Maxwell Parks and Open Spaces Board weighs storage shed, trail parking and July 4 plans

MAXWELL, Iowa — The Maxwell Parks and Open Spaces Board on Monday, May 11, 2026, approved its meeting agenda and the April 13 minutes and discussed several park maintenance and program items, including a proposed storage shed at the soccer field, trailhead parking and plans for an Independence Day celebration.

The meeting was called to order at 5:03 p.m. by Chair Jody Gast. Deb Steele moved to approve the agenda; Derek Carter seconded and the board recorded "3 ayes." Steele then moved to approve the April 13 minutes; Carter seconded and the vote was recorded as "3 ayes." The votes were routine and recorded without individual roll-call tallies.

Ken Jans, an ex officio attendee, raised multiple items during the open forum. Jans asked that the board consider adding a storage shed at the soccer field to free space in the concession stand for use during soccer and baseball games. He also brought up field maintenance concerns, specifically options for spraying dandelions, and reported that Pioneer Cemetery needs a new sign. Jans asked for clarification about whether soccer could continue to use the field if FEMA-owned land is transferred to the local school district; the board did not record a formal decision on that question.

Chair Jody Gast said she will contact the city engineer and request that he attend the June council meeting to discuss installing parking at the Army Post Road trailhead for the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail. Jans suggested the board contact the Iowa Department of Transportation about signage to support trailhead parking. Separately, the board agreed to research the cost of purchasing two garbage cans for placement along the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail.

Gast also asked for high-school volunteers to paint the Scout Park Shelter so students could earn silver cord hours prior to July 1. The minutes note that the senior class recently planted four trees at the city park; Gast said she will obtain an estimate to plant a Valley Forge Elm near the bike trail and shelter house in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary.

The board discussed plans for an Independence Day celebration on July 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the city park. Ideas listed in the minutes include planting a Valley Forge Elm, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a Mother’s Club bike decoration and parade, games, Quilts of Valor, service and lunch from American Legion and VFW auxiliaries at the church stand, and the Daughters of the American Revolution distributing copies of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence.

Derek Carter moved to adjourn at 5:50 p.m.; Deb Steele seconded and the minutes record "3 ayes." The minutes were signed by Clerk Carrie Heaps and by Chair (signature reads Joelyn L. Gast) and are noted as unofficial until approved at the next meeting.