In May of 2024, Baxter experienced flooding that was later declared a disaster by FEMA. During that storm, the pond at Giese Park filled with sediment and reached its capacity to handle stormwater. Recognizing the need for improvements, Public Works Director Bryce Halter worked with city staff to request funding to dredge the pond and increase its capacity, which was approved by FEMA in July 2025.
To help cover the remaining costs, the city applied to the 2025 Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. We are pleased to share that Baxter has been awarded $50,000 through REAP, becoming only the fifth project in Jasper County to receive this funding. This support helps us fully fund the dredging work and brings the future walking trail around the pond to roughly 35 percent funded. The city will continue pursuing grants and additional funding sources to make the full trail a reality, as residents identified it as an important priority during the Community Visioning process.
The pond was previously too shallow to support fish. Once the dredging is complete, it will create healthier habitat conditions and allow fishing at Giese Park for the first time. This will give local residents a place to fish close to home, rather than having to travel outside the community. The city will continue working toward long-term improvements at Giese Park to support both recreation and stormwater management, and we appreciate the community’s input and support along the way.
