WAPELLO
4 • THE SOURCE 2024
WAPELLO
WAPELLO COUNTY is home to one of the most popular small tourist destinations – the American Gothic House – outside of Eldon . However , there is more to the county than its renowned home based on a painting from famed Iowa painter Grant Wood .
Ottumwa has taken big steps in recent years to transform its community , specifically the areas along the Des Moines River . In early 2023 , the city council approved a master plan for Greater Ottumwa Park , and it could be the biggest transformation of the city ’ s outdoor landscape in decades . The plan would cost $ 77 million to fully implement , but the project will be done in phases over many years . The first major part of the plan will be a three-field , state-of-the-art soccer complex , which will be completed this year .
Two years ago , Ottumwa also initiated its Mission 500 housing program . The program ’ s goal is to address what officials have called the “ missing middle ,” which is affordable housing for middle-income individuals and families . The aim is to construct 500 units by 2032 to help alleviate a housing crunch in the community .
Wapello County is known for its parks in rural areas as well , and the county received a Destination Iowa grant that will triple the number of campsites in the Pioneer Ridge Nature Area , which is home to fishing and other outdoor recreation , but also hosts special events such as weddings . Also , the state-of-the-art Southeast Iowa Sports Center will open early this year , allowing youth tournaments to be held in Ottumwa , which could create economic gains in the community .
Last year , the 51st running of the Register ’ s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa stopped in Ottumwa for the first time since 2016 , bringing approximately 18,000 cyclists through the community . It was estimated the community took in about $ 800,000 in revenue from the event . It was the fifth time RAGBRAI made a stop in Ottumwa since the event ’ s inception in 1973 , but cyclists also passed through Agency and Eldon during the ride .
The Ottumwa Community School District finished its grade reconfiguration at the start of the school year , opening a new elementary building last spring . The reconfiguration took place over a one-year period to provide a more 1-to-1 educational experience for its students at south side elementaries , as well as secondary buildings by reducing the number of students in each building .