City Amenities Closed For Season
With the colder temperatures approaching, please note the following closures for City amenities.
City Park: Restrooms are closed.
Kiwanis Ballfields: Restrooms and drinking fountains are closed.
Public Works will reopen these in the spring of 2025.
CY-HAWK GAME 2024
BIG “G” LITTLE “O”
G0! G0! G0!
SHARE ON OUR FACEBOOK POST WHICH TEAM YOU WILL BE ROOTIN’ FOR
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH!
Partial Trail Closure
A portion of the Pleasant Valley Trail will be closed for pipe replacement work that has begun on the western side of town. We anticipate this closure to last over the next 2 – 4 weeks. The pedestrian/bike bridge will still be accessible to cross. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope to get this opened back up as soon as possible. The pink highlighted portion of the map below is where the closure of the trail will approximately be located.
Looking For A Home
On the evening of June 20, 2024, the Sheriff’s Office picked up a dog running at large. This animal has not been claimed as of today, June 27, 2024. The city is allowed to keep animals for a maximum of seven days. The city has made numerous attempts to contact animal shelters and find a new home for this handsome boy to no avail. This is our final effort to find a wonderful home for this guy. Please share and help us save this dog!
Heritage Days Kick Off 2024
Heritage Days officially begins today, June 27, 2024! The afternoon looks to be amazing, so come on down to Godbersen Park and check out all of the local Farmer’s Market vendors, AND to take a night off from cooking! The Pork Producers will be grilling burgers and hot dogs with the City of Ida Grove serving!
***UPDATE*** OWNER FOUND** Lost Dogs 6-18-24
On 6/18/2024, the City of Ida Grove picked up 2 lost dogs found along 2nd Street, near Horn Physicians Clinic. The black and white one is a male, and the beagle mix is female. If anyone has any information on the owner(s), please contact City Hall at 364-2428.
2024 Outdoor Pool Season
THERE’S NO LIFE LIKE POOL LIFE! 
Tomorrow, May 24th, 2024, the outdoor pool will officially be open for the season!
Hours of operation are as follows:
Monday – Saturday 1PM – 5PM and 7PM – 9PM
Sunday 1PM – 6PM
Lap Swim/Water Walking Monday – Friday 12pm – 1pm & 6pm – 7pm
Shout out to the Ida Grove Public Works Department for their hard work in getting the pool ready for the season!
Click Here To View Outdoor Pool Admission Fees
Unauthorized Motor Vehicles Prohibited
9.30.110 & 12.60.010 – 12.60.080 The City of Ida Grove would like to remind residents that motor vehicles are not allowed anywhere along the flood control or Pleasant Valley Trail. These motor vehicles include, but are not limited to; mopeds, dirt bikes, golf carts, ATV’s, and UTV’s. It shall be unlawful for anyone to operate these unauthorized vehicles in the aforementioned areas. We ask that you contact local law enforcement if such activities are taking place. Violations could result in fines, penalties, and/or other legal action.
Pleasant Valley Trail Open May 1st
The Pleasant Valley Trail will officially be open for the season as of May 1st.
City Hall Ribbon Cutting & Open House
Join us on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 3:00pm for the newly constructed City Hall ribbon cutting!
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, there will be an open house until 5:00pm for the public.
We look forward to seeing you!
2024 Burning Regulations
City of Ida Grove Burning Regulations
Per City Code 13.25.150 (8) Hours and dates of burning: No person will be allowed to burn nearer than 10 feet of any building, or on any street or sidewalk at any time. Burning is only permitted between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. from April 1 to November 30 of each year. Yard waste is the only material that is allowed to be burnt. It shall be illegal for any person to burn or allow open burning on the premises except during the times and during the dates stated in this paragraph.
2024 Grass Clipping Notice
Grass Clipping Notice
The City of Ida Grove reminds residents not to blow grass clippings into city streets or alleys to prevent clogging of city storm drains. Leaving grass clippings in any street or alley is considered a “nuisance” and also includes debris such as leaves, brush, nails, glass, or rubbish of any kind. The placing of debris, including grass clippings, on streets and alleys could lead to violators being charged for clean-up per City Code 12.30.030. Placing Debris on Streets, Violation and Abatement.
2024 Tree Trimming Notice
Tree Trimming Notice
Property owners are responsible for maintenance of trees on their property and on the city parking adjacent to their property as stated in City Ordinance 12.05.040. All branches are to be at least 15 feet above the street surface and 8 feet above sidewalks. Trees, bushes, shrubs, etc. are to be trimmed so they do not obstruct pedestrians, vision of traffic signs, or the view of any street or alley intersection. Alleys also need to be cleared to allow truck passage.
2024 Seasonal Help Wanted
HELP WANTED
The City of Ida Grove is currently seeking an energetic and highly motivated individual to join our team for a seasonal, part-time mowing position. Working hours will be determined by the Park’s Superintendent, up to 25 hours/week, with all equipment provided by the City. Current driver’s license is required. Experience in mowing, lawn clean-up, and trimming is preferred, but willing to train the right person. Seasonal work will run from approximately April through September. Must be 18 years of age or older to apply.
Application and job description may be obtained at City Hall, 403 3rd Street, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Position is open until filled. E.O.E.
Snowmobile Routes & Regulations
10.60.020 – 10.60.030 The City of Ida Grove reminds residents that snowmobiles may be operated upon streets that have not been plowed during the snow season. Also, snowmobiles may be driven in alleys to and from Fifth Street. Remember to keep to the right-hand curb when operating snowmobiles on Fifth and Rohwer Streets.
NO snowmobiles are allowed in the city park, playground, Pleasant Valley Trail, city levees or upon any other publicly owned property.
Please NEVER operate snowmobiles on private property without permission from the owner. Fines for traveling in prohibited places could be up to $100.
No one under 16 years of age shall operate a snowmobile on or across a public street.
Snowmobiles cannot be operated between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. except for emergency situations or for loading and unloading from a trailer.
Click Here To View Snowmobile Routes & Regulations
Mayor’s Proclamation For City Of Ida Grove
MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION FOR CITY OF IDA GROVE
ALL NIGHT PARKING PROHIBITED
SNOW REMOVAL PARKING PROHIBITED
PLEASANT VALLEY TRAIL CLOSED DURING WINTER
BADGER CREEK PARK NORTH & SOUTH ENTRANCES CLOSED DURING WINTER
-NOW IN EFFECT-
Notice is hereby given Chapters 10.45.080, 10.45.100 and 12.60.080 of the City Code of the City of Ida Grove will be in full force on and after the date of this publication and shall remain in effect until May 1st.
ALL NIGHT PARKING PROHIBITED No person, except physicians or other persons on emergency calls, shall park a vehicle on the following designated streets between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. of any day during the winter months:
STREET
Second St.
Taylor St.
Main St.
FROM
Quimby St.
Alley North of Second St.
First St.
TO
Burns St.
Alley South of Second St.
Third St.
SIDE
Both
Both
SNOW REMOVAL PARKING PROHIBITED No person shall park, abandon, or leave unattended any vehicle on any public street, alley, or City-owned off-street parking area during the “snow removal season” under the following conditions:
- New snow fall has accumulated to a depth of one-half inch (1/2”) or more; or
- If snow removal operations have been commenced by the City of Ida Grove.
- If the snow has been removed or plowed from a street, alley, or parking area and the snow has ceased to fall, the prohibition on parking no longer applies.
All vehicles on the streets during the above-established snow removal season will be ticketed and assessed a fine of $15.00 payable at City Hall. Unpaid tickets will be turned over to Magistrate Court for prosecution.
CLOSING PLEASANT VALLEY TRAIL DURING WINTER The Trail shall be closed to all traffic during the “winter snow removal season” until May 1st.
BADGER CREEK PARK ENTRANCES DURING WINTER The sidewalks/entrances to Badger Creek Park shall be closed to all traffic during the “winter snow removal season” until May 1st.
Tree Removal Bid Invitation
Invitation to Bid Announcement
The City of Ida Grove invites the submission of sealed bids from qualified contractors for tree removal from city right-of-way. The job entails removing 13 marked trees in various locations in the city. Bid specifications can be obtained at City Hall, temporarily located at the Rec Center, 311 Barnes Street, Ida Grove, IA, or by request through the mail or email by calling
City Hall at 712-364-2428.
Sealed bids must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 20, 2023.
City Amenities Closed For Season
With colder temperatures in the upcoming forecast, please note the following closures for City amenities.
City Park: Restrooms are closed and the tennis & pickleball nets are being taken down.
Kiwanis Ballfields: Restrooms and drinking fountains are closed.
Public Works will reopen these amenities in the spring of 2024.
Control Burn
Weather permitting, the Ida Grove Fire Department will be conducting a controlled burn at the city brush pile this week. The brush pile will be closed to the public at the time of the burn.
2023 POOL SEASON
Friday, May 26th, 2023, the outdoor pool will officially be open for the season!
Hours of operation are as follows:
Monday – Saturday 1PM – 5PM and 7PM – 9PM
Sunday 1PM – 6PM
Lap Swim/Water Walking Monday – Friday 12pm – 1pm & 6pm – 7pm
Shout out to the Ida Grove Public Works Department for their hard work in getting the pool this cool!
Click Here For 2023 Admission Fees
Pleasant Valley Trail
As of today, May 1, 2023, the Pleasant Valley Trail is officially open for the season.
2023 Tree Trimming Notice
Tree Trimming Notice
Property owners are responsible for maintenance of trees on their property and on the city parking adjacent to their property as stated in City Ordinance 12.05.040. All branches are to be at least 15 feet above the street surface and 8 feet above sidewalks. Trees, bushes, shrubs, etc. are to be trimmed so they do not obstruct pedestrians, vision of traffic signs, or the view of any street or alley intersection. Alleys also need to be cleared to allow truck passage.
Pickleball/Tennis Court Nets
Two nets have been set up on the pickleball/tennis courts located at City Park. With warmer weather on the way, its a great time to get out there and play!
Help Wanted! 2023 Seasonal Mowing Position
HELP WANTED
The City of Ida Grove is currently seeking an energetic and highly motivated individual to join our team for a seasonal, part-time mowing position. Working hours will be determined by the Park’s Superintendent, up to 30 hours/week, with all equipment provided by the City. Current driver’s license is required. Experience in mowing, lawn clean-up, and trimming is preferred, but willing to train the right person. Season work will run from approximately April through September. Must be 18 years of age or older to apply.
Application and job description may be obtained by clicking link below, or from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, at City Hall, 311 Barnes Street, Ida Grove. Position is open until filled. E.O.E.
Recreation Director Position Opening
The City of Ida Grove (population 2,051) 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.org. Job applications and complete job description may be obtained at City Hall (temporarily located inside the Rec Center), 311 Barnes Street, by visiting www.idagroveia.com or by emailing [email protected].
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. Starting salary is negotiable.
Recreation Director Job Description
Send cover letter, resume, and references to:
City of Ida Grove, Attn: City Clerk, PO Box 236, Ida Grove, IA 51445
The City of Ida Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Position open until filled.
Position Opening: Recreation Center Director
The City of Ida Grove (population 2,051) 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.org. Job applications and complete job description may be obtained at City Hall (temporarily located inside the Rec Center), 311 Barnes Street, by visiting www.idagroveia.com or by emailing [email protected].
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. Starting salary is negotiable.
Recreation Director Job Description
Send cover letter, resume, and references to:
City of Ida Grove, Attn: City Clerk, PO Box 236, Ida Grove, IA 51445
The City of Ida Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Position open until filled.
City Park Playground
IT’S OFFICIAL!
We have just received confirmation from Public Works that the new playground equipment at City Park is set up and ready to use!
Business Spotlight ~Ida Grove Rec Center~
The Ida Grove Rec Center Committee was developed in 1998 after residents completed a survey expressing the need for more quality of life outlets in the community. After a lot of fund-raising, generous donations, and grants received, the groundbreaking ceremony was held in 2002. With the help of local businesses and more than 100 volunteers, the Ida Grove Community Recreation Center opened in December of 2003 to its members, and the Grand Opening was held in June of 2004.
The Ida Grove Recreation Center Team:
Director – Chancey Wilcke
Deputy Director – Melissa Ausborn
Receptionists:
Mary Clough, Kris Salmon, Holly Conover, Karen Petersen, Misty Johnson, Scott Clark, Michelle Schmidt and Seth Wheeler.
Ida Grove Recreation Board:
Kristy Gilbert – President
Dan Skirvin, Dan Remer, Denise Redenius, Kelly Krueger, and Chancey Wilcke
The rec center facility includes a weight room with cardio equipment, an aerobics room, a community room (temporarily occupied by the City Hall Office), gymnasium with a walking track, raquetball court, an interactive golf simulator and putting practice, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, children’s pool, sauna, and a children’s playroom.
Fitness classes are free with an IGRC membership, an IGRC punch card, or can be paid at the front desk as a daily admission fee. There are many fitness classes offered such as: spinning, yoga, hot yoga, step and water aerobics, pilates, aqua board yoga/pilates, and an after-school program for school aged children.
Fitness Class Instructors:
Tabitha Bockleman, Melissa Ausborn, Brooke Skirvin, and Lauri Hummelgard
The Ida Grove Rec Center is in charge of youth activities such as: football, volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, and teeball. Many other activities are put on by the IGRC including the annual Turkey Trot, Glow Walk/Run, Ironman Challenge, Whitewall Raquetball Tournament, potentially a Pickleball Tournament this summer, Little Bubblers, and Coffee/Hot Chocolate in the Park.
Please use the link below to visit the IGRC website, find them on Facebook, or call 712-364-3716 for additional information.
Thank You Ida Grove Fire Department!
The City of Ida Grove would like to thank the Ida Grove Fire Department for their help in removing the beaver dam underneath the Rohwer Street bridge. We appreciate all that you do for our community! Keep up the great work!
Recreation Center Director Job Opening
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].
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.
Outdoor Pool Rules/Guidelines as Approved by Council Friday, June 12, 2020
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.
Important Re-Opening Plans
During the city council meeting held Monday, June 1, 2020 the following decisions were made:
- City playgrounds to open June 3, 2020
- City park restrooms opening June 3, 2020
- City Park and Cobb Park are open for recreational camping effective June 2, 2020
- Council will revisit the outdoor pool opening at the June 15, 2020 meeting (waiting for Governor Reynolds recommendation)
- Rec Center pool will open for water walking on June 8th – call the Rec Center for more details (712-364-3716)
- City ball fields opening June 2, 2020 with rules and guidelines put in place
- Yoga in the park has been approved
- Community rooms at City Hall and the Rec Center will remain closed at this time
- 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
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
City Owned Parks Opening
Council voted during their regular city council meeting on Monday, May 4, 2020 to open some portions of City owned parks and allow for recreational use as follows:
The City of Ida Grove Parks and Trails will be open to the public for recreation, but due to COVID-19 concerns playground equipment, restrooms, and picnic shelters will remained closed until further notice. All drinking fountains will be turned off. Tennis courts are closed due to the overhaul. Basketball courts will be open to shoot baskets for members of the same household. Team sports, pick up games and contact play are prohibited.
The city has installed caution tape around playground equipment; please stay off of it. We are asking residents to do their part to keep family, friends, neighbors, and the community safe. Signage will be posted at each park regarding the closures. The City’s priority is protecting the health and safety of our residents and continue to serve the public.
When visiting a public space, use your best judgement and act responsibly. Bring your own sanitation supplies with you and adhere to recommended guidelines of keeping social gatherings to less than 10 people, with members of the same household, and observing social distancing standards of staying at least 6’ from others. If you do not feel well or have been sick stay home.
From the Desk of the Mayor
Important information from the desk of Ida Grove Mayor, Devlun Whiteing:
Lot’s of things happening this week. The city council met on Wednesday to discuss the opening of three city facilities. Rec Center, City Hall, and the Library. The council decided May 1st was too soon and we are setting a goal to have a partial reopen plan by May 15th. We want our employees and the community safe and have the right PPE and policies in place for our employees before we partially reopen. Stay tuned for more information. Reminder the Governor still has pools closed so our pools are closed until further notice.
With the Confirmed Covid-19 positive test at one of our manufacturing facilities, I have been talking to state senators, and our Ida County Emergency Management sent out an official request for a strike team to come to town to be proactive in our town and county on tests. No answers yet but as Mayor I am really pushing to get some more testing done around here. Hopefully we can get some proactive vs reactive testing done.
With the Governor’s plans to start Opening Iowa I really trust our local churches and businesses will have plans in place to follow exposure risks when they reopen. Social Distancing, Cleaning and extra cleaning, keeping the capacity to 50% and keeping people 6’ apart. Limiting the number of people to 10 or less in a group. We really need to do our part to keep ourselves and our community safe. The city is happy to work with these organizations to help them if needed. We appreciate our businesses in town and our churches. We want to reopen but want to do it safely.
I plan to work with the city council to open some green spaces in parks to encourage people to get out for some fresh air and help their mental health. I am personally trying to write a policy to open green spaces. Hopefully sooner than later.
I say this every week due to the importance of thanking all of our citizens for being strong and doing the things they need to do to keep our community safe. So many people have volunteered to help clean at facilities to help them reopen. We have a great town and great citizens.
Feel free to reach out to me with any concerns or questions.
[email protected]
Very Humble and Proud to Serve Ida Grove
Mayor Devlun Whiteing.
City Operated Facilities Update
The Ida Grove City Council met last evening to discuss the reopening of City Operated Facilities. It was decided that the facilities shall remain closed to the public at this time. Council will re-evaluate mid-May to see where we stand case-wise to determine if it will be appropriate to open at that time. During the next couple weeks, the City will be working to finalize safety plans and securing PPE for staff prior to opening. On behalf of all City employees, elected officials and the Mayor: we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while we work out the best plan possible while keeping the best interest of everyone in mind.
Iowa Foundation for Parks and Recreation
The City of Ida Grove was recently notified of receipt of the 2020 Mini Grant through the Iowa Parks and Recreation Foundation. The City was awarded $500 to go towards sprucing up the shelter house located at City Park. The chimney has already been removed and the roof has been patched. Next steps in the project are to replace rotting boards and re-paint the shelter house. We look forward to seeing the finished project by late Summer and are grateful for the generosity of the Foundation for the funding assistance.
Trees Please!
As most of you know, the Ida Grove City Park is full of ash trees, which are subject to the Emerald Ash Borer. Knowing this, the City applied for the Trees Please! grant through MidAmerican Energy and was recently informed of grant award! The typical award amount for this grant is $1,000; however, the City of Ida Grove was awarded $2,000 in funding towards the project! Thank you to MidAmerican Energy and the Trees Please! grant for this wonderful opportunity to plant some new tree species in the City Park! We look forward to beginning this project!
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt…
Ida Grove Community Partners has shared this excellent idea to get families outside this weekend and have a little fun! 
Photos of your “Bear Hunt Expedition” can be shared to the Ida Grove Community Partners Facebook page by clicking the following: Ida Grove Community Partners
We hope you all enjoy and have a great weekend!
Upgrading Ida Grove
We thought we would spread some cheer today and share with you all the new and exciting things happening in town. This week, Godbersen-Smith Construction began work on the tennis courts located in City Park. The finished project will feature 1 tennis court and 2 pickle ball courts. The upgrade is from a very generous donation from the Godbersen Foundation!
Also happening this week is the beginning of construction work to install the last set of lights at the ball complex by the High School. A big Thank You to the Ida Grove Kiwanis for their hard work and dedication to get this upgrade completed!
Firemen Bell
Photo Credit: Amy Forbes
The Firemen Bell was officially hung in Godbersen Park this morning! Thank you to all who have contributed to this project along the way! Thanks to Ladwig Construction (Ross Ladwig) and John Tietsort for assisting Public Works hang the bell. This project was one that could not have been completed without many hands from the community and we appreciate all of you!
WANTED: Heritage Days Committee Members
The City is looking for new members to join the Heritage Days Team! We have scheduled an informal public meeting to be held on Tuesday January 15th at 6 pm in the Council Chambers. This will be a time to ask questions, form committees, brainstorm, make suggestions and more. We need many volunteers to work together to make 2019’s Heritage Days Celebration the best yet!!
Outdoor Pool Survey
Here at the City of Ida Grove we strive to provide our community with quality service and amenities. Please let us know your thoughts and opinions on our outdoor pool by taking part in a brief, anonymous survey found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MCM62XJ . We want to provide the best experience possible to all of our pool-goers so your input is much appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Closings
Due to the weather, the Ida Grove Recreation Center will be closed today.
Complete Heritage Days Schedule
Our Heritage Days schedule for Friday, June 23rd, Saturday, June 24th, and Sunday, June 25th. Enjoy!
Relay Iowa Is Coming to Ida Grove!
Relay Iowa Comes through Ida Grove
Runners and support staff participating in Relay Iowa will be in Ida Grove on Friday, June 9th, 2017.
Relay Iowa is the World’s Longest Relay Run! Teams of up to 12 participants run 339 miles to cross Iowa over a long weekend. Runners build their own team and then work together to break down the distance into segments of their choice.
There will be many people and extra vehicles in and around Ida Grove for this event. The route from Anthon to Ida Grove can be seen at http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/859820157. The route from Ida Grove to Lake City is shown at http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/859995567. Please watch for the runners and their support on your way to and from work to help keep them and yourselves safe.
Keep your eyes peeled for runners during this special event
Daylight Savings Time Reminder
Spring forward one hour at 2 am Sunday, March 12th
Daylight savings is tomorrow Sunday, March 12th. Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour before hitting the hay. This is also a good opportunity to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide testers. Enjoy the rest of your weekend – and, remember – once the temps warm up again, you’re going to love that extra hour of sunlight!
2nd Annual Youth Triathlon!
One Month From Today Is Our 2Nd Annual Youth Triathlon!
This is for ages 9-16. You can participate as a team or as an individual. You will start by swimming laps at the outdoor pool, followed by riding your bike on the trail, up hamburger hill, and finish with running around the track at the High School. This is a really fun event for the kids.
Registration forms are available at the IGRC. Any questions, please contact Chelsea Gross at 712-364-3716.
403 3rd St., Ida Grove, Iowa 51445