To the Newton Independent:
It is important that I explain in detail why I asked for a delay in demolition of most of the interior and some exterior of the children's playground shelter and restroom area to install two handicapped toilet stalls.
I do not wish to prevent the installation of the two stalls and some needed improvements. I did question the following:
1. The cost of "updating" is $50,000 because the boys toilets are being moved to the south end of the shelter rather than utilizing the 12-foot by 10-foot-6-inch room adjacent to the north wall of the present girls and boys restrooms. Sewer and water lines are already in that area. This could also reduce some altering of exterior walls. I was advised park staff wished to keep this adjacent space for storage - presently a small tractor mower. Is that practical?
2. The city can have time to check with the State Historical Society of Iowa to determine if the present plans would alter the status of the building, which has been presently labeled as "contributing to historical status." (The swimming pool is now listed as non-contributing.) The council received a copy of a letter rom Jack Porter of the State Historical Society of Iowa stating that historical buildings are normally exempt from ADA compliance. They also offer help in planning changes.
I presented the council with copies of the building floor plan and available adjacent space months ago, suggesting it be considered. The present plan will alter exterior doorways and windows. Parks Director Denny Slings stated it would not be a problem. Perhaps he is right - or not.
3. My work to place Fred Maytag Park on the National Registry of Historic Places began last year when the newly formed Newton Historic Preservation Commission stated they were beginning training and would not take on a project for about a year. I have worked with the assistance from a workshop manual and Des Moines staff. The conclusion may be determined in June of this year.
4. The following statement from the State Historic Preservation office was read to the council: "Once Fred Maytag Park is listed on the National Register, it would be eligible for a Historical Resource Development Program (HRDP) grant. It would also be eligible for a Historic Sites Preservation Grant (HSPG). This grant may have funding reduced, but was continued in 2009."
I presented the council with a list of all items in Maytag Park that have been classified as "contributing to historic status" and those that do not.
Again, my effort to delay was not to prevent handicapped accessibility for children, just to do it more economically and with less trauma to a historic building. This issue should be open to discussion at the public hearing on the budget, March 1.
Joyce Moen
Newton
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