A software issue has changed the top-five selections Dyersville residents chose for the Imagine 2030 community visioning project, organizers have announced.
“We used a third-party voting system which collected the ideas and there was basically a tallying error,” Karla Thompson, chamber executive director, explained. “Knowing one of (the previously announced) wasn’t actually in the top five changes everything.”
The new data, now complete with voting totals, lists the top five as more restaurants bars/adult nightlife (255), complete 12th/13th Street Bridge Project (168), kayaking/tubing/rapids/canoeing (154), drive-in movie theatre (148) and adding more biking trails, including connecting the downtown to the Heritage Trail and adding more designated and marked bike lanes throughout town (147).
In total, 2,665 votes were cast, and at five votes being allotted per person, works out to 533 participating in the survey.
In comparison, when the Imagine 2020 vote wrapped up in April 2009, 388 voters in the community cast ballots, whittling down a field of what was originally 569 ideas. The top selections included: a community center for use by seniors/historical society/groups with 129 votes; the construction of trails to become a walking/bicycle-friendly community with 128 votes; the construction of an Alzheimer’s/dementia unit and adding a pedestrian bridge linking Candy Cane and Westside parks tied with 122 votes each; and better Highway 20 access and interchange to improve safety tallied 104 votes.
Vote totals for Imagine 2030’s next five highest selections were not far from missing the top five, suggesting additional recreational opportunities was a popular choice with survey takers: connect New Wine Park to Dyersville along the river with a bike/running trail (144), approve ATV legislation and allow ATV/UTVs in the City of Dyersville (133), Family Entertainment Complex (Arcades, Wall Climbing, Family Activities, etc.) (128) and Aquatic Enhancements — splash pad, wave pool, water rides (114).
Ideas rounding out the remainder: build a walking/biking bridge to safely cross Highway 136 (96); indoor aquatic center (95); enhance Westside Park with amphitheater, fountain and green space improvements (91); city sidewalks — add to safely connect the community, repair for safety, & ADA accessible (84); monthly community events — Movie in the Park, Car Show, summer concerts, parades, etc. (84); more retail (78); indoor sports complex (77); additional parking options downtown (74); additional lighting on sidewalks and trails (67); public ponds for fishing (66); enhanced senior care, such as private rooms in nursing home (57); Alzheimer’s unit (55); campground (52); more “greenness” — trees, butterfly garden, community gardens (50); Creative Adventure Lab (45); daycare options for working parents (44); bring more professional business opportunities to town (42); dedicated pickleball courts (38); assistance to new businesses (35); develop the arts — community theatre, bands (33) and better city marketing for residence and tourism (11).
