Council approves Norwalk Field House courtyard design changes and flagpole locations

The Norwalk City Council approved a parks-led design update and flagpole locations for the City State Bank Field House courtyard at Thursday's meeting.

Parks staff member Shanice described the design package and recommended including a U.S. flag (25-foot pole) flanked by the city of Norwalk and Iowa flags on 20-foot poles, placed so they are visible from Highway 28. "The United States Of America flag would be 25 foot tall. And then we would have the city of Norwalk flag as well as the state of Iowa flag on either side. And those would be 20 foot flags," Shanice said.

Staff said the courtyard design will raise some lower flower beds to discourage walking through plantings and to create additional seating opportunities, and will add shade features because the area is sunny for much of the year. The project concept also anticipates future features such as a pump track and an amphitheater near the field house.

Council asked about site context and visibility; staff confirmed building placement and adjacent uses. No public comments were recorded on the item. Council member Coole moved the resolution approving the courtyard concept and flag locations; Council member Baker seconded, and the roll call vote was recorded in the affirmative for members present.

Parks staff said the design remains subject to final designer revisions and subsequent construction scheduling and budgeting.