An engineering firm has been selected for the Washington Wellness Park design process.

The City Council approved an agreement for engineering services with MSA Professionals of Ankeny. Shawn O’Shea with MSA Professional Services says they want to get the public’s input in a variety of new surveys because the data they have currently is about five years old. At the recent city council meeting he said, “We want to make sure needs haven’t changed, what people want hasn’t changed. You know, there’s newer things that are out technology-wise, splash pads and all those kinds of things that maybe five years ago weren’t really park topics and now they are. We just want to make sure that when we move forward, the public gets their opinions on what they want, what the needs are, how they’re using the parks, and who is using the parks.”

The City has set a budget of $1.2 million for the Wellness Park to be established on the northwest side of town. The conceptual design development agreement is for $18,000.