Iowa City Downtown District announces return of the BenchMarks program

Wednesday, March 11, 2020 - 2:30pm
Communications

The Iowa City Downtown District is looking for artists to participate in the GreenState Credit Union BenchMarks program.

The nationally recognized public art program, GreenState Credit Union BenchMarks is back! After a construction-induced hibernation, the BenchMarks program returns in 2020 and will see 11 of Iowa City's downtown public benches return as fresh canvasses for original, community artwork.

Submissions are now being accepted for the program. Each artist may submit up to three designs and may be selected for more than one design. Chosen artists will receive $250...

Applications now being accepted for Farm to Street Dinner funds

Monday, March 9, 2020 - 10:15am
Communications

The Iowa City Farm to Street Dinner is a local food event presented as a joint effort between Johnson County, the City of Iowa City, and the Iowa City Downtown District as a fundraising event for local food initiatives. The mission of the Farm to Street Dinner is to bring together members of Iowa City's diverse, vibrant community to share a table, a story and a meal, while supporting our local food system. Each year, the of revenue from the Farm to Street Dinner is awarded to an area...

hydrant flushing

Video Update: Fire Hydrant Flushing, Creekside Park Public Art, and Climate Action Grant

Monday, March 9, 2020 - 7:15am
Contact: 
Jack Brooks
Communications

Iowa City Update is a weekly video featuring City of Iowa City projects, programs and events. Topics this week include how fire hydrant flushing can impact you, public input on a new art installation, and a deadline extension for the City’s Climate Action Grants. Click the image below to watch Iowa City Update .

Iowa City Update: Fire Hydrant Flushing Fire Hydrant Flushing

As the fire hydrant...

Nominations sought for 2020 Human Rights Youth Awards

Friday, March 6, 2020 - 1:45pm
Contact: 
Stefanie Bowers, Human Rights Coordinator (ex officio)
Communications

The City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission is seeking nominations for its Annual Youth Awards program.

This annual event recognizes the contributions of youth who have promoted and/or contributed to human rights causes locally or globally.

Nominations will be considered for work that has taken place since June 2019. Youth Award nomination forms are available at www.icgov.org/humanrightsyouthawards .

All nominations must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2020. Late nominations will not be accepted...

Thin ice at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area prompts warning

Thursday, March 5, 2020 - 9:00am
Contact: 
Juli Seydell Johnson
Parks and Recreation

With temperatures still climbing above freezing, the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department asks the public to stay off the ice at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area located at 579 McCollister Blvd.

It can be easy to overlook precautions during outdoor recreation, so put safety first by following the signage near the water. Keep children and pets supervised near the ice. A thin coating of ice on the water does not mean it is safe. Thickness and conditions can change quickly.

For more information, contact Juli Seydell Johnson, Parks and Recreation Director, at...

Downtown street sweeping begins March 16. Check the schedule & move your car

Wednesday, March 4, 2020 - 3:30pm
Contact: 
Brock Holub
Streets and traffic engineering

Iowa City's Streets Division will begin street sweeping operations in two weeks to remove sand and debris from the roads to enhance public safety.

During this time, on-street parking will be prohibited in certain areas so that equipment can access the full width of the street. “No parking due to maintenance” signs will be posted at least 48 hours in advance of any work to alert vehicle owners to move their cars.

Work is scheduled to coincide with the University’s Spring Break schedule. If you are a University student who normally parks in one of these areas, be aware and...

A graphic telling people to check their smoke detector batteries when daylight saving time starts on March 8, 2020.

Reminder to check smoke alarm batteries during daylight saving time switch

Wednesday, March 4, 2020 - 1:45pm
Fire Department

The Iowa City Fire Department is reminding residents to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detector batteries when changing clocks forward one hour during daylight saving time on Sunday, March 8, 2020.

Maintaining smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce injury and death caused by a fire.

As we “spring forward” the Fire Department recommends residents do the following:

Check the batteries in all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with removable batteries Check 10-year sealed smoke alarms or...

Time to apply for Climate Action Grants extended

Tuesday, March 3, 2020 - 2:30pm
Climate Action & Outreach

The window to apply for a Community Climate Action Grant has been extended, meaning area organizations are invited to apply through Tuesday, March 31, 2020.

This program aims to address and enhance local climate action through innovative work from non-profits that aligns with the actions in the Iowa City Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Applications were being accepted from Monday, Feb. 3, 2020, to Tuesday, March 3, 2020.

Due to the available funds of the grant being doubled from last year, $25,000 to $50,000, the City decided to increase the time groups had to apply as...

Neighborhood input meeting set for Creekside Park public art

Monday, March 2, 2020 - 2:00pm
Neighborhood Outreach

A neighborhood public input meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2020, at Creekside Park, 1858 7th Avenue Court, to discuss a public art project at the park. The gathering will be held at the shelter area.

A major renovation of Creekside Park was completed last fall, and an art installation funded through the Iowa City Public Art Program is set to be added.

To compliment the Community Orchard area designed by Backyard Abundance and area residents, Cara Briggs Farmer of...

Crews begin fire hydrant flushing in Iowa City

Monday, March 2, 2020 - 11:15am
Communications

The City of Iowa City Water Division began the annual fire hydrant flushing and maintenance program on Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, which will continue throughout the summer.

Fire hydrants are a crucial public safety component, providing water for fire protection, as well as to flush the municipal water system after a water main break or service work. Hydrants will be inspected and repaired to ensure reliability during emergencies.

As part of this process, rust from iron pipes may be released and can cause temporary tap water discoloration. If this happens, let the water run...

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