Kalona is a historic and welcoming community in a location primed for future growth in east-central Iowa. Within Kalona city limits lies SouthTown — an area unique in that it provides a scenic opportunity to live amongst nature, recreation and conservation.

The City of Kalona and Washington County Conservation partnered to provide a development design concept that allows for a seamless transition between residential living and nature at its best. MSA provided master planning, design, and construction administration services to assist in these efforts, including a public engagement process and master planning survey to gauge the public’s perception of Kalona’s character, future, quality of life, and opportunities for improvement.

Washington County Conservation brings over 2,300 acres of conservation management experience and expertise to the SouthTown area. The Conservation’s mission is to protect, preserve and educate the public about the natural features located within the SouthTown area. Collaborative efforts are currently underway to expand community recreational opportunities and conservation projects. Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy public access to projects throughout the 80-acre public park — Vista Park — which includes rock-surfaced and natural trails, a dog park, playground, splash pad, restroom facilities, fishing ponds, disc golf course, and soccer fields — complemented by native prairie restoration.

Special features of the splash pad include a large slide with waterfall feature, flower spinners, butterfly themed structures, fountain sprays, jet stream, and mist nozzles. The concrete surfacing was painted with non-slip epoxy coating to provide additional contrast and color.

Construction of the first phase including a walking path around the existing pond was completed in the spring of 2024. The second phase, which includes a large playground structure, splash pad, dog park, parking lot improvements, restroom facility, soccer fields, and walking paths was completed in fall of 2024.