Public Works Superintendent given recognition

When John Ohde was honored in Des Moines March 27, his step-daughter, Sydney, and wife, Jackie were on hand.

​As John Ohde, Manning’s Public Works Superintendent, inches toward retirement at the end of 2019, some of his many contributions to the community were recently recognized.
On March 27, Ohde was honored by the Iowa Park and Recreation Association at its spring conference for his contributions and commitment to municipal parks and recreation in Iowa and presented with the T. Ray Frame Parks Maintenance Award.
His nomination, submitted by Cory Arp, reflected on only a few of the many projects he has completed for the city during his 40 years. It stated, in part, “Under John’s strong and straight forward leadership of Public Works, many parks and rec projects dreamed of by community members were built and maintained by John and his department.”
Some of the projects he was instrumental in included: the old high school remodeling project with its gymnasium,  indoor pool, hot tub, weight room renovation, and family changing room; construction of the Trestle Park shelter house and the concrete IOWA sculpture. The idea behind Manning’s current project, the zero entry outdoor pool with slides and splash pad, was completely initiated by Ohde.
“It’s impossible to guess how much the citizens of Manning have benefited from John Ohde and his ‘let’s get this done attitude.’ It is obvious how much love he has for his hometown.”
                                                                                       Cory Arp, Manning Parks and Rec Director