POLK CITY, Iowa — Polk City will be undergoing a transformation with the help of four projects, according to the mayor.

All four projects will be constructed in northern Polk City, close to the intersection of Northeast 7th Street and Vista Lake. This area is near Big Creek Elementary School.

Two of the projects will be done in 2026, including the construction of a new city water tower and the Polk City Junction Trail. The city has spent the last decade working on the trail to connect the High Trestle Trail and the Neil Smith Trail through Polk City.

Mayor Steve Karsjen says a new residential site will also be constructed in this area, likely adding around 200 residences.

The most notable project the city is working on is the construction of a new city park. The city council purchased the 57-acre property to make a park with athletic facilities and fields, walking trails, and more.

Last November, Polk City residents voted down a $10 million bond referendum to build the new park. This measure would have raised property taxes by $90 per $100,000 of property value.

Despite being voted down, Karsjen said is finding a new way to build the park. He is creating a committee of 12 people who will meet for the first time next week to discuss alternative ways they will fundraise for the park.

Karsjen said the park will be a benefit for the community because of the city’s young population. The average age in Polk City is 36 years old and a large portion of the population is under age 15, according to the mayor.

“We need recreational facilities for our young people,” he said.

The city currently has one recreational area, but they rely on local churches to provide space for games like soccer.

“We’re very limited and with a growing number of young people wanting to use those facilities, it’s important we take a hard look at that and maybe come up with some alternatives,” said Karsjen.

There is no projected timeline for when the park will be ready, but the committee is planning to meet for the next six months to generate discussion on how to bring the new facility from a vision to a reality.