Community Report

Mingo is located in Jasper County along the Chichaqua Valley Trail, a 28-mile rail trail that extends into the Des Moines metro-central Iowa regional trail network. Mingo is a beautiful town with a creek running through the lower area and rolling hills that create lovely vistas from higher points. Its small size and proximity to downtown Des Moines make it attractive to young families. Despite the trail, the community as a whole is not walkable or bikable because of the poor condition of the sidewalk system. 

Community Assessments

During the focus groups, residents identified the Chichaqua Valley Trail as the town’s main asset. However, they would like more trail amenities such as benches, lighting and a bike repair station. Some participants said that an additional access point to the trail would be beneficial. The poor sidewalk system is the primary barrier in town, along with a lack of lighting and way-finding signage and a “barren” downtown area. 

Community Tour Survey

Our community is currently participating in the Iowa’s Living Roadways Community Visioning Program. As part of this program we want input from residents and business owners about the places they live, work and play. Beginning July 22nd a series of displays will be popping up around Mingo, showcasing what we have learned so far about your community through this process, as well as presenting some initial design concepts for enhancements to the city’s transportation network, based on community input. Some of the themes that you will be able to learn more about and provide your input on are:

• Sidewalk connectivity
• Trail expansion and enhancement
• Downtown streetscape updates
• Community identity/Open space planning
• Stormwater management strategies

We have created an electronic version of this survey and would love to have your input on our future projects! You can download the survey, information and pictures here. Please send your completed survey to cahunter@iastate.edu. Our deadline is Friday, August 7.