With the cancellations of programs, events, and typical organizational meetings over the past year, the City of Indianola has seen an increase of use of parks and trails around the area, one of the few activities that are available to use safely during the pandemic. Indianola Parks and Rec Director Doug Bylund tells KNIA News one of the many things he has taken in over the past year, was just how important his department can be for the health and wellness of the area.

“I would say the most important thing is that we learned the hard way how important our parks, trails, and outdoor green spaces are for quality of life of people. As bad as this year was for the pandemic, it really highlighted the investment our state, our country, and our city has made to preserve these spaces for people to use, especially in times like this.”

Bylund also said he and his staff, along with everyone else, greatly look forward to the day when events can be safely held in person as normal, but until then they will work to provide what they can for the community.