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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Even though it is winter, the Beach Ottumwa is already looking forward to spring and summer.

One big project that the city is excited about is the proposed lazy river for the park’s southwest side.

“So far we have a plan worked up for a lazy river that everyone likes, and it is a very popular project. We have had a lot of people request that we do it; but so far we have not been able to line up any funding. Because it is such a large project, you know we are probably going to need corporate donations or a wealthy individual to leave us $2.5 million. That might be very optimistic to think that, but it is not out of the question because it happens all the time in other communities,” said Gene Rathje, Director of Ottumwa’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Rathje added that the Beach Ottumwa is willing to open up the naming rights to the new lazy river. He admits that the earliest start date for construction, if financed this year, would be in 2014.

If community members really want to see this project through, they could contact Rathje at the Beach Ottumwa, or Ottumwa City Administrator Joe Helfenberger at city hall.

Beach Ottumwa – 641-682-7873
Ottumwa City Hall – 641-683-0600