A cost-share program for prairie plantings and other items for the parks department were recently approved by the Washington City Council.

Parks Superintendent Nick Pacha presented an agreement for the city to partner with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Prairie Partners program to establish native prairie and wildflowers at the Wellness Park. Pacha said this will help create a beautiful park setting while helping wildlife and reducing maintenance. The city will also partner with the Washington County Conservation Board to help plant the seed, and it is a 50% cost share program. The total cost was presented at $4,125 with the DNR and the city each covering half. The council also approved bids to replace the shingled roofs on the main pavilion at Sunset Park and a small shelter near the rocket slide with metal ones. The city received two bids for each roof, with the lowest from BW Construction at $5,750 and $1,600 for the structures. They also approved the purchase of a new parks mower, which the city budgeted $14,000 toward in fiscal year 2023. Pacha received two bids and recommended the lower price of $11,992 from Sinclair Tractor in Washington.