The Iola Park & Garden Committee approved repairs to the Community Garden shed and upgrades to gates at Rosie Paw Dog Park during its meeting on May 6 at the Iola Village Hall Clerk’s Office.

Chairperson Aaron Messier called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. Committee members present included Messier, Alan Bauer, and Pamela Parks. Community Garden representative Gary Doine and Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Missy Fenn also attended.

The committee voted to accept a $1,047.82 estimate from Jessie Pedersen to repair the Community Garden shed. Bauer made the motion, and Parks seconded it. Doine and Parks said the cost would be shared between the Community Garden and Children’s Garden funds. Painting and priming were not included in the estimate.

In other park improvements, the committee approved changes at Rosie Paw Dog Park. Members voted to replace two 5-foot gates with 10-foot double-swing gates to allow access for riding lawn mowers. The project from American Fence carries an $850 estimate. Bauer made the motion, and Parks seconded it. The motion carried.

The committee also discussed replacing the donor display at the dog park and moving it closer to the fenced area. Messier said he would seek ideas and estimates from a local resident working on the dog park sign.

Regarding the Children’s Garden, Parks reported that a group from Iola-Scandinavia helped clean up both garden spaces. Brochures for the 2026 season were distributed to Iola-Scandinavia School and local daycares, with lesson plans prepared ahead of the June 6 planting day.

In other business, the committee authorized Public Works Director Ed Bonikowske to purchase epoxy to paint the bathroom floors at Olsen Park for easier cleaning and protection. Bauer made the motion, and Parks seconded it. The motion passed.

Discussion about combining the Children’s Garden and Community Garden funds was tabled for a future meeting. Plans regarding the Farmer’s Market sign and location expansion were also tabled.

The committee set its next meeting for July, with no specific date confirmed. Bauer made a motion to adjourn, which Parks seconded. The motion passed.