Lonsdale hopes to build on past accomplishments

Editor’s Note: This is the third in a series of articles talking about area communities, their accomplishments in 2015 and the goals and challenges they face in 2016.

The City of Lonsdale saw a lot of exciting things happen during the past year, and Mayor Tim Rud says the goal of the city is to continue to build on those accomplishments in the coming year.

"Probably the most exciting thing from 2015 was the construction of a Veterans Memorial in the downtown area," Rud says. "It’s one of our proudest accomplishments since I’ve been in office. It shows honor, respect and gratitude to the veterans of the area, and at the same time it’s created a destination point for our downtown. It brings people downtown and hopefully they see the stores and stop in."

Another positive development in 2015 was the final construction of the addition to the city’s business park on the east end of Highway 19. "It’s open for new businesses, and we already have one business committed to building first thing in the spring," he said.

Finally, Rud says the city is proud of all the park accomplishments that have been made in the last few years. "We’ve got eight miles of walking paths, improvements around Memorial Park and Kalina Park, and added amenities, such as an archery range, over the last few years.“

What’s ahead?

Rud said one of the biggest goals for 2016 is related to the business park.

"Our focal point is to recruit businesses to fill the business park. In addition to the business park, we’ve spoken with the developer who bought land near Fred’s Marketplace that has been idle for the last few years. He seems ready to make something happen. Any construction and new business adds to vibrancy of a town."

Rud stated that the coming year will see planning and the start of some large infrastructure projects.

"The big goal for many communities is to replace aging infrastructure. A lot of our water lines are 70 to 80 years old. We need to put our selves into a good position for the future."

Finally, Rud pointed to a recently completed community survey of what residents like about Lonsdale. "The vast majority like the small-town feel, safety and parks. A big goal of ours is to continue to build on that. That means new park amenities, walking paths, and adding a police officer.“ In addition, he supports the upcoming Tri- City United School referendum.

"We’re hoping that will pass because schools are important to the community. The referendum would expand the current TCU Lonsdale school from a K-4 school to K-6. We see that as a positive."

Rud said much of the credit for what the city has accomplished is due to the efforts of city staff and to those who volunteer for the advisory boards, such as the park board. "They don’t get the recognition that the council members get, and they do a good job for the city."