Grant supports park accessibility

Every summer, a host of events are held at the McKinley Park bandshell. From Party in the Park and the Fourth of July talent show to church services and local performers, community members can often find entertainment in the park.

However, for those with mobility issues, getting to the bandshell’s seating can create problems. Traveling from the road to a good viewing location means traversing a bumpy, grassy slope, often not a safe option for people who are disabled or elderly.

Creston Parks and Recreation Board President John Kawa said a solution 10 years in the making is coming this summer.

“We’ve talked about it for years,” Kawa said. “We have a lot of people come out for the concert, and some of them can’t walk very good. We always thought it would be nice to have a [concrete] pad out there.”

There are two phases to the project, the first completed last year thanks to a Whitetails Unlimited Grant. The entrance to the bandshell sidewalk is now accessible, with a sloped concrete slab instead of a curb coming from the road. This way, attendees can be dropped off right there.

The second phase will be completed some time this year, thanks to a grant from the South Central Iowa Community Foundation.

“What I got this grant for is so we can take a sidewalk from the existing new concrete, run a sidewalk like 50 feet to the north and have a really nice flat spot,” Kawa said. “We’re going to pour a pad there for people for wheelchairs, handicap, whatever can sit there and see the bandshell and not have to try to get a wheelchair down the bank.”

While there is a possibility the new concrete will be ready for Fourth of July celebrations and Party in the Park, Kawa said nothing is sure.

“We’re going to try, but everybody is busy,” Kawa said. “If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it will be done this summer sometime.”

Whatever the timeline is, Kawa said he’s excited to finally be completing this project.

“It’s easy to make plans, hard to get money,” he said. “I just want the people of Creston to know it’s for them. It’s for all people to use. We’re just trying to make it so anybody can come out there.”

The next events held at the McKinley Park bandshell are the Bill Riley and Creston talent shows at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 4 and Party in the Park at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 5.

More information on Creston July Fourth activities can be found in Friday’s print edition of the CNA.