Although construction won’t begin until 2025, the future water plaza at Mega 10 Park in the Lynn Creek neighborhood is already attracting local attention.
Representatives from the City of Marshalltown, the Arts and Culture Alliance, and artist Hilde De Bruyne were recently awarded the Central States ASLA Achievement Award, Category II: Design (Unbuilt).
Planning for the project began in 2022, with stakeholders and partners forming a steering committee to lead the design process with the city. Bolton & Menk, De Bruyne and Water’s Edge Aquatic Design were selected. A community engagement meeting was held to learn the most desired features for the space.
“The water plaza, in some ways, has evolved from a splash pad to more of a gathering space for people,” Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Hubbard said. “Most splash pads probably turn on around Memorial Day and turn off for Labor Day. We want this space to be activated and used not just during that time. In the Hispanic language, a “plaza” is a gathering place, and the city decided it was a good amenity to have in the city and would improve the quality of life. ”
Chamber President and CEO John Hall said welcoming artists ensures that creativity is at the forefront, resulting in “a Marshalltown feature that is unique to our community.” He added that it would be born.
Bolton & Menk landscape architects Casey Byers and Nate Whittle are helping bring that vision to life. The grounds and sculpture are designed to create a series of “ripples” in a rhythmic pattern, with strategically placed fountains that are timed.
The northeast corner of the splash pad will be left as an entertainment green space for the installation of a stage and movie screen. Seating is also a priority.
“This award is a great recognition of the energy, hard work and dedication that the city and supporting organizations have put in. It’s great recognition for our entire team and community,” Byers said.
Building a splash pad in Marshalltown continues to be discussed in the wake of the tragic deaths of four children in the Iowa River in 2012. Hubbard said construction of the water plaza will cost about $2.4 million, and about half of the funding has already been secured.
Hall said the Water Plaza is one of four projects the city of Marshalltown won a $2 million Iowa Creative Placemaking Grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority to the Lynn Creek District. .
“Other projects include the Lynn Creek Trail Bridge, the Ann C. Kaiser Trailhead, and the Martha Ellen Tye Playhouse. With funding from Destination Iowa, all of these projects will begin construction in 2025. It needs to be completed by the end of 2026,” Hall said. “These four projects total more than $7 million, and the funding is a combination of funds raised from grants such as Destination Iowa, support from the City of Marshalltown, and public-private partnerships including donations from businesses and individuals. The Arts+Culture Alliance and the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce are leading the fundraising effort in partnership with the city.”
Arts+Culture Alliance Executive Director Amber Danielson said the organization is proud to be a part of the effort.
“Marshalltown is very fortunate to have Iowa artist Hilde De Bruyne on board at the beginning of the design process. Water Plaza perfectly embodies our creative placemaking and arts and culture master plan. ” she said.
Bolton & Menk has worked on several other design projects in Marshalltown, West End Park, and the Riverview Park master plan, and is the consulting team for State Street and is currently working with the city on the design for the reconstruction of Main Street. We are collaborating with
“We are fortunate to partner with the city on many projects, and it’s fun to see that work implemented and be part of something that has a pretty positive impact on the community through public projects. ” Byers says. He said.
Hall said the water plaza is just one component of recruiting and retaining residents.
“People are no longer moving to where the jobs are. Now, people are choosing their communities and then finding employers. Marshalltown needs to compete, be successful, and need our businesses.” “If we want to be successful in attracting the right kind of workers, we need to invest in projects like this that are unique, distinctive and authentic to Marshalltown,” he said.