The City of Iowa City is partnering with several community-based organizations to host a day of celebration and service to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The celebration begins at 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, with a Unity March starting at Eastdale Plaza, 1700 S. 1st Ave. and ending at Mercer Park Aquatic Center, 2701 Bradford Dr.

Celebrations continue at Mercer Park with free haircuts by Transformations Salon and Spa, performances by the Jones Academy for Performing Arts and other community groups, family-friendly volunteer activities,...

Weather permitting, park staff will conduct a controlled prairie burn the week of Dec. 10, 2018, at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. Park users should expect partial closures.

A comprehensive burn plan was prepared and approved by the Iowa City Fire Department, and considerations will be made for wind direction and required weather conditions. Privately-owned land areas and structures will be protected, and fire breaks will be established along all sides of the burn area.

Seasonal burning of native vegetation in Iowa promotes species diversity, habitat and suppression of...

Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, Court Hill Trail between 1st Avenue and Creekside Park will be closed to all pedestrians and bicyclists. Crews will be cleaning out creek sections along the trail using loud, heavy equipment. The work is expected to be complete by Friday, Dec. 14.

Pedestrians and bicyclists should seek an alternate route during this time period.

Court Hill Trail through Creekside Park remains closed due to park construction.

Celebrate nature and all that is winter in Iowa with Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department’s Winter Explorers Camp. Why stay cooped up inside when there are so many winter wonders happening outside? Dress warm with boots, snow pants, coats, hats and gloves. Ice art, snow experiments and Iowa wildlife are just a few of the fascinating topics that will be explored. Days will be filled with games, field trips, and swimming.

Winter Explorers Camp runs Dec. 27 & 28, 2018 and Jan. 2-4, 2019. Register for one day or many. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., however supervised open...