For at least 25 years, the residents of Winterset have consistently provided feedback through public meetings, needs assessments, and master plans that their most desired need for improving Winterset was the addition of an indoor facility. This new facility finally makes that dream a reality.

Needs assessments were done in 1999 and 2021, and both times, our residents indicated that their top priorities for investment were: Indoor Recreation, Indoor Walking, Indoor Fitness & Exercise Facilities, Indoor Meeting Spaces, Youth/Adult/Senior Fitness & Wellness Programs, and Youth Sports Program. The Winterset Fieldhouse will meet all these needs for our community, and more.

A 47,000 square foot indoor recreation center, located east of town across from the softball and soccer complex. This new, state-of-the-art facility will also include an attached 5,000 square foot space for the Winterset Police Department (no jail)!

Amenities include 3 LED basketball courts with walking track, volleyball, pickleball, tennis, soccer, baseball, weight room, fitness room, rock wall, multi-use golf simulators, indoor playground, batting cages, meeting space, concession, green space, food truck pedestals, sand volleyball, outdoor seating, and recreational trail connections.

The benefits of a community recreation facility include but are not limited to:

• Improving health & wellbeing in all seasons

The Fieldhouse will provide a place for all ages to engage in physical activity and recreation any time of year, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and improving mental health.

• Increasing community engagement and social cohesion

The Fieldhouse will provide a place for residents to gather and socialize year-round, which can help to build stronger community ties and reduce social isolation.

• Enhancing property values

Attractive quality of life facilities, like the Fieldhouse, can enhance property values and contribute to redevelopment efforts. Areas with well-maintained parks, green spaces, and indoor recreation facilities often experience increased property values, attracting new residents and businesses to the City of Winterset and Madison County.

• Enhanced public safety

Vibrant public spaces, such as the Fieldhouse, contribute to lower crime rates. When communities have access to quality amenities and feel ownership, they are more likely to engage in crime prevention and foster a safer environment for all.

• Economic development

The Fieldhouse will help attract new residents and potential new businesses to the City of Winterset and Madison County.

The estimated cost of construction for the Winterset Fieldhouse and Police Station is $20 Million.

The project does not affect your taxes and will not increase your taxes.

The planned Winterset Fieldhouse currently resides on 17 acres of city-owned property east of town along Court Ave, directly across the street from Martin Marietta Soccer Complex. This land resides within an Urban Renewal Area (URA), and revenues generated from this URA can only be spent within this URA. Therefore, the money allocated to the Fieldhouse from the City of Winterset cannot be used for other infrastructure needs within our community. For example, funds cannot be used by the URA to replace a street on the west side of town.

The planned Winterset Fieldhouse currently resides on 17 acres of city-owned property east of town along Court Ave, directly across the street from Martin Marietta Soccer Complex. This land resides within an Urban Renewal Area (URA), and revenues generated from this URA can only be spent within this URA. Therefore, the money allocated to the Fieldhouse from the City of Winterset cannot be used for other infrastructure needs within our community. For example, funds cannot be used by the URA to replace a street on the west side of town.

No, the facility will be for anyone who wants to purchase a membership or day pass. Rates will be the same for residents and non-residents.

While final pricing has not yet been determined, a monthly price of $45 - $70 was used to develop the Winterset Fieldhouse business plan.

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• Contact Director of Parks and Recreation, Sky Smothers, at ssmothers@winterset.gov or 515-462-3258

Our community has determined through various public feedback opportunities that indoor space is one of the most important amenities of which they desire

Most recently in 2021, every household within city limits was mailed a survey as a way for them to provide feedback regarding parks and recreation program and amenity needs for our community. Through this survey, it was determined that indoor space and programming were at the top of the list.

In 2022 the Parks, Recreation and Trail Master Plan was developed alongside the Winterset Comprehensive Plan. In addition to the 2021 Needs Assessment information, an interactive website was launched to solicit ideas, along with public meetings, stakeholder interviews, and interview with Middle/high school kids. During the Master Plan process, feedback continued to show the high desire for indoor recreation space.

In 2024 following Needs Assessment and Parks Master Plan, and Winterset Fieldhouse Business plan was developed in order to determine if the facility could have a cost recovery of 100% and be self-sustainable. In February of 2024, two public meetings were held to review the Winterset Fieldhouse Business Plan and provide feedback.

The goal is to complete the $4million fundraising campaign by fall/winter of 2026, bid the project over the 2026/2027 winter months, and begin construction in the spring of 2027. Construction is expected to take 16 months, meaning the Fieldhouse would open in late 2028 or early 2029.

Based on the construction timeline (see previous question), the earliest the Fieldhouse is expected to be open to the public is late 2028 or early 2029.

You can review the Needs Assessment, Parks and Recreation Master Plan, City of Winterset Comprehensive Plan and or Winterset Fieldhouse Business plan in their entirety for additional information.

No. An indoor pool will not be included with this project. With the investments required for staffing, maintenance, and operations, an indoor pool would be a large and costly undertaking. Maintaining one pool requires great effort and seasonal help. Adding another pool facility would be detrimental to the Fieldhouse, as well as the city.

An indoor pool would not allow the Winterset Fieldhouse to break even and would require additional city subsidies. The goal of the Winterset Fieldhouse is to break even.

Of the estimated $20M cost of construction, $16M has been allocated by the City of Winterset, to be funded by the URA fund revenues. The remaining $4M will be raised through donations, sponsorships, and grants.

The City of Winterset will own the facility. Winterset Parks and Recreation will relocate their administrative offices to the Fieldhouse and will manage the day-to-day operations.

With the growth of Winterset over the last 31 years, the Winterset Police Department has outgrown their current space. The department now has 10 officers and is leasing space from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, which is also growing. As a result, both agencies have exceeded the capacity of that shared space.

A new Police Department building will provide larger, updated office areas, dedicated meeting and training spaces, and improved storage capacity (no jail). This also will allow for future growth as the community continues to expand. A modern, professional workspace will strengthen our efforts in recruiting and retaining quality officers.

This is an opportunity to be situated in one of the communities most active areas. Being connected to the Winterset Fieldhouse and located near City Park and the Martin Marrietta Sports Complex will enhance visibility and provide community members with a greater sense of safety and security.

The Winterset Fieldhouse will be located on 17 acres of city-owned land along East Court Ave, across from the Martin Marietta Sports Complex

Public recreation facilities and private fitness clubs play complementary roles in promoting a healthy community. By catering to different needs and providing diverse fitness options, both entities can increase the health of the community, and foster an active and wellness-oriented lifestyle among residents. In most instances, public facilities fill gaps in service, and provide an accessible hub for physical activity, particularly for individuals and families with a variety of interests and needs. Offering affordable memberships, a wide range of amenities, and serving all age segments, the Fieldhouse will provide inclusive opportunities for all residents to engage in regular exercise and recreational activities.

No. With 25+ years of public feedback, most recently through the Needs Assessment, Parks and Recreation Master Plan, City of Winterset Comprehensive Plan and the Winterset Fieldhouse Business Plan, the City of Winterset has allocated up to $16M in URA funds to assist with this project with the remaining $4M to be privately fundraised.