As 2021 comes to a close, Kalona Mayor Mark Robe takes a look in the rearview mirror for all that has happened in the community.

According to the 2020 Census, the city saw a population increase of 11.3% from 2,363 to 2,630 residents. The Kalona Community Center saw a steady increase in both usage and membership numbers. During 2021, the city did a complete redo of the racquetball court flooring, resurfaced the basketball court and added new equipment such as ropes, sleds, and other fitness class accessories. The city also saw increases in pool usage and recreation sport participation

Housing expansion was a priority this year, as the Southtown Area development on the former Shiloh complex has already seen its first occupants. Eighty-five residential lots were added to the area with six houses constructed. In 2022 they look to add a 1.5 mile walking trail, dog park, 9-hole disc golf course, public fishing access and a naturescape park.  Robe compliments the city’s residents upon finishing a productive year,  “I think we have a really good community. We have really good people that live in our community. Just keep doing what you are doing and being a good resident of Kalona. If there’s something that you think needs addressed, please don’t feel shy about coming down to the city council and letting us know about it. That’s why we’re there, that’s why you elected us. If there’s an issue, bring it to us, that’s why we’re there. We have a very good city council that listens to people and if we can do something about it, we certainly will.”

Robe is grateful for the Washington County Riverboat Foundation’s municipal grants which help finance projects such as the Southtown Area and ADA enhancements to the city park. He says that looking ahead to 2022, the city council will be working with Carl A. Nelson on facility needs assessments for the Kalona Fire Station and First Responders building. You can hear more from Robe during a two-part JJ Nichting Company In Touch with Southeast Iowa program.