The Norwalk City Council unanimously approved a design for construction on the courtyard of the City State Bank Norwalk Fieldhouse in their meeting last week. Part of the project’s funding will come from the approved repurposing of the 2024 High Impact Grant that Norwalk Parks and Recreation received from the 2024 Warren County Philanthropic Partnership for the Norwalk Central Park Project. Norwalk City Manager Luke Nelson tells KNIA News the new designs will add much-needed shaded area to the courtyard.

“Right now, if you go to our fieldhouse, you go through a courtyard that, there’s a couple trees in there, but they’re probably as tall as you and me; they’re not going to create much shade. So there’s going to be some pergola-type structures, different structures and landscaping in there that will give some more shade and some more seating options for people that want to use that area, really spruce it up and make it a nice entrance into the whole complex.” In addition to the new courtyard designs, the council also approved Mayor Phillips’ request to add the United States, State of Iowa, and City of Norwalk flags to the location. Staff chose for the flags to be placed on the west side of the fieldhouse.

The full interview with Norwalk City Manager Luke Nelson can be heard below: