HONEY CREEK, Iowa (WOWT) – Pottawattamie County officials are looking for public input on plans for Crescent Hill at Hitchcock.
The new name is a nod to the ski area’s history, according to the master plan draft. The county says the strategy for the recreational area that includes the former Mount Crescent will be developed with an emphasis on conservation and connection with the surrounding community, education, and financial viability.
The draft was unveiled Saturday. It was put together using input from 986 people who participated in a survey as well as feed back from 76 “stakeholder” interviews.
“Between January and May 2024, conservation staff conducted nine stakeholder interviews with 76 individuals representing community groups with a special interest in recreation, conservation, tourism, community development, and education,” the planning site states.
According to the drafted plan, officials aim to keep the ski hill as a main focus while also incorporating the Hitchcock Nature Center into a recreational experience for visitors.
They also want to bring programming and events to Crescent Hill — from large-scale festivals, concerts, and races to smaller events with live performances, food vendors, and other activities like scavenger hunts. Plans also call for the new Chalet restaurant facility to be made available as a private venue for weddings, banquets, meetings, and more.
“Through this combination of winter and warm-season programming, Crescent Hill would build on its core strengths while evolving to diversify business and meet the interests of a broad audience,” the plan states.
Officials envision the Crescent Hill master plan rolling out in three stages.
The first “immediate” phase focuses on things that can be more immediately implemented — and allow for fund-raising. The “intermediate” part of the plan will incorporate larger costlier — but necessary — projects, like adding a “beginner area” for the ski resort. The last “aspirational” phase will move toward a long-term vision but remain feasible and financially within reach.
Other possibilities described in the plan include adding a snow tubing hill; a hilltop picnic area that’s available year-round; summer lawn games; cabins and glamping sites; an amphitheater; a natural play area geared towards kids, with climbing areas and slides; and an adventure playground and zipline. Activities on the table also include winter night walks, adventure walks and trail running, and school programs that expand on those already offered at the nature center.
According to the planning document, other activities “were considered but ultimately excluded.” Mountain biking, disc golf, summer tubing, and a mountain coaster were set aside mostly because they didn’t fit with conservation goals. Planners also considered including a “low ropes course,” but instead opted for the adventure playground instead.
The plan also includes replacing the lifts and adding a base lodge to provide essential skiier services in the winter and serve as a centralized gateway for Crescent Hill’s summer activities. They also call for replacing the maintenance facility to help support site operations more effectively.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Planners are gathering public input on the master plan through June 30. Links to the Crescent Hills at Hitchcock plan and input form are available online.
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