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Washington County Conservation Board discusses Marr Park staffing, Kewash Marathon prep and Southtown pavilion planning
Summary
At its April 9 meeting, the Washington County Conservation Board heard that interest in the vacant Marr Park campground host contract had increased but applicants withdrew or accepted other positions; staff may convert the role to a non-resident cleaning contract. The board also reviewed Kewash Trail marathon prep, Southtown pavilion planning, summer camp registration issues and bills totaling $12,913.36.
The Washington County Conservation Board on April 9 discussed staffing and operations at Marr Park, preparations for the Kewash Trail Marathon, planning for a Southtown outdoor pavilion and problems with summer camp registration software.
Executive Director Zach Rozmus told the board staff had "received more interest in the contract than ever before but for one reason or other applicants had either weeded themselves out or taken other host positions elsewhere." He said time was "getting down to the wire" and that if no qualified campground host is found staff would consider altering the contract to a cleaning contract that would not require the host to reside in the park, in hopes of attracting applicants.
Rozmus also reported staff are working to prepare the Kewash Trail for the upcoming marathon but that wet conditions have hampered blading and rolling; he said staff were monitoring the forecast to complete trail work before the event. On facility projects, Rozmus said discussions continue about a new Southtown shelter and that a key consideration is aligning the work with the 2026–27 fiscal year so funds will be available.
On seasonal operations at Marr Park, Rozmus said staff successfully transitioned the water system into "summer mode" and turned water on in the campground; he noted shower‑house heaters allowed the facility to open despite cooler temperatures. He said the Marr Park pickleball and playground project has received positive public feedback, with only landscaping and bench/table installations remaining.
Rozmus told the board summer camp registration opened April 1 but payment problems with the online vendor forced staff to revert to the previous registration process; staff plan to pursue online registration again in future cycles. He reported there was no update on the Marr Park residence, and that one remaining full‑time staff performance review remains to complete the 2025–26 cycle.
The board reviewed monthly reports from Ranger/Operations Supervisor Cody Smith, Ranger/Patrol Sergeant Brett Johnson, Ranger/Technician Seth Adam, Maintenance Technician Jacob Adrian, Activities Director Randi Brase, Naturalist Megan Jorgensen and Rozmus. The board was presented with an itemized list of bills for April 2026 totaling $12,913.36, which included Agriland Propane ($2,973.32), VISA charges ($3,144.31) and Eastern Iowa Light & Power ($945.37).
Procedurally, the board approved the meeting agenda on a motion by Stan Stoops, seconded by Barb Donkersloot, and approved the March 12, 2026 meeting minutes on a motion by Barb Donkersloot, seconded by Stan Stoops; both motions carried unanimously. A motion to adjourn by Stoops, seconded by Donkersloot, carried and the meeting ended at 5:35 p.m.
The board did not take any formal votes on contracting changes or capital projects during the meeting; Rozmus framed the campground host change as a contingency staff would pursue only if candidates are not found and identified the Southtown pavilion as contingent on next fiscal year funding.
