News : Vinton’s landscape is changing quickly in several areas

The skyline of Vinton is changing. One of the reasons, Anderson Creek Estates. Others happening.

The big highlight of the year has been the continued progress of the iVinton project. Something more than a decade in the works. It's been a project that doesn't have a lot of physical things that you can see. But on the heels of that has been several more above-ground changes that residents can and will be seeing.

Anderson Creek Estates

Located on the southern edge of Vinton, the new development is quickly taking shape. Several homes are in the nearly completed stages, with some already being occupied. Housing in Vinton is tight right now, but the new addition will help.

Kiwanis Park Splash Pad

Construction of the much-anticipated splash pad at the Kiwanis Park is moving along swiftly. Crews are moving dirt, bringing in sand, and changing the landscape in the area in preparation for the new attraction.

There is nothing exciting to see quite yet, but the project is moving along quickly.

New Walking Path in the early stages

Under the guidance of Vinton's Parks and Recreation Department's Matt Boggess plans for what will be the largest glowing walking path in the country are taking shape. This project is still in its early stages but will be another exciting addition to the community.

Cedar River Watershed

Soon the Cedar River Watershed construction will be underway on the old Dr. Corbett land which will help with flooding in the area of the southern end of town. Soon you'll see the dirt being moved and this project taking shape.

John's Quick Stop

John's Quick Stop is also adding a new car wash. Construction crews haven't let the grass grow under their feet. Walls for the new structure are now up. Just a few months ago a house stood in its place.

Kwik Star

On the west edge of town, Kwik Star is wrapping up the final stages of their construction as well. The opening of the store is scheduled to take place in August.

Braille School Land Transfer

The City Council was happy to hear that the final paperwork for moving the Iowa Braille Sight Saving School to ownership by the city will finally happen today. The paperwork will allow the Board of Regents to transfer ownership to the city. The city will then be able to move this into the hands of Hobart Historic Restorations for further development on the property.

There will be a special Council meeting on Monday, July 13, at 7:00 p.m. to make this official.

Each of these new developments, construction projects and plans are what makes Vinton alive and well. The city is humming with progress and it's exciting to see.

There are several people hard at work in the community. There are so many working hard in their area of expertise. Folks behind the new development. The Vinton Parks & Rec Department, always seem to have a project or two going. The officials working on the Cedar River Watershed, trying to make life better for the waterlogged residents. Business owners are investing in the town. Last but not least all of the people who have spent countless hours on the Braille School Project. The general public has no idea of the intense work that has gone into getting this project where it is today. I would guess most of them have spent the majority of their time the last couple of years, hunched over paperwork or staring at computer screens to make all of this happen. When dealing with the government, there are no shortcuts.

The work has been intense, and progress probably won't be seen for years from the outside, but know that to even get to this place, it has been the result of several people with their nose to the grindstone to make this happen.

Thank you to all of you, it's not going unnoticed.

So as you drive around, remember what the town used to look like, and remember what it looks like now. There will be some changes coming soon and in a few years you will be able to look back and say, "Remember when...?"

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