LINN COUNTY, Iowa — The Palisades-Kepler Park is known for its scenic rivers and trails, but the crumbling dam is not just an eyesore, but is also a deadly hazard. The first public meeting discussing the engineering design project was held this week.
Built in 1936, it has been the site of numerous drownings and poses ongoing public safety risks. Park officials are stressing that now is the time for change.
“Easy public access combined with a broken structure, complete with deteriorating concrete, exposed metal, and a naturally heavy water flow creates a dangerous environment,” one county official expressed in the meeting.
Many chimed in that safety is a priority, but so is fishing and recreation on the river. Leaders are still weighing options to remove or upgrade the dam while thinking of the river’s habitat…