The Indianola Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for 14 park
areas (260 acres), the Veterans memorial Aquatic Center, Indianola
Activity Center, Pickard Youth Softball Complex, and provides a variety
of year-round recreation programs & events for all ages. The
department partners with interest groups to operate the Pickard Adult
Softball Complex and the Youth Soccer Complex, and rents the school gyms
and multi-purpose rooms and the Simpson College swimming pool for the
indoor recreation programs. The department is under the
jurisdiction of a six-member Parks and
Recreation Commission, has eight full-time and three permanent
part-time employees with divided
responsibilities for parks and leisure services for the city.
Although financial support is derived from several sources, the primary
operating budget is from city property taxes. Modest program and
facility use fees, grants, tax-deductible gifts and donations are also a
part of the department's resources; and partnerships, joint agreements
and co-sponsorships with other governmental agencies, private
organizations and businesses help make existing resources go farther.
The administrative offices are located in the Indianola Activity Center
located at 2204 W. 2nd Avenue, which is also the location of the
Indianola Area Senior Center programs and facilities.
Our Mission The Parks and Recreation Department will be
progressive, innovative and resourceful, and will work in partnership
with citizens to provide wholesome recreation opportunities for the
enjoyment of all people in the Indianola community. We will also
plan, acquire, develop, and maintain quality parks and facilities to
enhance the City of Indianola and meet the community leisure time needs.
Our Vision To have a community with a variety of parks,
trails, recreation facilities and activities which are modern, fun, safe
and attractive. These facilities and services being highly valued
by the community, promoting economic and neighborhood growth and
enhancing the quality of life for our local citizens.
Our recreation and park
facilities and activities will:
show evidence of community pride,
have manmade and natural environments
which are in harmony and balance,
have parks and open spaces enriching
every neighborhood,
have parks with unique focal points,
have modern, well-maintained indoor and
outdoor recreation facilities,
have a wide variety of recreation
opportunities taking place,
enhance the physical, social, and mental
well-being for citizens of all ages and interests.
Our tree-lined streets, parks, and trails
will:
provide good places to live and travel,
bond neighborhoods together in a
continuous fabric of a united and progressive community.
Operation Goals
Maintain a fair
and reasonable fee schedule to reflect current local market conditions.
Increase program
participation and retention through quality and diversification.
Be responsive to
community needs. Plan ahead.
Be
customer-focused.
Be
compassionate, respectful and cooperative. Follow through
completely.
Manage public
funds responsibly to ensure public trust.
Be professional,
honest and trustworthy in managing parks and recreation facilities,
services and programs.
Recruit and
retain quality parks and recreation professionals and staff.
Character Counts in Parks and Recreation
The Indianola Parks &
Recreation Commission established a policy in 2005 to include
Character Counts in the youth recreation and sports programs.
This is being done by incorporating information about the 6
pillars of good character into the program activities which best
relate to the type of activities being done. The youth sports
programs are also using elements of the Pursuing Victory with
Honor program. Plans are being made and sponsors secured to
put Character Counts signs displaying the six pillars at
recreation program facilities to help increase public awareness
and remind both participants and spectators to display good
character. By including Character Counts in the recreation
programs and parks, the Parks & Recreation Commission hopes to
help build a better community filled with youth, families and
adults who display trustworthiness, responsibility, fairness,
respect, caring and citizenship.
If you have any questions or suggestions,
we welcome your feedback.
