A unique waterpark concept could reshape summers in Newell.
Residents got a closer look at that idea Thursday night during a question‑and‑answer town hall at the Allee Building. About 30 people attended in person and another 20 joined on Facebook Live as the mayor, members of the pool committee and the project designer walked through what the Newell Waterpark could be — and what it would take to build it.
The conversation comes as Newell prepares to demolish its 1956 concrete pool and bathhouse later this month. The city’s swimming pool closed in 2023 due to safety issues, and replacing it was estimated at $3.8 million — far beyond what the Buena Vista County community of 900 could raise. The proposed Newell Waterpark, a synthetic‑lined swim pond with clear water, a sand beach and inflatables, is expected to cost around half a million and would be built on the same site of the old pool.
Mayor Justin Lyman stressed that the proposal is not a traditional pond.
Lyman said the city now has a clear direction after months of confusion over whether fundraising was aimed at a pool or a waterpark.
He told residents the timing is right. Newell recently joined Hometown Pride, volunteer interest is growing and the project cost — roughly $450,000 to $525,000 — is within reach.
Questions ranged from water temperature to winter use. Residents asked whether the liner could withstand freezing conditions, whether debris would collect along the fence line and how shallow areas would be separated for younger children. Nathan Zickert, Pond Development Manager for Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource, said the liner is designed for year-round durability, and many communities use similar ponds for winter recreation, including ice hockey.
Safety was a recurring theme. Several residents referenced past water‑related accidents in the region and asked about life jackets, lifeguards and visibility in deeper water. Zickert said the design includes a shallow zone for small children, roped off from deeper areas, and emphasized that clear water and daily lifeguard oversight are central to the concept.
Pool committee members Mike and Patty Johnson shared photos and videos from Blanchardville, Wis. — the model community six members of the Newell Pool Project visited earlier this summer. They described strong attendance, clear water and inflatables that draw kids, teens and adults from miles around. Committee member Dale Schumann said the trip revived momentum.
Schumann also noted that Newell is much closer to the finish line than many residents realize.
Zickert told the crowd Newell would likely be the first city in Iowa to build a synthetic‑lined swim pond — and said Rolfe, in neighboring Pocahontas County, recently reached out wanting to pursue the same idea.
One resident encouraged Newell to embrace the opportunity.
Lyman also addressed the long‑debated question of whether Newell should instead build a traditional swimming pool. He said the numbers simply don’t work.
He said the waterpark concept is different, unique and capable of drawing visitors — which could help support local businesses, strengthen community identity and even encourage people to move to town.
He envisions small kids digging in the sand, older kids swimming and climbing on inflatables and adults relaxing on the beach — a space designed to appeal to all ages and encourage people to put their phones down and enjoy each other’s company.
Lyman closed the meeting by reflecting on the majority of attendees who grew up at the old Newell Pool — and what a new pond‑style inflatable waterpark could mean for the next generation.
The pool committee plans to meet again soon to outline fundraising, marketing and next steps. If the city council approves the project and fundraising stays on pace, excavation could begin next spring — with the goal of opening the Newell Waterpark for a full season in 2027.
