This is the story of how an idea for a local skatepark transformed into a plan for the largest skatepark in the nation.  In Episode 5, host Jon Cahill sits down with Angela Connolly (2nd Dist. Supervisor) and Norm Sterzenbach of Skate DSM to discuss the evolution of Lauridsen Skatepark: an Olympic-grade, world-class park opening this May along the Des Moines River. We take a closer look at how this project came to be, what it means for the regional economy, and how skateboarding is becoming increasingly popular across demographic lines. “People of Polk” is the official podcast of the Polk County Board of Supervisors. Here, we take an inside look at the issues and stories that matter to the people of Polk County, Iowa—discussed by experts, officials and everyday Iowans. Candid, insightful and straight to the point. Hosted by Jon Cahill.

People of Polk

Ep. 5: The nation’s largest skatepark is coming to DSM. Here’s how & why.

A unique collaboration between Polk County and the City of Des Moines, Invest DSM uses strategic solutions and partnerships to revitalize local neighborhoods. But what does it mean to ‘revitalize’ a neighborhood? How does it happen? And what impact has Invest DSM made for the people of Polk? In Episode 4, Polk County chats with Tom Hockensmith (4th District Supervisor) and special guest Amber Lynch (Executive Director of Invest DSM). We take a closer look at Invest DSM and discuss how the program is making neighborhoods healthy, vibrant and thriving. “People of Polk” is the official podcast of the Polk County Board of Supervisors. Here, we take an inside look at the issues and stories that matter to the people of Polk County, Iowa—discussed by experts, officials and everyday Iowans. Candid, insightful and straight to the point. Hosted by Jon Cahill.

Ep. 4: How Invest DSM is revitalizing your neighborhood

We’ve all heard about the national effort to distribute COVID-19 vaccines. But how does distribution work within Polk County? In Episode 3, host Jon Cahill chats with Angela Connolly (2nd District Supervisor) and Helen Eddy (Director of the Polk County Health Department). We take a closer look at vaccine distribution at the local level and answer key questions that Polk County residents may have regarding the vaccine: How will you know when it’s your turn? When will this happen? And what should you expect? “People of Polk” is the official podcast of the Polk County Board of Supervisors. Here, we take an inside look at the issues and stories that matter to the people of Polk County, Iowa—discussed by experts, officials and everyday Iowans. Candid, insightful and straight to the point. Hosted by Jon Cahill.

Ep. 3 When will you receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

Mental health is one of the less-discussed sides of COVID-19, but it’s time to have an honest conversation. In Ep. 2, host Jon Cahill joins Angela Connolly (2nd District Supervisor) and Jennifer Ulie-Wells, Ph.D. (Executive Director at Please Pass the Love). We take a look at how isolation and stress affect public well-being—and discuss how local organizations are coming together to help residents access the resources they need. “People of Polk” is the official podcast of the Polk County Board of Supervisors. Here, we take an inside look at the issues and stories that matter to the people of Polk County, Iowa—discussed by experts, officials and everyday Iowans. Candid, insightful and straight to the point. Hosted by Jon Cahill.

Ep. 2 Confronting the Mental Health Crisis

We’ve all heard of conservation... but what does it really mean? And how does it impact our everyday lives? In Episode 1 of People of Polk, host Jon Cahill sits down with Matt McCoy (5th District Polk County Board of Supervisors) and Rich Leopold (Director of Polk County Conservation Board). We take a look at local projects—like the Easter Lake restoration—and discuss how they impact the region. “People of Polk” is the official podcast of the Polk County Board of Supervisors. Here, we take an inside look at the issues and stories that matter to the people of Polk County, Iowa—discussed by experts, officials and everyday Iowans. Candid, insightful and straight to the point. Hosted by Jon Cahill.

Ep. 1 How Conservation is Shaping Your Community

These are the issues and stories that matter to the people of Polk County, Iowa—discussed by experts, officials and everyday Iowans. Candid, insightful and straight to the point. Hosted by Jon Cahill. Created by the Polk County Board of Supervisors.

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People of Polk

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