SHELL ROCK -- As a boy, Steve Nieman spent many a summer day on the river.

Nieman and friends would borrow a rickety canoe and take turns pushing and pulling their way through the water, bailing with a three-pound coffee can.

Now a councilman, Nieman hopes planned opportunities will help today's youth in Shell Rock create their own memories and enjoy safe adventures. He shared his memories Tuesday at a town hall meeting focused on the community's future.

More than 100 people also turned out, eager to hear about a much-anticipated announcement.

Members of the Shell Rock Development Corporation and city officials unveiled drawings and details for a major town project. The multifaceted endeavor -- Parks Galore and a Whole Lot More -- addresses new and existing parks, a recreational program and housing. This summer, people can also expect to see ball diamond improvements and new tennis courts for McCague Park.

"They are all good for our community," said Libby Bingham, director of the development group.

Last year, officials held a brainstorming session to get residents' input on how to spend $250,000 remaining from a sizable donation.

"Once we started piggybacking ideas, other ideas started coming together," Bingham said.

Parks Galore and a Whole Lot More highlights short- and long-term goals, Bingham said, which is consistent with suggestions to leverage the contribution from the late Roy and Marie Mason of Shell Rock.

Parks improvements are divided into two phases. The first calls for swimming pool improvements, including a much-applauded sidewalk available from the north. Plans also call for constructing soccer fields.

Bonnie Lehman, a resident, thinks money going toward water recreation will be well spent.

"A pool will bring young families into town," she said.

The price tag for initiatives in phase one add up to $484,800. Development officials intend to raise the money through donations and grants. Money collected to date totals about $107,000. In order to apply for a Community Attraction and Tourism grant, officials said they need to raise that tally to $237,400 by April 1.

Community leaders also plan to eventually turn city-owned property to the north of McCague Park into recreational space. The dry run park, which is in a flood plain, might feature disc golf, picnic tables and a trail.

Phase two improvements for McCague Park, slated for 2008, include more playground equipment and adding volleyball and basketball courts.

Kids and adults can expect more activities when the weather gets warmer, said Danielle Rusch, a member of the corporation. She also works with the newly formed Rockin' Recreation Program, which coordinates existing activities in town such as karate class and men's basketball league.

By creating the program, the city will be able to better publicize and expand class offerings in Shell Rock, Rusch said. Existing donations will fund start-up costs.

" … This summer, get ready to sign up for snorkeling and scuba diving … ," she added.

City and development officials hope residents and visitors aren't the only ones to benefit from their investments. They hope the fruits of their labor will result in new taxpayers.

The city's housing committee offered a low-interest construction loan to Steere Home Builders of Waverly. The company plans to deliver a spec home to Shell Rock in February.

Community leaders hope the supportive gesture toward residential growth and the upcoming project will attract housing developers, Bingham said.

Mike Kaus of Shell Rock sees Tuesday's announcement as positive news. He said his family would use the trails.

"A project like this keeps interest in the town. It gives things for our kids to do," Kaus said.

Development officials also used the meeting to ask for support and dollars.

"Making this project work is going to mean this city needs to pull together," Rusch said.

Plans, drawn up by Craig Ritland Landscape and Architects of Waterloo, are available at City Hall.

Contact Karen Heinselman (319) 291-1581 or karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.

How to help:

Here's how to get involved in Parks Galore and a Whole Lot More.

-- Attend a fundraising dinner and auction March 24 at Faith Lutheran Church in Shell Rock.

-- Organize or volunteer for a fundraiser.

-- Make a donation.

-- Visit designated restaurants in Shell Rock and Waverly on Tuesday nights or buy a pizza punchcard.

The big push for funds will be in February and March, so officials can apply for a state grant. For information about the project, how to donate or a list of participating restaurants, call City Hall at (319) 885-6555 or check the Web site at www.shellrockiowa.org.