City approves interlocal agreement to advance Themien Park improvements with Raelor Foundation backing

The Newton City Commission approved an agreement that sets the terms for the Themien Park improvement project, a multi-phase plan funded largely by private donations coordinated by the Raelor Foundation and supported by the Newton Recreation Commission (NRC) and the local school district.

Suzanne, representing city staff, told commissioners the Raelor Foundation will provide the majority of private funding for the work, with NRC contributing $100,000 restricted to pickleball courts. The city agreed to extend water and sanitary sewer service to a new restroom facility and to provide certain in-kind services and limited demolition work as described in the agreement. Suzanne said construction would be split into three phases and, if fundraising is completed, construction could start in 2026 after design and competitive bidding.

Chris and Suzanne said the project would transfer ownership and oversight to the PBC (Public Building Commission) so that the commission could manage facilities and maintenance; the PBC is funded in part by a one-mill levy shared among the partner agencies and has previously overseen recreational assets such as turf at Fisher Field. Suzanne said the NRC will be responsible for routine maintenance of the park after construction, and the Raelor Foundation indicated it would continue to accept donations for ongoing upkeep and future replacements.

Planned improvements described in the agreement include pickleball courts, basketball courts, restroom facilities, improvements to existing ball fields and a smaller ‘urban’ soccer field with perimeter walls. Suzanne estimated initial architectural fees at about $100,000 and a total Phase 1 construction estimate around $930,000; she characterized those numbers as approximate and subject to design and bidding.

Commissioners moved to approve the agreement with a wording modification clarifying the city’s duty to “fund and install a building pad” for the restroom facility (rather than a full concrete pad) and to authorize the city attorney to make non-substantive wording changes. The motion passed by voice vote. Suzanne said the school district and NRC must also approve the interlocal agreement, and that the Raelor Foundation would begin more active fundraising once all partner approvals were in place.

The agreement establishes roles for the city, the NRC, the PBC and the school district, and anticipates the Raelor Foundation will raise funds and manage private donations to support phased construction and long-term upkeep. Commissioners did not set construction funding in the city budget at the meeting; future funding and schedule will depend on partner approvals and successful fundraising.