Recap from the May 19, 2025, Meeting.
Meeting run by President, Mike Wedell
Thought of the day: Lynsey Krusie
Welcome to our guests: Scott Nauman, Doug Peterson, Gretchen Nollman, (Speaker) Rich Klimes
Welcome to the online members: Dawn Sturms Dodds, Melanie Alexander, Monica Koechle
Happy News/Announcements: All Happy News funds go towards our scholarship awards.
Mike Ruby- Mike had the opportunity to visit the Muscatine Disc Golf course over the weekend with family. He was impressed by the quality of the course and artwork. Karen Cooney- Karen loves to be a part of the Muscatine High School graduation as part of her role on the school board. Two veterans who deployed before graduation received diplomas.Chuck Moody- Chuck’s grandson Jack graduated Magna Coumlaude from St. Ambrose.
Club Business:
- Follow the Rotary Club of Muscatine’s Facebook page, @MuscatineRotaryClub.
- We are looking for members to join the board and/or help with programs and membership. This is a great opportunity to get involved and give back.
- Work started on the Pocket Park. We will update the Rotary grant activity as that process continues.
- Lisa Heckman is looking for volunteers to share a Thought of the Day. Please email her at heckmanlisa@hotmail.com to get on the schedule.
Presentation-
Rich Klimes-
The Muscatine Parks and Rec department has 18 full-time staff and several part-time and seasonal staff who oversee the parks and programs for the Muscatine community. Each year, the aquatic center brings in 36,000 to 40,000 visitors, and park shelters are rented more than 400 times. Riverfront buildings add another 150 to 200 rentals annually. Kent Stein Park hosts 12 tournaments and sees over 400,000 people walk through its gates, while the soccer complex draws more than 250,000 visitors. The department works with 30 adopt-a-park groups to help maintain local spaces and recently installed security cameras as part of an ongoing park safety initiative. Current projects include improvements to the Weed Park Lagoon, park security, and the new MUSCO Sports Complex DOME. The DOME will be 122,000 square feet and able to host regulation football, baseball, softball, lacrosse, and soccer games. The $7.9 million project is funded equally by public and private dollars and is expected to be completed by August. With 25 weekends already booked, it’s set to be a popular community amenity. Parks and Rec supports over 190 special events each year, and the community can check the full calendar on their website. https://www.muscatineiowa.gov/25/Parks-Recreation Rich encourages anyone who sees issues in the parks to report them so his team can respond quickly.
Missed Monday’s meeting? Catch up using the recording link below.
Passcode: Rotary#1
Next Meetings:
May 26- No Meeting