The Director for Newton Housing Development Corporation believes a Friends of Cardinal Pond Group should be formed to raise money for enhancements to the new fishing pond in Newton’s Arbor Estates subdivision. Director Bruce Showalter brought up the idea at Monday night’s City Council meeting.

“I think it’s so unique to Newton that it’s going to become more and more popular as we add things out there. I just wanted to throw that out. I think it’s a good idea. It would be similar to the Friends of the Dog Park group that has helped with the dog parks.”

During the Newton City Council meeting, council members formally accepted a $125,000 Resource Enhancement and Protection grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for improvements. The grant money will be used to add an ADA accessible fishing pier to the pond, and begin the creation of walking trails around it. Newton Community Development Director Erin Chambers says for Newton’s population, $125,000 is the maximum grant amount. The city is not required to provide any matching funds for the grant, but there must be a sign at the pond recognizing the financial contribution from the Resource Enhancement and Protection program.