Decorah Park-Rec Board members say they support creation of Dry Run Park

A proposal to build a new park along Water Street, next to Riverside Street, has won the support of members of the Decorah Parks Board.

The new park is being championed by a group of six people, including Mike Harman, who met with Park Board members Thursday night to discuss the concept.

Harman says the estimated price tag of the park is $160,000--but organizers already have pledges for at least half that amount.  Donations will be accepted by the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce, but will be handled through Decorah Park-Rec's endowment fund. 

"I like the concept," said Park Board member Cindy Albers.  "It's a great project," added Park Board Chair Rich Gaard.  The plan calls for a pocket park similar to the Water Street Park on the other end of downtown Decorah.  Organizers believe the new park would become a place for employees of nearby business to have lunch or for bike riders to take a break before heading downtown.

Harman says his group believes the community needs more gathering spots such as the proposed park and believes the second pocket park could "bookend" the downtown, along with Water Street Park.

Park Board members have given their blessing to the project--with the understanding that funds for the park will be raised totally through donations, with no cost to the city.