The Ames-based venue management company VenueWorks has been hired to manage the Yard in the Johnston Town Center. According to a news release, the Yard, a central green space, is scheduled to open this summer. It will feature regular events, including concerts, a splash pad and a seasonal ice-skating rink. The Yard is a public-private initiative to redevelop Merle Hay Road at the intersection of Northwest 62nd Avenue to create a commercial center for the city of Johnston with dining, shopping and entertainment. Quincy Keck has been hired as the general manager overseeing the Yard. She has degrees in hospitality leadership and public relations from Bradley University, and previously worked as the in-house Ungerboeck event trainer at VenuWorks’ corporate office. Before that, Keck was the events manager at the VenuWorks-managed Bridge View Center in Ottumwa. Keck began her new role on Feb. 1.