West Liberty has a lot to brag about

Just over a week ago, editorial board members Quinn Pettifer, Teresa Daubitz and I set up our tent in West Liberty's annual picnic in Kimberly Park to ask residents what they like about their town.

Turns out, a lot, but mostly what they told us made West Liberty so special is the way residents embrace the town's diversity and work together as a community.

West Liberty was the first Iowa town to become 'minority majority,” with 52 percent of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino in the 2010 Census. And that's the first thing that came to mind when we asked what makes their town unique and what good things are happening there.

Many mentioned the school's dual-language program, which teaches students both English and Spanish. Many wrote a single word: Diversity.

'We get along - love this town,” one person wrote on a three-question survey we provided. 'Small town atmosphere, inclusive,” wrote another.

Others mentioned food, events and fun, activities for kids and families, the library and downtown revitalization.

Throughout, there was an obvious sense of pride: 'We are good neighbors.” 'A solid hometown.” 'Community spirit.” 'Everyone gets along.”

'Families are being made,” one person wrote.

Is West Liberty perfect? No town is. People told us they'd love to see more businesses open up, more jobs, more housing, more people coming to live there. They'd also love a water park, a Wal-Mart, more trails, more parties and more people working together on common goals.

It was a great visit, and we learned a lot. Thanks, West Liberty, for sharing your stories with us.

Editorial board members will continue to visit with residents in smaller Eastern Iowa towns over the coming weeks as part of our Beyond City Limits project. Last Saturday, we were at Rowley Days. Next up, it's Elkader.

Stop by and see us.

We can't wait to hear more about you.

l Comments: (319) 398-8469; jennifer.hemmingsen@thegazette.com