Coralville Parks commission elects chair and vice chair, hears grant and recreation center updates

At the April 20 meeting, the Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission elected Eric Gissendanner as Chair and Mackensie Graham as Vice Chair. The nominations and subsequent approval were unanimous. The commission also approved the March 9, 2026 minutes.

Commissioner Rich Vogelzang reported on several City developments: the Heartland Drive roundabout near Costco is scheduled to begin April 27, construction of a Chick-fil-A on 1st Avenue is moving forward, and the police department swore in four new officers, bringing the department to full staff strength.

Director Sherri Proud told commissioners that the parks department’s budget received no reductions during the City Council review and is expected to pass as presented. She reported that parks and restrooms are being opened for the season and that tree-planting work is underway. Alex Buhmeyer secured a $50,000 grant spread over two years to bolster Coralville’s forestry staff, and staff noted the department’s 34th Tree City designation and multiple recent tree growth awards.

Proud and staff briefed the commission on the recreation center RFQ process: eight submissions were received and staff narrowed the field to two qualified candidates, Russell Construction and Mortenson Construction. Staff also reported that Bread Garden will begin May 1 as the managing partner for food and beverage operations at Brown Deer.

Commissioners expressed appreciation to the Colony family for sharing the land and said they look forward to the new park and recreation center. Commissioner Dan Wollers said he intends to use the new park once it opens. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.