Indoor recreation matches the outdoor offerings. The Sac Community Center provides comprehensive fitness facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, basketball court, racquetball court, meeting areas, and a complete array of exercise equipment.“It offers everything you’d see in a Gold’s Gym or a 24-Hour Fitness,” Lawrence notes. The nonprofit-run facility rivals commercial gyms in larger cities.Additionally, the community-organized Kids World Incorporated, established around 2000, addresses childcare needs through a nonprofit board structure. The 33-mile Sauk Rail Trail and the 41-mile North Raccoon River Water Trail enhance the region’s recreational appeal. These established routes offer residents and visitors extensive opportunities for outdoor activities. The city partners with the county Trails Group to advance these initiatives.“It’s a lofty goal, but I think we’re going to accomplish it within ten years,” Lawrence says. The comprehensive trail system, connecting to downtown restaurants and establishments, positions Sac City as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts while providing valuable amenities for current and prospective residents. MEETING GROWING HOUSING DEMAND Five years ago, a comprehensive housing needs assessment in Sac County revealed a pressing demand for single-family homes and apartments, and professional housing options. Professional recruitment also showed the need for new housing. “In visiting with our businesses and industries, we were told that housing was a big need,” Wilson says. The city responded with a multi-faceted approach to address these concerns. Recent developments showcase Sac City’s innovative housing solutions.The city utilized a Homes for Iowa program, featuring prisoner-built housing from Newton, Iowa, marking the state’s first privately purchased unit of this kind.“Sac City has undertaken a housing development of 13 lots across from the country club,” Wilson explains. “Sac City also developed another area with three lots, which are all taken now, and we’re taking down old, dilapidated houses to make room for infill housing.” A particularly creative solution emerged from the closure of the local middle school.“About two years 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx