POLK CITY, Iowa — After people living in Polk City voted down a $10 million bond referendum to build a new city park, the mayor said there's still a plan for a park moving forward at the site where the city's new water tower is being constructed.
Mayor Steve Karsjen said creating "a committee" will be the next step to try and still get a new city park built. The committee will include people who were both in favor and against the failed referendum, and a member of the existing city council.
"It's just not something that is going to go away where we're going to have to continue to look hard at it and figure out a way to address it," said Karsjen.
The city said the price tag swayed some voters as the referendum would've raised property taxes $90 per $100,000 of property value.
The park would have included new playgrounds, athletic fields and courts, and a splash pad.
It's a project the city said is necessary to match the growing number of people who are moving to Polk City.
"Our athletic complex was built when our population was really a fraction of what it is today," Karsjen told Local 5 News. "So our athletic fields have not grown with the population. So we have a real need, which is why I think we really need to move forward."
He added that the committee will look to build the cheapest amenities first, instead of proposing everything at once like the city did earlier this month.