Indianola is moving forward with plans for a community wellness facility. A planning committee last week issued a request for proposals and qualifications (RFP/Q) for entities interested in constructing and operating such a facility.

The Indianola Wellness Facility Planning Committee, which has representatives from Indianola’s city council and school board, Simpson College, Indianola Municipal Utilities (IMU) and Indianola Community Foundation, will evaluate proposals based on criteria developed earlier this year through a public input process.

According to criteria in the RFP/Q, the committee is seeking proposals for a facility that would have between 35,000 and 60,000 square feet of space on a 5- to 7-acre site. The center would include a gymnasium, aerobic studio, recreation pool and competitive pool, an indoor track and racquetball court as well as classrooms and office space.

“It certainly seems like we do have an untapped need for a center with indoor aquatics,” said Todd Kielkopf, IMU general manager and a member of the 12-person committee. “Simpson College has been gracious to support the schools’ needs, but their pool is 45 years old. That’s why they’re participating on the committee; they also see some value in participating with the community on this type of facility.”

The planning committee has allocated time during its next meeting on Sept. 30 to address questions from potential responders.

Kielkopf said the committee’s goal is to have the major elements of the project ready to present to a joint meeting of the city council, Warren County Board of Supervisors, the Indianola school board and Simpson College officials planned for Dec. 13.

“We’d like to present an outline of the potential facility, a funding plan and a memorandum of understanding with an entity that would operate the facility,” he said.

Copies of the RFP/Q can be found at the www.indianolafoundation.org web site. Questions concerning the submission and evaluation process should be addressed to Jay Byers at jaybyers@msn.com or Todd Kielkopf at toddk@i-m-u.com. Initial proposals are due to the committee by 4 p.m. on Oct. 7 at 111 South Buxton, Indianola IA 50125.