Council approves sale of part of Merriam's Park to Waterloo Schools for school-bus access; neighbors raised safety, green-space concerns

The Waterloo City Council voted 6–1 to approve a resolution authorizing the sale and conveyance of a portion of Merriam's Park east of 3843 Sager Avenue to Waterloo Community Schools for $1, retaining access and utility easements and requiring council approval for future changes.

The measure was adopted after a public hearing that drew more than a dozen residents from the adjoining neighborhood, who said the sale would shrink the park's accessible green space and bring buses and diesel exhaust nearer to play areas. "This leaves a very small area for family picnics, playing ball and walking dogs," Mary Jo Jewell said during public comment. "Please consider the safety of the children."

School representatives and the project team told council the roadway through the park is intended to be a controlled-access bus drive to service the new…