RIVERSIDE

The long-awaited visible signs of a wellness center in Riverside may appear in two weeks.

Garling Construction, a Cedar Rapids construction firm that won a $10 million bid to build the Wellness Center, is expected to begin work in the third week of October with a target date of Oct. 22.

Riverside Mayor Allen Schneider told The News a groundbreaking public ceremony is being planned for early November, possibly the first Saturday of the month, Nov. 7.

The Riverside City Council, during its regularly scheduled meeting Monday, approved a resolution authorizing the use of a preliminary official statement for the sale of general obligation bonds. An $8 million bond referendum was passed by Riverside voters in November 2025.

The Wellness Center will be built near Highland Elementary School and is scheduled to open in spring 2028.

Axiom Consultants of Iowa City is coordinating a construction schedule with Garling.

The center will include a full-size basketball court, running track, locker rooms and conference rooms.

Blackjack Public Hearing

The Council set a public hearing for November 2 on the designation of a commercial urban renewal area for the Blackjack Beach RV & Water Resort that is being built south of the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort.

The designation clears the way for a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan with Elite Hospitality Group, which is building the facility.

A public hearing will be held Oct. 19, during the Council’s next meeting, on a planned city annexation that is also a part of the project.

The $35 million Blackjack Beach RV & Water Resort is expected to feature a 70,000 square-foot water park that will have three pools, a water slide tower, a swim-up bar and a sandy beach. The RV portion would have 154 parking spots and a clubhouse building of 14,000 square feet.

City Administrator

Dane Matthews, the new Riverside City Administrator and a 20-year U.S. Air Force veteran, is scheduled to begin his new job Monday.

“I think he’s ready to get started,” Riverside Mayor Allen Schneider said.

The City Council approved his contract Sept. 9 with a beginning annual salary of $97,000.

Matthews was manager of the Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District in Idaho Springs, Colorado.

Leaf Pick-ups

Absolute Outdoor Services of Hills will provide a pair of fall leaf pick-ups later this fall in Riverside.

The dates have not yet been determined, depending on weather conditions and when the leaves are falling.

Council Action

The Council approved a bonus of $650 for public works staffer Logan Michel.

Next board meeting:

The City Council’s next formal session is at 6 p.m. October 19.