The Newton City Council has approved moving forward with a one-point-six-million dollar bond referendum for a major park development project.

The measure was formally authorized by the council by unanimous vote at a meeting earlier this week.  The issue will now be placed on the ballot for a public vote on September 13th.

The project includes a new clubhouse at Westwood Golf Course, some new play features at Maytag Pool, new pickleball courts at Aurora Park and a fenced-in dog park at Sunset Park.

City documents state if the bond issue is approved the city of Newton would not be required to increase its property tax levy.  The city’s finance team has determined payments of the bond could be absorbed by the current debt service levy.