A picture of a car with snow on it has text that reads 'prepare for a snow emergency by moving your car off the street.'

What to do before leaving town for winter

Friday, December 10, 2021 - 8:00am
Contact: 
Shannon McMahon
Communications

Like most years, many residents will be leaving Iowa City over the winter holidays. If you're leaving town for an extended period, be sure your vehicle and home are in order before you leave. Avoid expensive fines and inconvenient issues by taking these four steps:

1. Move your car off the street

Vehicles parked on the street must be moved every 48-hours to avoid a citation. If you plan to be out of town for more than two days, move your vehicle off the street. Vehicles that do not move face ticketing and towing at the owner’s expense.

If a major snowstorm hits while you...

I map of temporary trail closure.

Temporary closures south of Highway 6 on Iowa River Trail

Thursday, December 9, 2021 - 3:00pm
Contact: 
Tyler Baird
Parks and Recreation

Temporary closures on the Iowa River Trail will start Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, as the CRANDIC Railroad completes work on the truss bridge.

The trail will be closed intermittently on Mondays through Saturdays while crews are on site. The trail will be open on Sundays and during times outside the CRANDIC Railroad work schedule.

Signage will be placed near Napoleon Park alerting trail users of the closure. Iowa City trail users should follow the detour on South Gilbert Street.

Longfellow Nature Trail streambank work to begin Dec. 13

Thursday, December 9, 2021 - 2:45pm
Contact: 
Ben Clark

Weather permitting, a streambank stabilization project along the Longfellow Nature Trail will begin on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021. It is anticipated that the project will continue throughout the winter months, as weather conditions allow.

Work will involve removing hazardous trees and hanging branches along the streambank, in addition to placing riprap (a protective, rocky material) on severely-eroded sections of the creek to prevent further erosion.

Although brief closures may occur, it is anticipated that the nature trail will remain open throughout the project.

Picture of the 2022 Celebrate Black History Calendar

Pick up a Black History Month calendar at City Hall

Thursday, December 9, 2021 - 8:30am
Contact: 
Stefanie Bowers
Equity and Human Rights

In recognition of February's Black History Month, the City's Office of Equity and Human Rights is offering free Celebrate Black History 2022 calendars to the community. Calendars will only be available at the Office of Equity & Human Rights (Third Floor), 410 E. Washington St., while supplies last. M-F 8-12 & 1-5. Calendars can also be mailed out by sending an email to humanrights@iowa-city.org so requesting.

Each month features a beautiful design highlighting a notable person or event that helped shape Black history. The...

Community garden plot public input survey now available

Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - 4:00pm
Contact: 
Juli Seydell Johnson

The Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department needs your help as we look at ways to improve our community garden plot program. Share thoughts, ideas, and feedback about your own experiences with the community garden plot rental program or what you would like to see available in the program.

Community garden plots are available for rent from April through October. Rental prices are dependent on plot size.

Community gardens are located in the following city parks:

Chadek Green Park, 1920 Friendship St. Kiwanis Park, 1519 Teg Dr. Reno Street Park, 516 Reno St. Wetherby...

Animal Control reminds pet owners of City leash regulations

Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - 9:00am
Contact: 
Chris Whitmore

The City of Iowa City is home to countless parks and trails to enjoy with your four-legged pals. However, in light of recent complaints, Animal Control wishes to remind pet owners of the City's leash regulations.

The City requires all dogs and cats be confined to private properties or restrained by a leash not exceeding 10 feet. The pet must also be in control of a competent person. This regulation is in effect in all public areas in Iowa City, including parks, sidewalks, and trails. The exceptions are the Thornberry and Rita's Ranch dog parks.

"Leashes allow owners to have...

Human Rights Day banner

Mayor Teague declares Dec. 10 Human Rights Day

Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - 8:30am
Contact: 
Stefanie Bowers

Mayor Bruce Teague has declared Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, Human Rights Day in Iowa City.

The theme of this year's Human Rights Day is "Equality." Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.""

The principles of equality and non-discrimination are at the heart of human rights. Equality is aligned with the 2030 Agenda and...

A graphic with the text 'Winter Holidays City Schedule' and a pine tree branch covered in snow is shown.

Holiday schedule and closures for City of Iowa City

Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - 8:00am
Contact: 
Shannon McMahon
Communications

City of Iowa City administrative offices and other facilities will be closed Thursday, Dec. 23, and Friday, Dec. 24, 2021, for the Christmas holiday, as well as Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, for the New Year's Day holiday.

Please note that trash, yard waste, and recycling will be collected on their normal days.

Other office closures and schedules for the holiday include:

Airport: Administration Office closed December 23-Jan 1. Jet Air (FBO) staffed 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 24 and will be closed Dec. 25, but will be available for a fee by...

A photo shows the City High baseball field at Mercer Park.

Iowa City Parks & Recreation Department holds national record for most Athletic Field Environmental Certifications

Tuesday, December 7, 2021 - 3:00pm
Contact: 
Tyler Baird
Parks and Recreation

An Environmentally Responsible Management certification has been earned by the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department from the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA.) This achievement is a credit to the parks and forestry staff who have established environmental best practices throughout all the Iowa City's outdoor sports facilities, Mercer Park ball diamonds, and City Park ball diamonds.

The environmental stewardship program certification is valid for three years and was awarded to each facility when they achieved a minimum of 80% compliance in each of the 10 categories that...

Funding available through 2022 South District Form-Based Code Grant Program

Tuesday, December 7, 2021 - 8:30am
Contact: 
Anne Russett

In conjunction with the Iowa City City Council amending the South District Plan and adopting a form-based zoning code, the City of Iowa City has created the 2022 South District Form-Based Code Grant Program.

Under the grant program, the City is offering financial incentives to assist with design and engineering work for future development projects in a portion of the South District that align with the South District Plan and regulations. The maximum allocation per project is $30,000 and $90,000 in funding is available through the grant program. Allocations will be determined at the...

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