Recreation Only)
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • (319) 356-5100 • FAX (319) 356-5487
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Jctober2022 January 2023 Apri12023 July 2023 October2023 January2024 Apri12024
—Recreation —Water Fitness —Special Event
Mercer Park Aquatic Center Indoor Pool
Monthly Participation by Activity Type
Mercer Clnsure
Mercer Closure
Mercer Closure
Mercer Park Aquatic Center Indoor Pool
Average Daily Attendance Totals
250.0
rr r
150.0
E[i "aa
11111111411101
July 2024
0.0
October 2022 January 2023 April 2023 July 2023 October 2023 January 2024 April 2024 July 2024
Total Daily Average —Total Daily Average (w/o Swim Lessons)
—Total Daily Average (Recreation Only)
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • (319) 356-5100 • FAX (319) 356-5487
RAIL & MPAC
Total Daily Averages
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
October 2022 January2023 April 2023 July 2023 October 2023 January2024 April 2024 July 2024
ORAL Total Daily Average (w/o Swim Lessons) ORAL Total Daily Average (Rec Totals Only)
—MPAC Total Daily Average (w/o Swim Team) —MPAC Total Daily Average (Rec Totals Only)
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • (319) 356-5100 • FAX (319) 356-5487
Robert A. Lee Recreation Center - Indoor Pool Facility User Data
Month
Recreation
(Drop -In /
Admission)
Water
Fitness
Swim
Lessons
Special
Event
TOTAL
Total
Daily
Average
Total
(w/o
Swim
Lessons)
Total Daily
Average
(w/o Swim
Lessons)
Total Daily
Average
(Recreation
Only)
October 2022
596
186
812
182
1776
57.3
964
31.1
19.2
November
2022
645
153
1450
119
2367
78.9
917
30.6
21.5
December
2022
663
94
585
104
1446
46.6
861
27.8
21.4
January2023
745
125
0
140
1010
32.6
1010
32.6
24.0
February
2023
741
165
1566
209
2681
95.8
1115
39.8
26.5
March 2023
921
183
713
265
2082
67.2
1369
44.2
29.7
April 2023
745
178
1876
309
3108
103.6
1232
41.1
24.8
May 2023
912
111
0
190
1213
39.1
1213
39.1
29.4
June 2023
836
113
674
103
1726
57.5
1052
35.1
27.9
July 2023
934
160
315
164
1573
50.7
1258
40.6
30.1
August 2023
888
185
0
83
1156
37.3
1156
37.3
28.6
September
2023
1248
201
749
250
2448
81.6
1699
56.6
41.6
October 2023
911
210
1031
163
2315
74.7
1284
41.4
29.4
November
2023
995
186
1023
216
2420
80.7
1397
46.6
33.2
December
2023
1029
167
291
265
1752
56.5
1461
47.1
33.2
January 2024
845
113
0
124
1082
34.9
1082
34.9
27.3
February
2024
952
192
1201
202
2547
87.8
1346
46.4
30.7
March 2024
1503
147
658
357
2665
86.0
2007
64.7
48.5
Apri12024
1108
196
1271
227
2802
93.4
1531
51.0
36.9
May 2024
1068
142
0
192
1402
45.2
1402
45.2
34.5
June 2024
1017
146
114
200
1477
49.2
1363
45.4
33.9
July 2024
1190
192
189
73
1644
53.0
1455
46.9
38.4
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • (319) 356-5100 • FAX (319) 356-5487
Mercer Park Aquatic Center - Facility User Data
Total
Daily
Total
Average
Total Daily
Recreation
Total
(w/o
(w/o
Average
(Drop -In /
Water
Swim
Special
Daily
Swim
Swim
(Recreation
Month
Admission)
Fitness
Team
Event
TOTAL
Average
Lessons)
Lessons)
Only)
October
2022
2259
188
2218
155
4820
155.5
2602
83.9
72.9
November
2022
2104
85
2238
76
4503
150.1
2265
75.5
70.1
December
2022
1708
27
2516
9
4260
1 137.4
1744
1 56.3
55.1
January
2023
2604
49
2908
2
5563
179.5
2655
85.6
84.0
February
2023
2404
91
2472
24
4991
178.3
2519
90.0
85.9
March 2023
3048
125
2120
315
5608
180.9
3488
112.5
98.3
April 2023
2693
103
2650
164
5610
187.0
2960
98.7
89.8
May 2023
3243
65
2544
375
6227
200.9
3683
118.8
104.6
June 2023
3574
42
2332
795
6743
224.8
4411
147.0
119.1
July 2023
3464
99
2438
215
6216
200.5
3778
121.9
111.7
August
2023
3373
104
3610
216
7303
235.6
3693
119.1
108.8
September
2023
1161
10
1480
102
2753
91.8
1273
42.4
38.7
October
2023
2311
169
2438
151
5069
1 163.5
2631
84.9
74.5
November
2023
2329
121
1908
198
4556
151.9
2648
88.3
77.6
December
2023
2508
107
1750
139
4504
145.3
2754
88.8
80.9
January
2024
2333
69
2412
177
4991
161.0
2579
83.2
75.3
February
2024
2813
1 61
2715
297
5886
1 203.0
3373
1 109.3
90.7
March 2024
1623
54
735
93
2505
80.8
1770
57.1
52.4
Apri12024
2873
115
2392
186
5566
185.5
3174
105.8
95.8
May 2024
3084
186
2484
248
6002
193.6
3518
113.5
99.5
June 2024
3478
103
2433
179
6193
206.4
3760
125.3
115.9
July 2024
2544
54
1605
176
4379
141.3
2774
89.5
82.1
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • (319) 356-5100 • FAX (319) 356-5487
RAL & MPAC - Combine Facility User Data
Month
RALTotal
Daily
Average
RAL Total
Daily
Average
(w/o
Swim
Lessons)
RAL Total
Daily
Average
(Rec
Totals
Only)
MPAC
Total
Daily
Average
MPAC
Total
Daily
Average
(w/o
Swim
Team)
MPAC
Total
Daily
Average
(Rec
Totals
Only)
October 2022
57.3
31.1
19.2
155.5
83.9
72.9
November 2022
78.9
30.6
21.5
150.1
75.5
70.1
December 2022
46.6
27.8
21.4
137.4
56.3
55.1
January 2023
32.6
32.6
24
179.5
85.6
84
February 2023
95.8
39.8
26.5
178.3
90
85.9
March 2023
67.2
44.2
29.7
180.9
112.5
98.3
Apri12023
103.6
41.1
24.8
187
98.7
89.8
May 2023
39.1
39.1
29.4
200.9
118.8
104.6
June 2023
57.5
35.1
27.9
224.8
147
119.1
July 2023
50.7
40.6
30.1
2005.5
121.9
111.7
August 2023
37.3
37.3
28.6
235.6
119.1
108.8
September 2023
81.6
56.6
41.6
91.8
42.4
38.7
October 2023
74.7
41.4
29.4
163.5
84.9
74.5
November 2023
80.7
46.6
33.2
151.9
88.3
77.6
December 2023
56.5
47.1
33.2
145.3
88.8
80.9
January 2024
34.9
34.9
27.3
161
83.2
75.3
February 2024
87.8
46.4
30.7
203
109.3
90.7
March 2024
86
64.7
48.5
80.8
57.1
52.4
Apri12024
93.4
51
36.9
185.5
105.8
95.8
May 2024
45.2
45.2
34.5
193.6
113.5
99.5
June 2024
49.2
45.4
33.9
206.4
125.3
115.9
July 2024
53
46.9
38.4
141.3
89.5
82.1
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • (319) 356-5100 • FAX (319) 356-5487
The following letter was received from a member of the public to be included for
`Item 6: New Park Name'.
Adelaide Joy Rogers
1866-1952
Narrowly lost effort to be Parks Commissioner on history -making ticket
Advocate for equal opportunities for girls and women
Iowa City Republicans and Democrats met on the evening of Friday, March 11, 1921, to nominate
their slate of candidates for the upcoming election for mayor and city offices. The Democrats met in
City Hall, then on the corner of Washington and Linn Streets. Less than a block away on
Washington and Dubuque, the Republicans met at the Commercial Club, where they made local
history.'
These meetings happened every two years. But in 1921, these were the first nominating
conventions after the passage of the 19th Amendment - meaning women in Iowa could now vote.
Republicans nominated two women: Emma Harvat for an at -large council position and Adelaide
Joy Rogers for parks commissioners. They were the first women to run for office in Iowa City.2
The campaigns were short - only 17 days between the nomination and election day. There was
little campaigning outside of a few ads published in the local newspaper, likely relying on name
recognition, word of mouth, and the candidates' reputation in town. Adelaide would have been
well-known as a lifelong Iowa Citian and active in the community. She was born on October 10,
1868, to Jane and Edwin Joy, early pioneers in Johnson County.3
Adelaide attended State University of Iowa's Normal School (predecessor to the UI College of
Education). She would later recall it had just four buildings, no phones and no electricity. It also had
no physical education or recreation opportunities for women. So, in 1886, as a student, Adelaide
was among the charter organizers who founded the local YWCA, where their first employee was a
director of women's athletics. The organization would later build Close Hall in 1892 to expand
recreation opportunities 4
She and other women in 1901 petitioned the all -male school board to provide equal training
opportunities for girls. There were mechanical classes offered for boys but no equivalent for girls.
While these efforts were about traditional gender roles at the time, their language was tough and
demanded equality. They wrote that the absence of equal training was disrespectful to girls. "The
public schools of Iowa City ... as those of progressive towns in our country, should give simple,
thorough scientific training... to give every girl an opportunity for ... well trained womanhood."'
Adelaide was a public school teacher until she married Dr Ernest A Rogers, a popular instructor at
the College of Dentistry in 1901. They adopted two orphaned nephews, Clifford and Frank in 1904.
' Iowa City Press -Citizen; 12 Mar 1921; Page 1; "City Tickets are Named."
2 Iowa City Press -Citizen; 12 Mar 1921; Page 1; "City Tickets are Named."
3 Iowa City Press -Citizen; 24 Mar 1921; Page 8, columns 1,2, and 6, Political Advertisements.
Fort Collins Coloradcan; 4 Mar 1952; Page 2; "Death Takes Mrs Rogers." Iowa City Press -Citizen; 20 Jan 1944; Page 1;
"Death Takes Mrs Joy, 97."
4 Daily Iowan: Magazine Section, 15 Mar 1931, Page 2, "Chase, Genevieve "Forty -Fifth Birthday"
5 Daily Iowa State Press; 18 Mar 1901; Page 3; "Domestic Economy."
The family initially lived on North Dubuque Street but moved to the west side, first on Melrose
Avenue and later Park Road.'
When the Children's Hospital needed help teaching children who could not attend regular school in
1919, Adelaide, the former teacher, helped train volunteers to help these non-traditional students
learn. Also included in the program were opportunities for women majoring in physical education at
the University to get some practical training!
Adelaide was active in the local Red Cross during the First World War, chairing a committee and
leading the effort to make comfort kits, including supplies like soap, razor blades, towels, and
chewing gum, for departing soldiers.'
Later, she was a leader in the local Garden Club. Through the club, she spoke about native plants
for landscaping and shared about her wildflower garden.'
Given her experiences and biography, it made sense that a political party thought she was an ideal
candidate. So on March 28, 1921, when Iowa Citians went to vote, including many women for the
first time, they saw her full name on the ballot, Adelaide Joy Rogers. Including her first name and
maiden name at a time when many women would have been known by their husband's name, "Mrs
Ernest Rogers," for example.10
After the polls closed, the results started to come in. As each of the five wards reported their
results, Adelaide won the first three, narrowly losing the fourth. She had a 245-vote lead with just
the one ward results outstanding. When the final ward reported its results - the margin was 302 for
her opponent, G W Schmidt. Adelaide would come up just 57 votes short, losing the closest
election of the night. Emma Harvat would win and go on to become the history -making mayor, but
Adelaide would largely be forgotten."
But she shouldn't be. While Adelaide wasn't victorious, she made history by putting her name on
the ballot without a playbook for women to run for office. She was on the right side of history,
pushing for equal opportunities for women and girls in physical education, recreation, and the
classroom. What better way to honor the history -making candidate for parks commissioner than to
name a park after her.
Prepared by Kevin Boyd, August 2024
B Iowa City Press -Citizen; 5 Jan 1901; Page 4 "Joined in Marriage." And The Gazette; 6 Jun 1947; Page 13; "Dr Ernest
Rogers Dies in Colorado." And Wyohistory.org; 8 Nov 2014; Wyoming State Archives; "Clifford Rogers." Iowa City
Press -Citizen; 24 May 1921; Page 8; "Society." Iowa City Press -Citizen; 13 Oct 1924; Page 2; "Garden Section Party."
The Daily Iowan; 12 Oct 1919; Page 4; "Perkins Children Need More Teachers."
s Iowa City Citizen; 23 Jun 1917; Page 2; "Busy Times at the Red Cross Headquarters."
s Iowa City Press -Citizen; 2 Apr 1926; Page 7; "Garden Club Election." Iowa City Press -Citizen; 9 May 1931; Page 7;
"Cold, Wet Weather Fails to Spoil Gardens' Charm." Iowa City Press -Citizen; 19 Jun 1925; Page 7; "Garden Club Closes
Year's Study."
10 Iowa City Press -Citizen; 24 Mar 1921; Page 8, column 6, Political Advertisement.
11 Iowa City Press -Citizen; 29 Mar 1921; Page 1; "Mayor Swisher Elected Again Defeats Paine."
Robert A Lee Recreation Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - August 2024
Day
Date
6-7a
7-8a
8-9a
9-10a
10-11a
11-12p
12-1p
1-2p
2-3p
3-4p
4-Sp
5-6 p
6-7p
7-8p
Daily Rec Totals
Water Fitness
Swim Lessons
Event# Count
Event Name
Thursday
1-Aug
7
7
4
30
9
19
4
60
4
Ind.,
2-Aug
6
1
]
15
12
14
3
58
14
Saturday
3-Aug
8
7
4
1
3
9
3
35
3
Sunday
4-Aug
0
25
$2 Swim
Monday
5-Aug
2
3
2
8
11
12
3
41
7
Tway
6-Aug
2
13
6
3
6
25
2
47
wedr.day
7-Aug
4
0
5
6
7
11
1
34
19
Thursday
8-Aug
6
4
5
5
6
12
4
42
Friday
9-Aug
6
1
0
3
10
8
2
30
9
smumay
10-Aug
4
0
8
0
4
4
1
21
5
Sunday
11-Aug
0
8
$2 Swim
Monday
12-Aug
4
2
1
3
8
13
4
35
13
Tama,
13-Aug
5
1 2
5
6
6
12
6
42
w.nne,aa,
14-Aug
1 3
1
0
]
1 7
15
5
38
13
Monday
15-Aug
4
3
4
1
9
12
4
37
Inday
16-Aug
4
2
4
5
8
13
3
39
13
Saturday
17-Aug
6
1
3
2
3
6
3
24
2
Sunday
18-Aug
0
33
$2 Swim
Monday
19-Aug
3
3
5
5
3
12
8
39
13
me:day
20-Aug
3
3
4
4
1
10
3
28
wedneaday
21-Aug
6
2
1 1
7
7
8
6
37
14
larsday
22-Aug
3
5
3
4
8
2
8
33
Fnd ,
23-Aug
3
5
5
6
7
6
2
34
11
Saturdrday
24-Aug
3
5
2
0
2
6
4
22
3
Sunday
25-Aug
0
26
$2 Swim
Monday
26-Aug
2
4
1
6
6
15
5
39
11
Tuaday
27-Aug
7
5
4
1 4
6
12
5
43
wadnoda,
28-Aug
4
5
6
10
7
13
7
52
18
Tsuoday
29-Aug
6
4
6
5
8
30
5
44
India,
30-Aug
3
2
3
9
30
14
7
48
sawma,
31-Aug
7
2
6
1
4
3
1
24
S
Hourly Totals:
121
82
104
IL
I
IGrand
Total
Total Scans.
116
Totals:
1026
177
0
1 92
1295
$25wim Hours:
Averages.
33.1
5,7
00
3.0
41.8
Mercer Park
Aquatic Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - August 2024
Day
Date
6-7a
7-8a
8-9a
9-10a
30-11d
11-12p
lblp
1-2p
23p
4-5p
5-6p
6-7p
7-8p
Daily Rec Totals
Water Fitness
Swim Team
Event #Count
Event Na me
mama,
1-Aug
0
Ind.,
2-Aug
0
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
3-Aug
4-Aug
5-Aug
5
10
7
18
17
9
9
18
8
;4p
11
4
4
10
0
0
139
6
Tumay
6-Aug
5
9
30
1
9
19
17
5
8
12
4
109
2
34
$2 Swim
wednesday
7-Aug
8
13
30
21
13
9
8
4
5
15
11
9
5
4
135
Th—da,
8-Aug
6
10
7
5
6
2
9
10
7
7
8
2
79
3
22
$2 Swim
Fnda,
9-Aug
7
14
16
13
17
9
10
9
8
5
6
4
9
4
131
4
9turd.,
10-Aug
3
2
0
6
6
1
11
13
5
11
1
0
0
1
60
Sunday
11-Au9
M
0
10
0
14
7
8
6
4
4
53
Monday
12-Aug
6
12
20
11
17
11
6
13
6
14
6
19
6
3
150
7
Tuesday
13-Aug
4
13
7
9
3
11
11
1
3
5
1 19
1 5
1 91
2
20
$2 Swim
w.ane,aa,
14-Au9
4
9
14
29
12
8
10
7
14
5
11
12
11
5
151
..Mary
15-Au9
2
6
12
14
6
IS
3
6
11
12
10
3
100
3
53
$2 Swim
vnday
16-Aug
5
14
10
9
12
7
7
11
6
3
7
6
8
7
112
4
6
LG Class
Saturday
17-Au9
3
10
6
2
12
11
6
5
12
10
5
4
9
7
102
3
LG Class
Sunday
18-Aug
30
6
6
9
5
11
7
2
1
57
3
LG Class
Monday
19-Aug
7
9
8
11
20
6
6
5
6
12
6
5
8
2
111
4
121
more.,
20-Au9
3
12
12
10
8
14
6
5
16
6
6
0
98
2
121
30
$2 Swim
w.dne.day
21-Aug
5
7
15
10
9
7
4
10
8
10
1 5
1 5
3
1 4
102
121
'and.,
22-Aug
7
7
8
11
4
3
1 3
10
9
8
7
8
85
3
121
25
$2 Swim
Ind.,
23-Au9
5
10
7
11
16
8
6
7
3
2
5
5
6
3
94
5
121
satund.,
24-Aug
7
3
7
6
1 12
3
6
6
4
19
1
5
11
3
93
121
Sunday
25-Aug
=
12
12
8
13
23
10
7
7
2
94
Monday
26-Aug
13
12
13
15
9
2
11
13
7
3
6
6
9
5
124
5
121
Tugaay
27-Aug
7
16
IS
10
10
10
8
3
79
23
$2 Swim
Wednesday
28-Aug
8
11
10
13
13
12
6
3
5
15
14
15
7
3
135
121
mom.,
29-Aug
9
12
9
5
4
15
0
9
15
12
7
1
98
4
121
33
$2 Swim
Forday
30-Aug
8
13
6
14
10
10
5
9
5
1
7
2
3
1
94
3
121
Saturday 31-Aug
Total Scans:
-
2376
6 11 6 6 9 10
1 5 13 16
3 3
Totals:
98
2774
57
121
1331
252
Grand To[al
4414
ICE=127(includes masters)
Averages:
89.5
1.8
42.9
8.1
142.4
Closed for Events:
Total using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours
1370
$2 Swim Hours:
Average using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours
44.2
City Park Pool - Outdoor Swimming Pool Totals - Aug/Sep 2024
Day
Date
6-7a
7-8a
8-9a 9-10a 10-11. 11-12p
12-1p
1-2p
2-3p
3-4p
4-5p
5-6 p
6-]p ]-Bp Daily Rec Totals
Water Fitness
Swim Lessons
Event# Count
Event Name
mursmy
1-Aug
2
15
18 0
37
26
166
0
0
264
56
Fne,r
2-Aug
7
6
12 0
51
136
96
54
55
123
106 25 671
10
254
Food Truck Fridays
..abv
3-Aug
2
9
11 11 18 57
73
86
109
114
72
33
35 6 636
soomv
4-Aug
3
8
30 8 25 52
83
100
105
122
114
8)
31 23 771
raom,r
5-Aug
8
4
11 1
49
79
98
45
37
106
111 3g 587
11
1-sd.,
6-Aug
4
4
8 0
12
3
1
32
wm!—kn
7-Aug
8
4
9 0
39
1 34
1 32
34
20
46
66 9 301
121
Swim and Sounds
mw,mv
8-Aug
5
9
3 0
30
106
So
0
0
203
Fn4av
9-Aug
]
0
8 3
17
19
6
4
64
savumav
10-Aug
2
6
6 4 11 7
20
22
41
17
20
156
60
Pool Prom
sumac
11-Aug
1
4
3 11 8 10
43
11
29
55
39
34
19 9 276
Mumav
12-Aug
2
3
1 2
15
11
9
30
3
56
mama,
13-Aug
4
5
12 0
20
26
44
14
20
145
e—,
14Aug
8
9
7 1
5
3
4
3
2
]
25 74
32
Paddleboard Night
Tnuvdar
15-Aug
1
4
7
43
133
7
7
2D2
Fneav
16-Aug
11
10
13 2
62
76
68
48
58
)9
57 20 504
9
AmMar
17-Aug
6
5
6 4 10 2
10
3a
36
51
71
8
W 3 306
mneav
18-Aug
2
5
3 4 2 9
40
88
59
76
68
24
16 2 398
momav
19-Aug
7
4
6 1
38
34
27
38
35
36
32 12 270
10
Tu,d,v
20-Aug
8
3
30 0
30
37
26
25
9
5
153
wmresear
21-Aug
7
5
5 3
36
34
62
31
13
18
23 12 249
53
Back to School Night
murs4av
22-Aug
7
3
8 0
1 22
1 18
1 33
16
6
12
4 129
Fneav
23-Aug
19
34
14
3
]0
18
,v,'
24-Aug
46
63
55
109
119
114
45
2 553
suwv
25-Aug
89
96
190
169
170
182
130
3 1029
mom,,
26-Aug
22 27
38
24
2
113
10
Tumav
27-Aug
20 23
39
28
1
111
wa4resw1
28-Aug
20 28
1]
26
0
91
murw,v
29-Aug
30 I6
13
13
1
63
Friday
30-Aug
16 9
20
9
0
54
6
saur4av
31-Aug
23
20
1 40
1 68
85
74
33
0 343
su�mv
1-Sep
78
58
64
53
62
55
38
0 408
mama,
2-Sep
37
68
85
8]
102
64
54
5 502
Closed for weather:Jim
596 159
Totals: 9784
74
56
520
Grand Total
10434
Averages.
296.5
2.2
1.7
15.8
316.2
Community Foundation of Johnson County
City of Iowa City Parks and Recreation Accounts
Statement Activity
Iowa City Parks and Rec Charitable Giving Fund
July 01, 2024 - July 31, 2024
Beginning Balance:
$48,091.94
Total Fund Income:
$0.00
Total Fund Expenses:
$0.00
Ending Balance:
$48,091.94
Statement Activity
Iowa City Parks and Rec Endowment Fund
July 01, 2024 - July 31, 2024
Beginning Balance:
$224,456.86
Total Fund Income:
$5,285.75
Total Fund Expenses:
$755.90
Ending Balance:
$228,986.71
Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet
September 2024
Upcoming Events
• Iowa City Farmers Market —Season continues through October
• Tot Time — Season is September 16 — December 20; 9:30-11:30 am, MPAC
• U of I Deeded Body Program — September 20, 1:30 pm —Oakland Cemetery
• Hispanic Heritage Night— September 20, 5:30-7:30 pm — RAL
• Bio-Blast: STEAM Event — September 22, 2-4 pm, RAL
• Mental Health Celebration — September 22, 2:30-5:30 pm, TTRA Lodge
• Kids Market — September 28, Iowa City Farmers Market
• Get Outside: An Outdoor Rec Fest — September 29, 10 am —2 pm; Lower City Park
Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff
Parks:
• Staff have been busy keeping parks mowed and areas maintained. Events are beginning to pick back up
for the fall with students back and fall sports beginning.
• Pickleball and tennis courts are substantially complete and receiving good use.
• The single track trail has been receiving good reviews. We are working to get the last spur rerouted and
repaired now that things are drying out.
• Staff is planning to plant 500 street trees in the next two months. Trees arrive soon and residents in the
neighborhoods have been notified of the project.
• We are in the hiring process for part time seasonal staff to help us finish out the fall season and have a
few new staff that have started in the last two weeks.
• Design work for the new skate park is ongoing with construction timeframe dependent on potential
grant funding.
• Bids for improvements at College Green, Brookland, Calder, and the new park on Shannon Drive will
happen this year.
• We have applied for an Iowa DNR Resource Enhancement and Protection Grant for a proposed $200,000
restoration of the Sycamore Greenway and should here back this fall whether we will receive the grant
funding.
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City
Recreation:
• Staff have been preparing several larger events this fall, including several Halloween events for October and
the second year of the Get Outside! Rec Fest on Sunday, September 29. Get Outside! will take place at lower
City Park and will feature a variety of recreation opportunities where visitors can experience hands-on
learning. There will also be live music and food trucks.
• Fall programs are underway. Program Supervisors are still hiring staff for certain positions where needed.
Facilities:
• Ashton House roof-
o Roof is set to be installed before the end of October.
• Senior Center construction, phase Two-
• Windows, Doors, Locks/Alarm.
o In design phase.
• Scanlon Gym Roof/Sky Lighting project-
• Gym is almost complete and skylight repairs will start shortly.
o Weather has caused delays in the project.
• City Hall Roof-
o Bids awarded to Black Hawk Roofing
• Fairmeadows, Wetherby and Clock Tower splash pads -
o Are closed for the season.
• City Park Pool
o Closed for the season.
• Weatherdance water feature-
o Will close at the beginning of October.
Cemetery:
• Staff continues to water our new trees. All trees have been caged.
• Staff will focus on sprucing up the Deeded Body area the cemetery for the upcoming program.
Top Staff Issues
Parks
• Lower than usual seasonal staff numbers are stretching operations thin with a busy fall schedule.
Recreation
• Teen programming in the afterschool hours at Mercer Park Aquatic Center has been modified to
accommodate the 6`h graders that are also now at SE Junior High. Staff anticipates that the winter
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City
months will be noticeably busier for teen engagement at the facility and have been preparing for those
additional participants.
Facilities
• Staff has had roller coaster of facility issues over the last few months that have stretched our staff thin
but we are prevailing and making permanent needed fixes.
Cemetery:
Staff is still busy with keeping up with the growing grass. Mowing and trimming has been the major
focus this entire season.
• Staff hopes to concentrate on some other projects if the grass slows down. Repairing monuments is
on top of the list.
• Lack of staff will be the challenge at the end of the month. Will look to hire some variable seasonals
for the end of the year.
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City
Oakland
Cemetery
FY 25 Revenue Report
** shaded areas represent previous Syr average
Revenue from Lot Sales
Lot Sale Syr
Average
#f of
Interments
Interments
5yravg.
Revenue
from
Interments
5-year Avg.
on
Interments
Total
Revenue
Syr Avg. on
total
revenue
July
$2,700.00
$3,690.00
8
5.4
$4,885.00
$3,106.50
$7,585.00
$6,796.50
August
$4,950.00
$7,871.50
7
7.2
$3,520.00
$4,106.50
$8,470.00
$11,978.00
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
Totals
$7,650.00
$11,561.50
15
12.6
$8,405.00
$7,213.00
$16,055.00
$18,774.50
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City
LATE HANDOUTS - THE
FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS
WERE DISTRIBUTED AT
THE MEETING
Gabriel Gotera
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:
Diane Allen <dlalien 16@hotmail.com>
August 19, 2024 Project GREEN Gardens, Week 16 summary
We sent you safe versions of your files; Bee Section.x!sx
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Hi All,
Our week 16 at the Project GREEN Gardens was a nice morning with a temperature of 67 degrees. Our rain gauges
showed a little more than 3 inches of rain since we last met. Watering our plants will not be necessary this weekl
There were 16 volunteers in attendance for week 16 and they were: Hetty Hall, Nick Goergen, Rina Sjolund, Monica
Hoherz, Jim Peters, Mary Laughlin, Erin Buscher, Pat Yeggy, Evelyn Frey, Sue Mullins, Susan Ahrens, Dhyana Kaufman,
Lisa Haverkamp, Linda Bergicuist, William Blair, and moi Everyone stayed for two hours with four volunteers remaining
until after noon.
It seems summer has returned foreastern Iowa. With high humidity and temperatures forecast for our work together
tomorrow, consider arriving early (8 a.m.?) and leaving early (10 a.m.?). I plan to be there by 8 a.m. and will not leave
until 11 a.m. or the last volunteer leaves. We will concentrate our efforts by weeding our favorite flowerbeds. A lot of
work has been accomplished in the past few weeks and I've got the pictures to prove it! Also, let's begin watering plants
at 8 a.m. We have two long hoses which will help give our plants a cool drink, Fingers crossed it will rain later this
week. Our usual goals of filling the Little Free Library and watering/fertilizing containers and wagon need to be attended
to again.
The first two pictures show West Oval 3 (next to the hiking/biking trail). This very long bed has been rid of unwanted
plants or weeds and readied for mulch. Volunteers will fill the northwest side with Chicago Allium and the southwest
side with Denim and Lace Russian sage. There are mature trees in this bed so there are sunny and shady spaces left to
plan. The next two pictures show the catalpa bed located in a northern section of PGG. Volunteers will finish weeding
this bed soon making it ready for mulching. At the north end of the bed is a thumbnail of Canadian anemone. The plan
is to dig in violet beauty allium just below the length of Canadian anemone. The rest of the bed is still in the planning
stages.
3
The first picture shows the Circle bed with its Voodoo Lily in its center. If you stand where the picture was taken, looking
toward Park Road, it is possible to see the Arch with its new birdbath, Mary's tree, the Quilt, and finally the Triangle
bed. All so pretty with bright colors! The next two pictures show the north side of the limestone Ashton House and ADA
ramp to the front door. The flowerbed next to the house is lovely and will continue its beauty until the end of October
when volunteers will remove the annual plants. The last picture shows five newly trimmed cranberry bushes.
4
Here are the numbers after 16 weeks together caring for the Project GREEN Gardens. Weeks 1- 15 + Week 16 = 686 1/2
hours + 36 hours = 722 1/2 hours for Project GREEN volunteers! It's an amazing amount of hours for an
amazing group of volunteers. Many thanks to all!
Attached is the updated list of 2024 Project GREEN active volunteers. Many thanks to Pat Yeggy for her tireless efforts
to make this list.
I'm looking forward to Week 17 which will be held Monday, August 26 from 8 -10 a.m. or 9 - 11 a.m. Until then, happy
gardening! Diane
Gabriel Gotera
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Diane Allen <dlallen16@hotmail.coms
Week 17, August 26, 2024, Project GREEN Gardens (PGG)
A
"This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Hi All,
It's such a beautiful late summer's day! Hope everyone is enjoying along three day weekend.
Project GREEN volunteers met for week 17 at the PGG on Monday, August 26. Volunteers were given a couple choices
for meeting times (8 - 10 a.m. or 9 - 11 a.m.) as the weather was hot and steamy, just like the last days of August should
be. Our rain gauges showed zero amounts of rain since we last met and 78degrees at 8 a.m. As I drove out of the
driveway around noon the temperature was 88 degrees. Whewl Truly, It was a day to cook an egg on the sidewalk. The
13 cheerful and energetic volunteers in attendance were: Susan Ahrens, Linda Bergquist, Rina Sjolund, Sue Mullins, Erin
Buscher, Chris Ostrander, Monica Hoherz, Mary Laughlin, Hetty Hall, Pat Yeggy, Evelyn Frey, Jim Peters, and mol. From
the listing of times spent at the Gardens, it appears most volunteers stayed two hours with a few staying longer and
others leaving earlier. Our work goals were to water and weed our flowerbeds. Happily all our gardens received a cool
drink of water, using only two very long hoses! The Little Free Library was filled and containers and wagon were
fertilized and watered.
Chris Ostrander is watering a very thirsty tree as she noticed an extremely
tall elephant ear plant growing in the north end of the Triangle flowerbed. From her expression it is worth dropping by
to see the huge ears of this plant! The Triangle bed is closest to Park Road along the hiking/biking trail, There is a bench
for passers-by to sit and enjoy the meandering Iowa River. Park in the parking lot off 820 Park Road and take a walk
along the Park Road sidewalk towards the Triangle bed. Check out the Southwest parking lot corner to see lovely
Evelyn's Corner on your way to the Triangle bed. From there it's an easy walk to seethe Quit, Mary's tree, our newest
bed of perennial native plants, the white arch near Ligularia dell, and ending at the Circle. There are many other planted
and labeled flowerbeds and benches scattered around the 8+acre site. Don't forget to stroll the hiking/biking trail to
see Dashes 1- 71 Make your way back to the parking lot along the sidewalk in front of the Ashton House to see 6
gorgeous containers filled with flowering plants.
We will next meet for week 18 on September 3, TUESDAY. Let's plan to resume our 9 - 11 a.m. times. There are two
months left for our work together and our time will go quickly! Every week the Gardens look more and more beautiful,
thanks to our merry band of gardeners,
Here are the numbers after 17 weeks working at the PGG. Weeks 1- 16 + Week 17 = 722 1/2 hours + 26 hours = 748
1/2 hours for Project GREEN volunteers! Many thanks and lots of gratitude to our volunteers!
I'd like to share a picture from 51 years ago today.
Larry and I were married at 11 a.m. in Davenport, on September 1,
1973. We look happy and filled with joy to share our futures together. The years have been kind to us.
Looking forward to seeing my Project GREEN friends on TUESDAY. Until then, happy gardening! Diane
Gabriel Gotera
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Diane Allen <dlallenl6@hotmail.com>
Week 18, Monday & Tuesday September 2 & 3, 2024 Project GREEN Gardens (PGG)
A
"This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Hi All,
It's another beautiful day as we continue into our eighteenth week of caring for the PGG. We've been blessed with calm
breezes and comfortable temperatures since calendars have changed to September. Now, would it be greedy to wish
for some rain?
Labor Day was last Monday. Volunteers chose to work at the Gardens either Monday or Tuesday. It was45 degrees
when volunteers metal 4 a.m. and a little more than 55 degrees as we left the driveway after 11 a.m. It was
challenging to get into the parking lot with lots of City trucks on Normandy Drive and Park Road. Work was beginning to
repair pieces of Park Road, before resurfacing it. It will be smooth sailing into the PGG soon!
Attendance forour 18th week included: Monday: Rina Sjolund ( 1 hour) & Monica Hoherz (2 hours) Tuesday: Chris
Ostrander, Jim Peters, Lisa Haverkamp, Pat Yeggy, Cindy, and moi. There were three Tuesday volunteers who stayed an
extra 112 hour each. The Gardens had collected 13/4 inches of rain since last week and the air quality was 25
(good). Our goals were to continue weeding the catalpa bed and west oval #3, to deadhead our Triangle, Quilt, Mary's
tree, and Circle beds. The containers+ wagon were watered and fertilized. Our Little Free Library was filled.
A Herky on Parade has found a (temporary) home along the sidewalk leading to the Ashton House. We are thrilled to
share our park with the Ned Ashton Herky!
Project GREEN Volunteers Jim Peters, Chris Ostrander, Pat Yeggy, and Cindy Parsons welcome Ned Ashton Herky to the
Project GREEN Gardens.
Here are the numbers after our eighteenth week together: Weeks 1- 17+ Week 18 = 748 1/2 inches+ 161/2 inches =
765 inches far Project GREEN 2024 Garden volunteers! It's been joyful to work together and create a glorious
park in Iowa City to visit. Take some time to drop by the Gardens and take a picture with the Ned Ashton Herky. It'll be
fun to include with your 2024 holiday letters! If you would like, send me (dlallenifi hotmail.com) your Ned Ashton
Herky picture to share with our past and present Project GREEN volunteers. It will bring a smile to all.
We will meet again, Monday, September 9 from 9 -11 a.m. Until then, happy gardening! Diane