City Campus Culture

In the ninth episode of West Side Stories, Allison sits down with Kevin Conn and Jodie Weeks to discuss the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater and Illumifest. The Jamie Hurd Amphitheater will be constructed between September 2019 and September 2020 on the WDM City Campus at 4200 Mills Civic Parkway. Illumifest, West Des Moines' annual city celebration, will once again be held in September on the City Campus. Episode Guests Jodie Weeks - Recreation Program/Facility Supervisor Jodie grew up in Osage, IA, and attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Leisure Services. She has been a Recreation Program Supervisor for the South Suburban Park District in Littleton, CO, and a Recreation Coordinator for the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. For nearly 20 years, Jodie has been a Recreation Program/Facility Supervisor in the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. She supervises the Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge, Archery Facility, and Dog Park. She also coordinates the department's travel programs, several special events, and various classes and camps. Jodie lives in Ankeny with her husband, two daughters, and their Australian Labradoodle puppy. Kevin Conn - Landscape Architect Kevin's hometown is Keokuk, Iowa. He also attended and received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree for Iowa State University. Kevin worked many years in the private sector as a Landscape Architect. He was employed by Civil Engineering Consultants, Crose Gardner and Associates, BBS Architects/Engineers, Simonson and Associates, and OPN Architects. Kevin was hired in 2017 as the Landscape Architect for the City of West Des Moines. He lives in Beaverdale with his wife and two sons.