KINGSLEY, Iowa - Whether a city resident relocating to a smaller community or small-town resident proud of what their community offers, both agree that good schools, recreation, housing, and professional services are vital. In other words, they value what Kingsley offers.
The Kingsley-Pierson Community School offers a challenging curriculum, one enhanced this year with the addition of the Lauren Herbold Memorial greenhouse. That addition enables horticulture students to "see how a greenhouse works on a day-to-day basis, rather than our just talking about it," says Keith Byers, agriculture education instructor. "Because of the class, the students have career training - hands-on experience - such as merchandising and management."
The Kingsley-Pierson outdoor sports complex comprising the track, football, and baseball fields saw major work in 2004, with stadium renovation that included new bleachers and press box, and a players dressing room/restroom for football and track. An all-weather track replaced a cinder track, and play on the football field and adjoining baseball field was enhanced with new lighting.
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Recreation improvements and additions marked 2004 and will continue in 2005. The new track provides recreation, as community members are encouraged to use it.
The city tennis courts, which had been in place for more than 30 years, were remodeled in 2004. The courts were a shared project between the city and tennis enthusiasts, according to Mayor Gary Hunwardsen.
Brookside Golf Course received a facelift with construction of a $250,000 clubhouse, fueled through $100,000 in donations. "We had been talking about a new clubhouse for a long time," says Board President Chad Thompson. "At one of our board meetings, two members wrote our checks towards it, and that started the ball rolling."
In addition to area contractors, volunteers footed much of the labor. The 4,800-square-foot clubhouse features a private dining area, open dining area, lobby/waiting room, lounge, foyer, and kitchen with storage. The restaurant/lounge, Shennon's on the Green, is leased and managed by Shennon Herbold, Kingsley-Pierson alumna. One of five restaurants in Kingsley, Herbold says 30-40 percent of the business has been from out-of-towners, making it a destination spot.
Kingsley, population 1,245, will begin one additional recreation draw in 2005, a walking/biking trail. Phase I, approximately one mile in length, will focus on the southwest perimeter of Kingsley, using some school grounds as well as land donated by the Phelps family.
"The Phelps family is donating land to make this project possible, a tremendous gesture to our school and community," says Dr. Robert Powell, who chairs the fund-raising effort. The parcel of land is approximately five to six acres, between the school parking lot and the creek.
Councilmen Ron Mathers and Tim Worrell represent the council for the trail development, with grant work spearheaded by Laura Phelps. Phelps reports that two Iowa DOT. Transportation Enhancement funds grants for $131,100 and $86,000 have been awarded and will be supplemented with city funds and private donations to begin trail development.
Mathers believes the impact of the trail can be tremendous, particularly as Phase I ties in with the school, swimming pool, tennis courts, and the sports complex.
Housing development continues to be a plus for Kingsley. Few lots remain in the Brookview Addition, developed by Kevin Kuchel; and the Hillview Addition, developed by Dennis Beelner, Gene Collins and Dave Krieg, continues to see growth. In 2004 a second entrance street was laid, and five lots sold.
"We continue to be thrilled with the pace at which it is going," Collins says. "The homes are mostly being built for families with children, and that's the ticket to the whole deal. Some of those moving there are freeing up other homes, and that also brings people to town."
Kingsley's professional community and a strong Main Street are considered by Hunwardsen one of the city's "strongest draws - the dentist, doctors, chiropractor, optometrists, lawyers. We have basically everything in our community."
Councilman Mathers concurs, emphasizing the good mix of businesses, with services and retail products.
The business district was enhanced in 2004 with the American National Bank's new building and location. The structure features a large lobby, three offices and a conference room.
Infrastructure work continued with construction of a new water tower. The new 300,000-gallon structure, with a $600,000 price tag, replaces a 100,000-gallon structure in place since 1915. The importance of the new water tower is stressed by Hunwardsen, who notes, "We were below the capacity for our population and requirements for our volunteer fire department."
