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University-Park
Eden Index
Climate
7.8
•
Recreation
4.3
•
Community
2.5
•
Safeguard
5.2/10
University Park is a vibrant town located in Mahaska County, Iowa. Known for its picturesque landscapes and friendly community, it offers a pleasant climate that is influenced by its midwestern location. The town experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer hovers around 80°F, while winter temperatures can drop to approximately 20°F.
Hydrology constituents in University Park are primarily characterized by the South Skunk River, which flows through the town. This river plays a crucial role in supporting the local ecosystem and offers recreational opportunities such as fishing and kayaking. Additionally, University Park is surrounded by beautiful lakes and reservoirs, providing further options for water-based activities like boating and swimming.
Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the town's numerous recreation opportunities. The area offers ample hiking and biking trails, allowing residents and visitors to explore the scenic countryside and enjoy the fresh air. The nearby Edmundson Park offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities, providing an ideal setting for family outings and outdoor gatherings. Overall, University Park offers a pleasant climate, diverse hydrology constituents, and various outdoor recreation opportunities for those seeking an active lifestyle.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 7.8
University-Park receives approximately
935mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 83%
and air temperatures averaging around
10°C.
University-Park has a plant hardyness factor of
5, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Upper Mississippi-Skunk-Wapsipinicon
Area Rivers
Upper Mississippi-Skunk-Wapsipinicon
Snowpack Depths
Upper Mississippi-Skunk-Wapsipinicon
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Upper Mississippi-Skunk-Wapsipinicon
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.3
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rothwell Park | None | 858 ft | |||
| Lake of the Ozarks Military | None | 768 ft | |||
| Long Branch State Park | None | 841 ft | |||
| Salisbury City Park | None | 714 ft | |||
| Macon Co Park | None | 873 ft | |||
| Lake of the Ozarks State Park | 183 | 773 ft | |||
| Thomas Hill Reservoir - Hwy T Campground - MDC | 10 | 753 ft | |||
| Theodosia | None | 691 ft | |||
| Rippee Conserrvation Area - MDC | None | 793 ft | |||
| Katy Roundhouse Campground | None | 601 ft |
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 2.5
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.