July is National Parks & Rec Month

     According to the NRPA (National Recreation and Park Association), July is National Park and Recreation Month.

     The Monticello Parks and Recreation Department is a member of the NRPA.

     Parks and Rec Director Jacob Oswald started in 2017; Parks and Rec Superintendent Shannon Poe came on board in 2018. Since both started leading the department, the amount of programs, activities, and events for people of all ages has increased.

     “The services that park and creation professionals provide are vital for communities – from protecting open spaces and natural resources to helping fight obesity and providing activities and resources for all people,” states the NRPA. “This has been especially true throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Park and Recreation Month encourages everyone to reflect on the exponential value park and recreation professionals bring to communities.”

     When it comes to protecting open spaces, Monticello P&R team helps maintain the numerous parks such as Fountain Park, Riverside Gardens, Baty Disc Golf Course, and Jacobs Park to name a few. They are also leading the charge for the extension to Willow Trail near Kitty Creek.

     Earlier this year in May, P&R worked with the Jones County Volunteer Center and assisted youth in cleaning up city parks for Day of Caring.

     When it comes to recreational opportunities and fighting obesity, P&R hosts the Live Healthy Iowa Kids Track Meet every year.

     The number of both youth and adult programs has also increased year after year.

     P&R took it upon themselves to see that pickleball courts were built in the Monticello community, and have recognized the need for more court space.

     In terms of P&R events, you have the Pool Pawty at the close of the pool season for dogs and their owners. In 2020, P&R hosted a visit with Santa Claus in the pocket park.

     Starting this year there will be three annual fundraising events: a golf tournament, a family fun night, and a duck drop.

     P&R has also made numerous improvements to the Berndes Center.

     This spring, P&R helped to plant 400 to 500 trees throughout the community, namely along N. Sycamore Street.

     Earlier this year, following the end of the Garden Club, P&R took over care and maintenance of Fountain Park.

     Now, they are working with the Austin Strong Foundation to build an inclusive playground near the Aquatic Center for kids of all ages and abilities.

     Speaking of the pool, Poe also serves as the manager of the facility.

     While reflecting on a challenging past year and a half due to COVID, Oswald and Poe said their main objective was to encourage residents to get out and experience the city’s parks and amenities.

     “We tried to figure out how to provide different things for people to do,” Oswald said. “We promoted different activities outside and encouraged families to get out.”

     Coming out of the pandemic, Oswald said one thing that has come to the forefront is people’s mental health and well being.

     “What we provide to the community has become more apparent,” he said. “It’s more than just activities.”

     He said while COVID forced people to spend more time outside, that trend certainly continues over a year later.

     Oswald recalled when he took the job as P&R director, the main function was programming.

     “I came into it thinking that,” he said. “But then I realized it was way more.”

     Since 2017, 19 different programs and events have been added to the P&R roster. Upon the completion of the new Hy-Vee store in town, P&R will be responsible for 78 acres of ground in Monticello. (The Hy-Vee project includes gifting 12 acres back to the City of Monticello.)

     “We oversee all of that,” Oswald said. “This opens up more recreational opportunities.”

     Looking into the future of the P&R department, Oswald said he wants to expand upon restoring under-utilized spaces in the community. He said many people have commented about adding a skate park, which the Park Board has been supportive of.

     “There are a variety of things we’re looking into,” he hinted.

     During the winter of 2000, P&R started partnering with the Public Works Department to clear snow and help maintain the downtown landscape.

     Poe, who is co-chair of the Monticello Hometown Pride committee, said it just makes sense that they would help with the upkeep of the community.

     “In a small community, you have to learn to be a jack of all trades,” Poe said.

     Oswald also serves on the Tree Board, as well as regional committees concerning trails.

     “This is a small community and both departments (P&R and Public Works) are small departments,” said Oswald of working together in a collaborative effort. “We work well together, and they help us from time to time, too.”

     P&R stays in contact with other, local departments to see what activities they might expand upon and introduce in Monticello. Poe said right they they’re collaborating with Cascade and Anamosa for flag football leagues.

     “As travel sports continue to grow, we’re looking at other avenues to engage kids who are not involved in travel leagues,” explained Oswald. “We want to give them a fun experience.”

     Starting in August and September, travel flag football will begin.

     “We hope this opens the door to other sports and working with surrounding communities,” urged Poe.

     Oswald shared that P&R departments everywhere are struggling to keep their numbers up “so kids have a full experience.

     “We’re happy with what we’ve been able to do these last four years,” reflected Oswald. “We’re always looking for different things to do.”

     This includes seeking donations for the Christmas Light displays at various city parks and throughout the downtown. This lighting project was kick-started by the Wolken family in memory of Betty Wolken.

     “It helps liven up the downtown,” remarked Oswald.

     Both Oswald and Poe enjoy working in the P&R field for the variety of work they get to do on a daily basis, interacting with the public and community, and naturally spending time outdoors.

     The theme for National P&R Month is “Our Story.” Oswald and Poe encourage people to share their Monticello Parks and Rec experiences with the hashtag: #OurParkAndRecStory. You can visit their Facebook page “City of Monticello – IA Parks & Recreation” or website for a list of events and activities in the works.