Council accepts Walker Johnson Park master plan after public concerns about fireworks setbacks

The Urbandale City Council voted to accept the Walker Johnson Park master plan, a community-driven, multi-phase concept that prioritizes upgrades to the park’s ball diamonds while identifying future amenities such as an amphitheater, splash pad, and improved playgrounds.

Parks and Recreation Director Jan Herkey and consultant Patrick Alford (Confluence) presented the planning process and recommended a phased approach that places ball-field renovations in Phase 1 to preserve the park’s tournament viability. The consultant’s third-party analysis recommended maintaining the cloverleaf diamond configuration, adding at least one premier rectangular field for soccer, and including a modest amphitheater and a destination splash pad as high-impact options. Estimated multi-phase costs ranged from about $7.75 million (low scenario, 2027 dollars) to $9.3 million (upper scenario) with Phase 1 estimated at roughly $3.6 million if natural turf is maintained.

Public commenters raised operational concerns. Mary Paulson, representing the Walker Johnson Fourth of July Committee, asked the council to decline acceptance and asked staff to redraw options that would protect the traditional fireworks setback and fallout zone; she said the fireworks contractor and fire marshal indicated new structures or synthetic surfaces in the fallout area could jeopardize insurance and permitting for the community’s July 4 display. Consultant Patrick Alford and staff acknowledged those comments and noted the master plan is conceptual and will be refined before specific construction, with particular attention to operational constraints (fireworks, tournament play, school uses) in later phases.

Councilmember Foti moved — and Cacciatore seconded — a motion to accept the master plan while specifically noting the need for future review of fireworks setbacks and other operational details; the motion carried on roll call. Staff said the plan will inform CIP prioritization and that specific projects will return for separate funding and design approvals.