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Recently our city has had several successes, and we should all be very proud of not only the projects, but the people and teams behind the scenes that made it all work.
We had a ribbon cutting last Friday at the new Franklin Field project. If you haven't seen it, it is well worth the trip. The School Board, administration, Reimagine Miller Committee, voters and contractors came together to create a fantastic project that we can all be proud of. A big crowd of Bobcat fans with the Bobcat Cheerleaders had a good time. GO BOBCATS!
The following Saturday evening, another ribbon cutting was held at the new Emerson Bridge/ Ann Keyser Trailhead complex on 6th Street. Another large crowd gathered to celebrate the official opening. The bridge design is stunning and facilities at the trailhead add new items to Marshalltown's array of recreational amenities. Hilde Debruyne Art and Designs continues to captivate us.
Here, the City Parks and Recreation Department joined with the Arts and Culture Alliance, the Iowa Valley Bicycle Charter, Marshalltown Chamber of Commerce Emerson Process, Marshalltown Engineering Engineering Department plus grants from the State of Iowa to make it all happen. Teamwork! The combination of Kelsie Stafford, Heather Thomas and Amber Danielson turned dreams into reality, (again!) This dynamic combination has real magic! I have seen the same magic at the ribbon cutting for the Apgar Water Plaza only a few short months ago.
Speaking of the Apgar Water Plaza.....
How cool is our water plaza? Our water plaza is so cool that more than kids and adults are visiting.
Kelsie Stafford stopped to do the normal morning check on the plaza. Around 20-25 Canadian geese were respectively standing in the grass admiring our water plaza and the center art- pieces. When they left, they didn't leave a mess or a single feather.
The 2026 Street Repaving project is almost complete. Manhole upgrades and striping are happening now to complete the project. Super job Heather! The Street Committee has held 2 meetings now. We are looking at the 2027 Repaving Project now after Heather getting us all up to speed on types of repairs and costs, data on the current street conditions, city financing of projects. The committee will put forward a plan for 2027 that takes into account the many different variables for next year's projects. Stay tuned.
The new chicken finger restaurant (The Coop) is getting very close to opening. It is located in the old Wendy's location.
You can feel the excitement in the air for next month's opening of TjMaxx and Burlington next month. A much bigger Shoe Sensation has opened with many compliments on the new store.
Marshalltown Parks and Recreation is signing people up for Youth Basketball, Cheerleading, Taekwondo and Winter Blast. For adults, Hail Mary Flag Football, Men's Volleyball, Women's Volleyball, Taekwondo, Urban Bow Hunting and Judo. Go join up!
"Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in."
Bill Bradley
Mike Ladehoff is the mayor of Marshalltown.