Representatives from Northeast Iowa Montessori asked the Decorah City Council on Jan. 5 to consider a land lease or sale of city-owned property adjacent to the school between Dry Run Creek and South Avenue for a phased transformation of asphalt parking into a natural play space.

Staff recommended a long-term lease rather than a sale: because the parcel abuts Dry Run Creek, which can meander and requires the city to retain ownership for stormwater management and potential future infrastructure work, a lease with provisions preserving the city’s ability to enter the corridor for essential corporate purposes was presented as the preferred approach. Staff noted no underground water or sewer infrastructure is on the parcel and described potential lease language that would allow the city to terminate if necessary for public works projects.

Council members and the school representative discussed public access outside school hours (the school indicated it would be open to public use consistent with other school play spaces, subject to insurance and operational details) and phased construction. The city attorney and staff emphasized liability follows fault; any playground equipment placed on city property should meet the same safety standards the city requires for park equipment and should be addressed in the lease terms and approvals, including Planning & Zoning review and required public hearings for real property dispositions.

No formal action was taken; staff will work with Montessori and, if the council wishes to proceed, will bring terms to Planning & Zoning and a future council public hearing.