Work is underway to construct what Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark noted was the largest inflatable sports dome in Iowa, a fact Bark stated during the Groundbreaking Ceremony held Thursday at the construction site on South Houser Street.
Bark was joined by donors to the project, representatives from the engineering and construction firms, city staff, city council members, and members of the public for the ceremony.
A highlight to the ceremony was the revealing of the name for the new facility. Bark was joined by Musco Lighting President and CEO Jeff Rogers to throw back the curtain and reveal that the facility will be known as the Musco Sports Center.
Musco is one of the major donors to the project along with the Howe Foundation, Kent Corporation, HNI, Muscatine Power & Water, the State of Iowa, the County of Muscatine, the City of Muscatine, and Rock In Prevention.
Gage Kent, president and CEO of Kent Corporation, and Jim Howe, Director of the Howe Foundation, spoke during the ceremony both noting that the center will benefit all citizens of Muscatine and be an economic boost for the community.
Lauren Corrow, assistant project manager for ISG who designed the facility, and Bob Gaffney, vice president for prime contractor Merit Construction, said that they have had a positive experience working with the people of Muscatine and look forward to presenting them with the finest structure possible.
Bark also noted that Muscatine Power & Water has added the project to their Going Green Renewable Energy Program and will provide the facility with power from 100 percent renewable energy sources.
Also on hand for the groundbreaking were members of the Muscatine City Council, Interim City Administrator Anthony Kies, and Parks and Recreation Director Rich Klimes.
Klimes said that a series of public meetings will be held in the near future to gather input from the community on scheduling and fee structures.
If you have comments or suggestions for the new facility and cannot attend one of the upcoming meetings, you can email the information to parksoffice@muscatineiowa.gov or call 563-263-0241.