MASON CITY – City officials want to install playground equipment near the Mason City public pool and MacNider campground, and funds are being raised at this time to get that job done.
According to Recreation Director Brian Pauly, a fundraiser was started in June to raise money towards a playground unit that will go between the pool and the campground. Pauly said that cans are being collected at the campgrounds as well as at Highland Golf Course as part of the fundraiser.
“We have raised about $1,200 so far in donated cans and moneys,” Pauly said today. “Last year, the North Iowa Vocational Center used to collect the cans from Highland and they stop providing that service. Instead of paying one of my three full-time employees [to complete that task], I told my campground hosts (who are leading this fundraiser) to pick the cans up. Each bag is about $4.00 of money in cans which is not worth paying a fulltime city staff to redeem.
“I am thinking around $15k to $20k for a small piece of equipment,” Pauly said of the potential upgrade to the popular campground – pool area. “I will get firm numbers in October in case the Park and Recreation Board would like to help out with [capitol improvement] funds.”
Pauly also said that a lot of campers at MacNider are giving free-will donations “because they are enjoying their experience with camp grounds”, noting how well the campground has been managed over the past two seasons.
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The City does seem to come up a little short when it comes to these sort of amenities. If I recall the bulk of the funds used for construction of the prairie playground and the pedestrian bridge between the park and the pool were raised by private subscription. The playground now is the go to place for kids.
These are attractions that potential residents with a family are looking for when choosing where to live, not to mention our own citizens.
I think the City could do better.
This is great! My family and I use the campground and pool on a regular basis, I will defenetly be donating to the cause. It would be nice to get rid of a statue or two and have the city use that money to match the donations. What are the chances of that happening?
I’m delighted to see the enhancements being made to the quality of life in Mason City, and please don’t take that as an endorsement of the mayor and present political powers.
Mr. Pauly is a go-getter. Hard worker. City staff like him are what makes these improvements happen.
Our city council and Mayor don’t really do much to enhance Mason City in any way. Private citizens have to take on changes themselves. Hats off to the people that volunteer and work hard to make Mason City a better place.
Amen!
That phat boy should swim alittle and maybe swing. He might just lose some weight. Anyone hear if hes riding RAGBAI? He will prolly be in a car and ride the last mile into town. Just wish the city would spend money on something that might bring in money!!
Let me get this right, we can spend money like no other on statues but when it comes to children we want donations? Come on now city get your priority’s in order.
@2old2fat-not the same thing. The mayors friends are not pushing this.
The statutes (some of them) can sometimes be interesting to look at (although I would have preferred more lively colors rather than bland bronze…something to really wake these midwesterners up; but alas’ even in art, conservatism rules here).
Aren’t I annoying? I’ll bet many of you just loathe my perceived pompousness. I’m not really, I just know that something big needs to happen to change the 50 year depression this area suffers from, and bronze bears ain’t going to cut it.
You are perceived to be pompous because you are acting in a pompous manor. Therefore you ARE pompous.