Park and rec board plans for next year

Creston Park and Recreation Board members were in consensus Dec. 17 to have an Elton John tribute band play for the annual Party in the Park celebration next summer.

Although no formal agreements were made, Elton Dan and the Rocket Band was favored. Elton John pop and rock songs go back to the 1970s including “Bennie and the Jets”, “Rocket Man”, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, and “I’m Still Standing.”

The board said the 2026 Party in the Park will be the event’s 20th anniversary and the board would like to have a memorable event.

Auction items are being collected for Comedy Night. Chris Schlichting will be performing in Feb. 8 at the annual Creston Parks and Recreation fundraiser. Scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 8 at the Eagles Club, Schlichting will perform after service of a prime rib dinner and an auction. Tickets are $40 a person, or $420 for a sponsored table of eight.

The board did not take any formal action, but was supportive of a proposal to honor Jim and Donella Cook and the Creston Boat and Ski Club with a shelter house at McKinley Park. The proposal was made by Lisa Johns. Although no specifics were approved, board members agreed the shelter house can be installed during the McKinley Lake restoration which is planned to begin next year.

Board members approved $5 a day for pool admission for the 2025 season. The 2024 price was $4. Single person season pass will be $80 and the family pass will be $175 for up to six people. Pool parties can be reserved for $200 per hour and be held from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. No changes were made to the daycare rate.

Parks and Recreation Director Rusty Zimmerman said he has applied for an IWA Tree Grant through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The non-match grant would include a $10,000 minimum and a $30,000 maximum. Funding could be used for trees, bedding and posts. Trees would be used to enhance the Puppy Patch, walking trails, the new disc golf course, and other park areas. Other funding is being sought for electrical upgrades, trail lights, concessions updates and a shower house for the campground.

Board members are researching the fiscal year 2026 budget which begins July 1, 2025. Members took Zimmerman’s thoughts on staffing, equipment, and upgrades that will be sought in the budget process. Those must be approved by the city council.

A donation was also received from the Creston Lions Club toward the McKinley Lake restoration project.