The Iola Parks Committee voted to ban glass bottles at village parks and discussed potential improvements to Olson Memorial Park and other recreational facilities during its meeting July 7 at Iola Village Hall.

Chairperson Aaron Messier called the meeting to order at 2:41 p.m. with member Pamela Parks present. Alan Bauer was absent. Clerk/Treasurer Laura Krogwold and Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Missy Fenn also attended.

The committee’s discussion focused on long-term park planning. Messier updated Parks on his meeting with Joe Stephenson of the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. Stephenson requested a list of top priority projects. Items mentioned included tree removal at Olson Memorial Park, flattening and improving drainage on the field, upgrading or building new shelters with kitchens, adding more pickleball courts, constructing an ice-skating rink, extending the Riverwalk with additional benches, and making upgrades at Rosie Paws Dog Park.

The committee also reviewed New London’s outdoor recreation plan and examined survey results compiled by ECWRPC’s Elaina Swafford. The survey had been included with the village’s April 2026 utility invoices.

Messier reported on a meeting with a playground equipment salesperson at Olson Park. He received a catalog and information on surfacing options and costs. The committee noted that the community garden and children’s garden would maintain separate accounts. Plans were discussed to repair the garden shed once a contractor provides an estimate, and Messier said he would follow up on signs for Rosie Paws Dog Park.

The committee was unable to obtain a quote to epoxy the bathroom floors at Olson Park.

Parks made a motion to ban glass bottles from Olson Memorial Park and Rosie Paws Dog Park. Messier seconded the motion, and it carried.

The next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 24 at 4:30 p.m.