December, 2005
Welcome to the monthly Prairie Trail newsletter! The objective of this newsletter is to keep you informed about Prairie Trail with relevant information and insights.
Prairie Trail is a significant development for Ankeny and for Central Iowa, and our goal is to communicate with our stakeholders and partners on a regular basis.
Request for Proposals (RFPs) for Master Planning Services
Staff members from the City of Ankeny and DRA Properties reviewed several proposals for Prairie Trail master planning services. Interviews will be conducted with four consulting firms in late November, with a recommendation on the preferred firm for City Council consideration at the Dec. 5 meeting. A contract for master planning services will be presented to the City Council on Dec. 19, which will include the scope of services that will be provided in the master planning process.
Community Visioning Process
City staff conducted several focus groups throughout October and November that included Ankeny residents and stakeholders. Individuals were asked to provide his or her perspective on the development of Prairie Trail, including their vision for the development and any concerns they may have. Participants were also asked to suggest activities and amenities that the Prairie Trail development could accommodate. The results of the community visioning process will be presented to the public in the form of guiding principles that will be used in the master planning process to ensure that the community perspective on Prairie Trail is incorporated into its design.
Community Communications Subcommittee
The level of community interest in Prairie Trail is growing as the planning process moves forward. However, through input it has been determined that there are different levels of awareness of Prairie Trail. A list of “Frequently Asked Questions” on the Prairie Trail project is now available to give all the residents of Ankeny a clearer understanding of the project. The list of questions is available on the Prairie Trail Web site and will be updated as the planning and development processes move forward. Visit the Web site at www.prairietrailankeny.com.
Next Steps in the Process
The City Council will consider recommendations for the selection of a master planning firm at the Dec. 5 meeting. The contract for master planning services will be considered by the City Council at the Dec. 19 meeting. The master planning for Prairie Trail will begin in January of 2006.
