TIFFIN, Iowa (KCRG) – After years of delays, the city of Tiffin is finalizing plans to build a recreation center.

City leaders say the space is needed. Tiffin is growing rapidly, with U.S. Census data showing its population has nearly quadrupled over the past 20 years. “If you just look at the size and density of the population in the small towns around us, and in Iowa in general, we’re probably in the largest portion of towns that don’t currently have a building that brings together the community,” said the mayor of Tiffin. Tim Kasparek.

The city originally planned to build a new recreation center in 2019, but those plans were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kasparek says plans for a $10 million recreation center will meet a wide range of needs. “People always talk about basketball courts, lots of lines for volleyball activities, pickleball activities and a very flexible turf area so we can put softball and baseball cages there,” says Kasparek. But the center will also have rooms available for community gatherings.

The city will draw money from the local sales tax option approved last year to help finance the center. The center will be built on the east side of the city, next to Highway 6.

“Just the visibility that the center has from 380, so we will be able to put a large sign at the back of the building that will be visible from 380,” Kasparek explains. “Really gives a little more identification to the city as you drive past and hopefully gives a very cool look to this side of the city.”

Kasparek says this is just the first phase. Plans for the second and third expansions will depend on future community needs, but are expected to include a swimming pool for Clear Creek Amana students to use.

Community members are invited to learn more about the projects and provide feedback during an open house. next Wednesday at City Hall.

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