A wide open space between the west end of Central Avenue and the Des Moines River would become the front porch of downtown Fort Dodge, according to a preliminary draft of a new master plan.

The plan focuses on the downtown area between Third Street and the river, a locale that’s being called the Central River District. On Tuesday, Senior City Planner Carissa Harvey briefed the Plan and Zoning Commission on some of the initial recommendations of the draft proposal.

The plan is being developed by Snyder & Associates, of Ankeny. The City Council hired that firm in March to do the work for maximum cost of $20,000.

The proposed front porch would be on land along North First Street where the former AGP plant once sat.

Harvey said the plan would create a “neat gathering place for the community.” She said the proposal calls for some earth-moving that would elevate a portion of the site above the surrounding ground. Amenities at the site could include an outdoor ice skating rink.

While the plan proposes uses for property close to the Des Moines River, it doesn’t address the use of the river itself, according to Harvey. A river master plan for both Fort Dodge and Webster County that was adopted last year covers that.

Harvey said the proposal also includes a new zoning district called urban core industrial that would include Josephson Manufacturing, 216 Central Ave., and the old creamery building on First Avenue North that houses a couple of businesses.

A cost estimate for implementing the plan’s recommendations isn’t available yet.

The completed plan is to be presented to the commission on Aug. 14.