Polk County committee leans toward using historic Riddler name for Woodley Dam property

County parks staff described an 8-acre property at County H along the Apple River known locally as Woodley Dam and presented naming options to help promote the site and support signage and grant opportunities. "The Woodley Dam property . . . is an 8 acre parcel located by the intersection Of 8 And H," a staff member said while outlining trail access, parking and river frontage that could support a trailhead and river access.

Staff reported outreach to the Polk County Historical Society, which recommended using the original builder—s name, Riddler, rather than Woodley. The presenter said: "Before it was owned and operated by Woodley, the dam was originally built by someone named Fred George Riddler" and suggested name options including Riddler Park, Riddler's Mill Park or Woodley Park. Committee members discussed trade-offs: naming as parkland can open grant opportunities but, depending on funding used, grant restrictions may limit future property changes. One committee member explained, "If grant funds are used, then those would restrict our ability to move a property depending on whatever the restrictions are on that particular grant."

Several supervisors recommended a Riddler-related name to tie the site to local history; one said a Riddler name would encourage residents to research the site's unique history. No formal resolution to name the property was adopted at the meeting; staff said a simple resolution could be used if the committee or board chose to proceed, but staff can also undertake naming and signage work informally and bring a recommendation forward later. The committee asked staff to consider grant implications, signage costs and public feedback before any formal dedication.