It’s been a busy 2025 for the City of Kalona, but city officials are already planning for what’s to come next in 2026.

Kalona City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh says he is most proud of the city’s commitment to enhancing Kalona’s parks and recreation. That recently included the renovation of an open shelter at Kalona City Park that Schlabaugh says was beginning to show its age. Work on that shelter included the addition of an ADA-compliant restroom and a small kitchenette for serving. Schlabaugh says he anticipates the shelter will be ready for use by spring 2026. 

The city also completed and held a ribbon cutting last spring for the South Town Recreation Area including its dog park, splashpad, and playground. Schlabaugh spoke of plans to connect a trail from Kalona City Park to the South Town area, “We’re starting to put in some parking down there, with the hopes of having three unique parks all along that trail route. So we’ve had a trail committee established at the direction of the council.” The trail would run through city-owned land along the English River. Potential routes will be shown to the public in early 2026 with costs and funding options. Last February, the city received a $1 million donation from the Shiloh Committee to go toward trails.

Looking ahead to 2026, Schlabaugh says housing and public safety will be among the city’s focus areas. The city is continuing with plans to sell the zero lot line at 502 A Avenue to individuals of low or moderate income. That project will continue through 2026, possibly into 2027. 

The Kalona City Council has also directed staff to start planning at “a really high level” for an emergency management center. This comes as the city is starting to feel pressure in regards to space for the Kalona Volunteer Fire Department and the Kalona Volunteer First Responders. Schlabaugh added that the city is excited about some of the early discussions they’ve had on the latter, and says the city will look into land acquisitions in 2026 and what that might mean for the future of both departments.