Recreation Center Director Job Opening

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The City of Ida Grove (population 2,142) has an immediate opening for Recreation Director. Responsibilities would include management of a 20,000 square foot recreation center with the following amenities: weight room, aerobic room, gymnasium/walking track, two racquetball courts, indoor pool, spa, wading pool, sauna, golf room/golf simulator, card room, and community room with full kitchen. Membership totals are over 350 and draws from surrounding communities. Additional duties would include oversight of scheduling of events and programs at the ball fields, management of an aquatic center which is located next door to the recreation center and recreational programming such as youth tackle football, volleyball, basketball, and middle school softball and baseball as well as exercise classes and special events. For more information on the Ida Grove Community Recreation Center go to www.idagroverec.com. Job applications and complete job description may be obtained at City Hall, 403 3rd Street, by visiting www.idagroveia.com or by emailing [email protected].

 

Click Here For Application

Job Description

 

A degree in Parks and Recreation, Leisure Services, or related field is desired, but not required. Previous professional experience in recreation centers or swimming pools is preferred. Residency requirement within six months. Depending upon qualifications, starting salary range is $35,000-$45,000.

 

Send cover letter, resume, and references to:

City of Ida Grove

Attn. Recreation Director

PO Box 236

Ida Grove, IA 51445

 

EOE

Position open until filled.

 

Community Survey

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Ida Grove is currently undergoing a planning process sponsored by Ida County Economic Development and facilitated by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.  The purpose of the process is to prioritize actions that will improve the quality, access, and affordability of housing.  We are seeking community input to develop a vision for improving housing, as well as to learn some of the opportunities and challenges with housing in the community.  Please click the link below to complete the survey.  Your response is appreciated!

https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7a0K2tdkTO6Jbdr

City Hall Stage 1 Reopening Effective June 16, 2020

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We are so excited to see you all again; however, we highly encourage all citizens to continue using the drop box for payments.  If you would like to come into City Hall for a receipt of payment, permit applications, begin new services, etc. please just give us a call and we would be happy to schedule you a time to stop in.  Notice our new doorbell just to the East of the main entrance – you may ring that for assistance!  Below is our stage 1 reopening plan.  

Stage 1 Re-opening

Stage 1 reopening represents modified operations.  City Hall will open to the public by appointment only on a modified schedule to allow for enhanced cleaning and social distancing accommodations and signage will be in place. Appointments must be made by calling City Hall at 364-2428.  Please ring the doorbell when you arrive at your appointment time and a staff member will assist you.  City Hall will limit the number of persons in the building to one at a time (not including staff members) in order to maintain social distancing in the vestibule area.  No visitors will be allowed behind the counter in the office area.  All business transactions must be completed through the front counter under the plexiglass pass-through window.  If a receipt is not requested, all payments should be placed in the appropriate container under the pass-through window.  Staff will wear gloves when making any exchange of paper or monies.  Children are not recommended in City Hall at this time but will only be allowed if accompanied by an adult.  Use of the Community Hall will remain closed to the general public.

City Hall staff will maintain a Monday-Friday 8AM – 4 PM modified schedule for the duration of stage 1 reopening in order to allow for extensive cleaning and sanitizing of all high use areas and workstations.  Staff will maintain social distancing, including keeping ample space during the course of normal work. Staff will perform enhanced hygiene measures such as wiping high touch areas, keyboards and workstations regularly throughout the day.  City Hall staff and visitors entering the facility are encouraged to follow CDC and public health guidelines on social distancing, washing hands/using hand sanitizer often and wearing masks will be required by staff and recommended by visitors when social distancing cannot be adhered to.

Outdoor Pool Rules/Guidelines as Approved by Council Friday, June 12, 2020

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Plan for operation of Ida Gove Outdoor Pool

Target opening date: Monday, June 22, 2020

Target close date: TBD

This will allow time to get staff hired and paperwork completed for them, plus pre-season meetings completed with extra training needed for new rules and regulations.

Cleaning and disinfection will be enhanced.  In addition to the regular lifeguard positions, there will be a guard on each shift with the role of being “deck monitor.”  They will be responsible for keeping people socially distanced.  They will also clean handrails and high touch points often.  Managers will be there as much as possible to help with those duties and to field questions/concerns.

Boxes around guard stations will be extended so that they do not have to wear a mask.

Hand sanitizer will be available at the front counter.

Social distancing is required IN AND OUT OF THE WATER.

When patrons enter the facility, they will state their name and a contact number.  The lifeguard working in the bath house will write it down in case contact tracing has to be done.

Spots 6 feet apart will be marked on the sidewalk for forming a line.

Once a patron leaves the facility, they will not be allowed back in during that time slot.

Deck chairs will not be available.  Patrons will have to bring their own, if they choose.  Spots will be marked on the deck to space everyone out at least 6 ft.  This will also be where patrons should go if the pool has to be cleared for a rescue or during a break.

There will be increased signage stating the risks of covid-19 and how to prevent it.

If a staff person becomes ill, they must report it immediately to managers and recreation director.

Patrons shall not gather in the changing rooms.

The following amenities will be closed: baby pool, slides

This is due to the inability to keep them sanitized effectively.  The baby pool is a fill and drain type of pool and it is difficult to keep between 2-4 ppm of chlorine throughout the day.  The slide has touch points all the way up and all the way down.  Plus, the slides were not inspected this year.  Not running the slides eliminates two guard positions.  Additionally, whoever is at the bottom catching is not able to socially distance and gets a face full of water and possibly spit on.

Diving board use will be limited.

There will be a limited number of 40 swimmers allowed for each session; first come, first served. We added an extra session to help spread out the crowds.  If we find that restrictions are required, we reserve the right to adjust accordingly, which may include limiting patrons to County or School District residence.

Due to a very limited season and there being a limit of swimmers in each session, passes will not be sold.  Daily admission will be per person and session and will be determined prior to opening for the season.

Monday-Friday

Lap Swim/Water Walking 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (12:00 PM-12:30 PM clean)

Limited swimming 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM (2:30 PM -3:00 PM clean)

Limited swimming 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (5:00 PM-5:30 PM clean)

Limited swimming 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (final cleaning after 7:30 PM)

 

Saturday & Sunday

Limited swimming 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (3:00 PM -3:30 PM clean)

Limited swimming 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM (final cleaning after 5:30 PM)

Masks must be worn by staff when they are in the bath house.  Patrons shall wear a mask when social distancing cannot be accomplished.

Patrons shall not enter the facility if they have any of the covid-19 symptoms.

Nobody under the age of 12 will be admitted without an adult.  Those who are considered “babysitters” must be at least 16 years old.   Waivers may be required and will be determined prior to the opening date.

Lifeguards in the stand shall NEVER be responsible for policing social distancing and other covid-19 rules.

There will be no concessions or drinking fountain.  Water bottles with a closable lid will be allowed.  No glass water bottles will be allowed.

There will be no private parties.

There shall be no goggle sharing.

There will be no group swimming lessons.  Private lessons will be allowed if guards provide a plan to managers about how they will follow covid-19 guidelines.

Patrons will be removed if they are found spitting water or are found in violation of any pool guidelines, including but not limited to the updated guidelines for the 2020 season.

If we are notified that a staff person or patron has tested positive for covid-19, we reserve the right to close for no less than three days.

These rules, regulations and hours of operation may be modified at any time.

Fireworks Ordinance Reminder***

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The 4th of July will be here before we know it!  Please see the below information regarding the City of Ida Grove’s ordinance on fireworks.

 

Fireworks are allowed only during the following times:

(1) From the Saturday before July 4th until the Sunday after July 4th.

(2) Between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. with the exception of July 4th or any Saturday within the permitted days, the hours are expanded to be between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

(3) Noon on December 31st until 1:00 a.m. on January 1st.

(4) The mayor, in consultation with the fire chief or any other persons, has the authority to suspend the use of fireworks during the above hours, when the mayor determines it is in the public interest to suspend the use of fireworks. A person shall not be convicted of a violation, for use during such suspension, unless it is proven that such person had actual knowledge of the suspension. Actual knowledge may be proven by testimony that the person was given a verbal warning. [Ord. 558 § 1, 2018; Code 1975 § 3-1.0403, 1975.]

A violation of this section is a simple misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $250.00. The city also may enforce a violation of this section by any other lawful means including injunctive relief. [Ord. 558 § 1, 2018; Code 1975 § 3-1.0405, 1975.

For the full ordinance, please see the online city code here Online City Code or contact City Hall.

We’re Hiring!

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The City of Ida Grove is currently accepting applications to join our team as a part-time custodian.   Ideal candidates would have experience in performing custodial work.  This position will be responsible for cleaning and sanitizing offices, meeting areas, bathrooms, community hall, council chambers and other areas as needed.  Applications and complete job description for this position may be obtained at City Hall, 403 3rd Street, Ida Grove, IA 51445.  Position open until filled.  Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Description

Employment Application

Thank you, Siouxland Community Foundation

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The City of Ida Grove applied and has been awarded a grant from the Siouxland Community Foundation (Ida County Community Betterment Foundation) in the amount of $9,000.  The grant award will go towards the purchase of two “Welcome Signs” on the East and West entrance of Ida Grove!  The City is extremely grateful for this award and we cannot wait to get started on the project!  The Ida Grove Public Library and the Ida Grove Rec Center also applied and were awarded funding for their projects.  Follow their social media pages for additional information!

Pictured left to right:  Lisa Witten – Ida County Community Betterment Foundation Board Member, Heather Sweeden – City Clerk, Devlun Whiteing – Mayor

Important Re-Opening Plans

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During the city council meeting held Monday, June 1, 2020 the following decisions were made:

  1. City playgrounds to open June 3, 2020
  2. City park restrooms opening June 3, 2020
  3. City Park and Cobb Park are open for recreational camping effective June 2, 2020
  4. Council will revisit the outdoor pool opening at the June 15, 2020 meeting (waiting for Governor Reynolds recommendation)
  5. Rec Center pool will open for water walking on June 8th – call the Rec Center for more details (712-364-3716)
  6. City ball fields opening June 2, 2020 with rules and guidelines put in place
  7. Yoga in the park has been approved
  8. Community rooms at City Hall and the Rec Center will remain closed at this time
  9. City Council will make effort to begin meeting in-person, with the public continuing to attend meetings via electronic means until further notice

Thank you for your continued support!

Ball Field Rules/Guidelines

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The City of Ida Grove Youth Ball Fields will be open on June 2nd for use of our Rec Center Summer League softball and baseball teams to practice only if they meet the following guidelines:

  • The coach of the team needs to submit a plan and get it approved by our Rec Center Director, Chelsea Gross, to start practicing. The below guidelines must be met to get your plan approved.
  • No Dugouts can be used for practice. Players equipment must be lined up along the fence 6’ apart.
  • Parents must remain in their cars or drop off and pick up players after practice.
  • Players should use their own gloves, helmets, and bats as much as possible.
  • Coaches are responsible for enduring social distancing is maintained between players as much as possible. This means additional spacing between players while playing catch changing drills, so that players remain spaced out.  No congregating of players while waiting to bat.
  • Players must bring their own water/beverage to consume during and after practice. No shared drinking fountains, or coolers can be used.
  • Coaches must sanitize shared equipment before and after each use.
  • Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 is not allowed to practice
  • Coaches should be knowledgeable of their player with preexisting health conditions and work with health officials to take additional precautions as needed.
  • Players will be encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer.
  • Coaches must ban the spitting of sunflower seeds.
  • Coaches are responsible for tracking absences for the purpose of noting possible COVID-19 cases.
  • Contact public health if a positive case of COVID-19 is reported.
  • Signs must be posted indicating no one should participate in practice or attend games if they currently have symptoms or have been in contact with anyone with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis in the last 14 days.

 

Right now, all leagues have cancelled their games.  There are no games scheduled at this time.  If we decide to do games this summer, there will be more guidelines for fans and concessions.   We are hoping to possibly play some local towns or split some in town teams to play each other.  Nothing is set up for games yet.

We are opening this to give the kids something to do outside and be a part of a team.  This must be done safely.    Teams will not be approved until they have a plan that meets the criteria above.

The Rec Center Director, Chelsea Gross, has the authority to remove individual players or teams that do not follow the COVID-19 rules set in place in this document.

This is also subject to change, depending on what happens in the future.

Ida Grove Mayor,

Devlun Whiteing