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Keokuk: Parks Equipment, Master Plan

Keokuk, IA – One city department is asking the Keokuk City Council for help in replacing some aging equipment.

Bridge, Cemetery, and Parks Director Gary Stepp says his current fleet of 8 tractor lawn-mowers has outlived its usefulness. He says most of the vehicles are at least 10 years old.

"It slows us down," says Stepp, "because when you don't have a mower and you need a mower, you are not going to mow what you normally mow. The more time I have them in the shop instead of in the grass, where they belong, you are in trouble."

Stepp says the city can buy seven new tractor lawn-mowers for about $150,000. He says that number does not include trade-in values.

Stepp says it could cost $50,000 over the next year or two just to repair Keokuk's current lawn-mowers and bring them up to code on safety. He says the new mowers would also improve efficiency and allow for more bulk purchasing.

Tolmie Park Plan

Keokuk will look for some outside help in developing a master plan for one of its parks.

The city believes more people will use Tolmie Park, given its proximity to the new Keokuk Aquatics Center. Mayor Dave Gudgel says that is why Keokuk needs to look at a master plan for future improvements in that area.

Gudgel says Keokuk must make sure that any potential projects (miniature golf, skateboard park, ice rink) are built in the best location. He will contact Western Illinois University to see if there are graduate students or faculty members available to work on a master plan for Tolmie Park.