Based on the following comments the text and table on Pages 37 and 38 have been updated. It should also be noted that these standards are only a starting point and that local interest and demand would need to be taken into more detailed consideration, which should occur in a more detailed Park Plan.

I am not sure that the information shown in Table 3.3 on page 37 of the document is correct. It indicates that there are 12 Baseball fields and 6 Softball fields? How was this determined? I think the table should show that are only 7 baseball fields (4 at GSC & 3 at Waterworks) and 5 softball fields (3 at GSC & 2 at Lions Park). Obviously if you add up all fields in town there are 12 fields, but not all of them are available for use by the local recreational baseball league ("Dallas Center-Grimes Little League"). Additionally, if the plan is to remove 2 of the 3 baseball fields at Waterworks park then that should be taken into account for the 2030 discussion.

I would also be interested in understanding more about the NRPA standards used in the same table (1 field per 3,000 residents). Is there a site that has more detailed information on these standards and how they are derived. For example, are they adjusted based on the demographics of the community or is it just a standard ratio across the board.

Thanks!

Posted by ahaase at 05:13 PM | Permalink

In response to recent comments we will be adding a recommendation that as the city grows it should evaluate opportunities for water features or construction of a pool.
Thank you for taking the time to become involved in the Planning of Grimes.

Posted by ahaase at 10:08 PM | Permalink

Please include a community pool in your plan! Include good play area for small children somewhat separate from the big kid areas. Thanks!

Posted by ahaase at 10:07 PM | Permalink

The City of Grimes needs a community pool. The city is growing expedentially and the opportunities for our children need to grow as well. Please consider adding a pool to our growth plan!

Kennybrook Estates Resident

Posted by ahaase at 10:05 PM | Permalink

What about revisiting a community swimming pool for the city of grimes. There are communities all over the state of Iowa that are similar in size and are able to accomodate a swimming pool. I think the key to doing this is remembering our size and what we want to be...we don't need to be Clive or West Des Moines but stick to what has attracted residents to Grimes--being a SMALL TOWN!

I was excited to see a neighborhood park for the Kennybrook neighborhood in the plans as the neighborhood is a very young and active neighborhood.

Posted by ahaase at 09:55 PM | Permalink

Responses to the following post are in italic.

I recently read the article in the Des Moines Register about future growth of Grimes. The article stated that Grimes population would reach nearly 18,000 residents by 2020 and 33,000 residents by 2030. How are the numbers being reached? We've currently got 10% unemployment and mortgage rates will surely rise. To reach these numbers, I'd guess we'd have to have unprecedented growth (or at least growth that duplicates the type of expansion we've seen in Johnston and Waukee over the next decade). I really don't see this happening...so please let me know how the numbers have been devised.

Grimes’ projected population is based on an assessment of the city’s historic population trends, regional population analysis (completed by Metropolitan Planning Organization MPO), and construction activity.

The article stated that Grimes has an unusually high homeownership rate (82%). You'd like to see this dropped to 70% by adding high density areas such as rentals and townhomes. This concerns me! With rentals, townhomes and other high density options, comes more families with less of a tax base to "pay" for those kids and services. How will Grimes pay for these extra services such as general maintenance, additional schools and parks?

Higher density developments often provide as high of a tax base, sometimes higher than traditional single-family developments, with fewer infrastructure costs such as water, sewer, street, and park extension.

By 2020 with a estimated population of nearly 18,000 residents, several elementary schools will need to be added as well as an additional middle school and a second high school. Where will these be located? Are Grimes residents aware that the school district will be split? By 2030 with an estimated 33,000 residents, a third high school and middle school will need to be in place. Where will all of these schools go? How are these going to be paid for? A plan needs to be in place now to accommodate the school system and it's growth now before children pay the price for huge overall class sizes.

The Dallas County-Grimes School District regularly updates its ten year strategic plan, evidence by the high quality of the existing system. The current plan already identifies future expansion opportunities at the existing high school campus.

Lastly, when are the additional meetings so I can try and attend to voice my concerns? While growth is always good, huge growth like this in such a short period of time is not.

The Open House held in May was the last stand alone event for the planning process. Public hearings will be held at both the Planning Commission and City Council meetings. Comments are still be solicited and the document is in draft format until approved by the Council. The Public Hearing dates will be posted to this website once the dates are selected.

Posted by ahaase at 10:21 PM | Permalink