Planning underway for new park

Ipswich City has been planning a new city park in the area of the Ipswich Swimming Pool and north of the 4-H Achievement Days facility.

The park, designed by Stockwell Engineers Inc. in Sioux Falls, will be done in several phases.

Phase One would be construction of a basketball court and closing the gravel street south of the baseball park. The basketball court would have a rubberized finish.

Phase Two would include a play area, ice rink and soccer field.

Finance Officer Amy Jaenisch said they had hoped to begin Phase One this fall, but final approval of the grant funds was delayed due to COVID-19 issues.

The City Council has applied for a $75,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant. LWCF provides matching grants to States and local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.

Jaenisch said they hope the city will receive donations to help with funding for Phase Two.

Future plans also could include a sidewalk south to Highway 12.