About the Department

The Indianola Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for 14 park areas (260 acres), the Veterans memorial Aquatic Center, Indianola Activity Center, Pickard Youth Softball Complex, and provides a variety of year-round recreation programs & events for all ages. The department partners with interest groups to operate the Pickard Adult Softball Complex and the Youth Soccer Complex, and rents the school gyms and multi-purpose rooms and the Simpson College swimming pool for the indoor recreation programs. The department is under the jurisdiction of a six-member Parks and Recreation Commission, has eight full-time and three permanent part-time employees with divided responsibilities for parks and leisure services for the city. Although financial support is derived from several sources, the primary operating budget is from city property taxes. Modest program and facility use fees, grants, tax-deductible gifts and donations are also a part of the department's resources; and partnerships, joint agreements and co-sponsorships with other governmental agencies, private organizations and businesses help make existing resources go farther. The administrative offices are located in the Indianola Activity Center located at 2204 W. 2nd Avenue, which is also the location of the Indianola Area Senior Center programs and facilities.

Our Mission
The Parks and Recreation Department will be progressive, innovative and resourceful, and will work in partnership with citizens to provide wholesome recreation opportunities for the enjoyment of all people in the Indianola community. We will also plan, acquire, develop, and maintain quality parks and facilities to enhance the City of Indianola and meet the community leisure time needs.

Our Vision
To have a community with a variety of parks, trails, recreation facilities and activities which are modern, fun, safe and attractive. These facilities and services being highly valued by the community, promoting economic and neighborhood growth and enhancing the quality of life for our local citizens.

Our recreation and park facilities and activities will:

• show evidence of community pride,
  

• have manmade and natural environments which are in harmony and balance,
  

• have parks and open spaces enriching every neighborhood,

• have parks with unique focal points,

• have modern, well-maintained indoor and outdoor recreation facilities,

• have a wide variety of recreation opportunities taking place,

• enhance the physical, social,and mental well-being for citizens of all ages and interests.

Our tree-lined streets, parks, and trails will:

• provide good places to live and travel,
• bond neighborhoods together in a continuous fabric of a united and progressive community.

Operation Goals

• Maintain a fair and reasonable fee schedule to reflect current local market conditions.
• Increase program participation and retention through quality and diversification.
• Be responsive to community needs. Plan ahead.
• Be customer-focused.
• Be compassionate, respectful and cooperative. Follow through completely.
• Manage public funds responsibly to ensure public trust.
• Be professional, honest and trustworthy in managing parks and recreation facilities, services and programs.
• Recruit and retain quality parks and recreation professionals and staff.

Character Counts in Parks and Recreation

The Indianola Parks & Recreation Commission established a policy in 2005 to include Character Counts in the youth recreation and sports programs. This is being done by incorporating information about the 6 pillars of good character into the program activities which best relate to the type of activities being done. The youth sports programs are also using elements of the Pursuing Victory with Honor program. Plans are being made and sponsors secured to put Character Counts signs displaying the six pillars at recreation program facilities to help increase public awareness and remind both participants and spectators to display good character. By including Character Counts in the recreation programs and parks, the Parks & Recreation Commission hopes to help build a better community filled with youth, families and adults who display trustworthiness, responsibility, fairness, respect, caring and citizenship.