Storm Lake’s next downtown gathering spot could take shape in a small patch of green space — and the volunteers behind the idea want to make it happen without asking taxpayers to foot the bill.
The Storm Lake Hometown Pride Committee outlined several potential community improvement projects during Monday evening’s city council meeting, including a pocket park downtown, a possible community mural and continued improvements to the Storm Lake Nature Area.
Formed in 2024 through a partnership with Keep Iowa Beautiful, the volunteer committee has already raised more than $10,000 for downtown benches and is looking for new ways to improve public spaces, attract community involvement and build on existing city projects.
Community coach Carissa Harvey told council members the committee has established its own nonprofit organization, giving it greater independence to pursue donations and grants.
One of its next priorities is a green space near the former Tropical Sno building at Michigan and Fifth streets. Co-chair Mike Porsch says the committee wants to build on the success of the downtown bench project by creating a small park where residents can gather.
The preliminary concept includes a pergola, benches, picnic tables, planters, a bike rack and pavers. The committee is considering lower-maintenance landscaping and alternatives to some of the more elaborate features as it develops the design and obtains cost estimates.
Porsch says the committee would seek grants and private donations to pay for the work, but it needs the city’s permission to use the public property. Council members also raised questions about who would maintain the area.
The committee is considering another way to add character to public spaces: a community mural.
Harvey told council members Storm Lake could apply for the Iowa Arts Council’s Iowans Create Community Mural Program, which offers a $25,000 project budget to develop artwork celebrating a community’s identity and culture. The community application deadline is Oct. 28.
Potential locations discussed include the Chautauqua Park pickleball courts, King’s Pointe and Awaysis Park. The committee said the sites are preliminary and would need property-owner support. Mayor Meg McKeon said a city letter of support would need to be considered as an agenda item.
Council member Maggie Martinez said she supports more artwork in the city but suggested reconsidering the proposed locations.
The third priority is the Storm Lake Nature Area, planned for city-owned land east of the golf course and Sunrise Park Campgrounds, near the former dredge spoil site.
The city accepted a $125,000 Resource Enhancement and Protection grant in November 2025 for initial improvements, including an access road, parking area and the first loop of a hiking and biking trail. Native plantings and prairie restoration are also planned.
Harvey said the committee wants to help build on the city’s investment by identifying additional grants and donation opportunities.
The presentation was informational, and council members took no action on the proposed projects during the update.
Storm Lake Hometown Pride meets at noon on the fourth Wednesday of each month at VeSo Coffee and welcomes additional volunteers and community partners. More information is available on the committee’s Facebook page and the city’s website.
