black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan proclaimed Iowa City's official flower

Wednesday, October 17, 2018 - 4:00pm
Contact: 
Juli Seydell Johnson
Parks and Recreation

The Iowa City City Council adopted the black-eyed Susan as Iowa City's official flower during its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018. This is the first time the City has designated an official flower.

The black-eyed Susan, or rudbeckia hirta , is a native plant to Iowa City, attracting a wide variety of insects including butterflies and bees. Its seeds are a favorite of songbirds, such as goldfinches, sparrows, and chickadees. The black-eyed Susan also shares its colors, black and gold, with the University of Iowa and is said to represent justice.

Project GREEN, a...

Hickory Hill Park

Iowa City Parks and Recreation awarded $200k REAP grant

Tuesday, October 16, 2018 - 1:30pm
Contact: 
Juli Seydell Johnson
Parks and Recreation

Iowa City Parks and Recreation has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program. This is the second REAP grant Iowa City Parks and Recreation has recently received for Hickory Hill Park. Funds will be used for continued improvement of the natural areas in Hickory Hill Park.

REAP invests in projects that enhance and protect Iowa’s natural and cultural resources. Fifteen percent of REAP funds are set aside for grants to cities for projects that help establish natural areas, encourage outdoor recreation...

An image of Lower City Park

Lower City Park closed; multiple trail closures due to heavy rain in Iowa City

Saturday, October 6, 2018 - 10:30am
Contact: 
Juli Seydell Johnson
Communications

Due to heavy rainfall, the following trail sections, as well as Lower City Park, are closed until further notice:

Trail access under Interstate 80 near Waterworks Prairie Park Iowa River Trail near McCollister Blvd. and Terry Trueblood Recreation Area Trail access near Hills Bank on Gilbert St. Iowa River Trail Hwy 6 underpass just south of Riverfront Crossings Park
Trick or Treat image for Iowa City

Trick or Treat Night and other spooktacular fun

Friday, October 5, 2018 - 4:00pm
Contact: 
Juli Seydell Johnson
Derek Frank
Jane Wilch

We are ready for Halloween in Iowa City! Celebrate with several special activities hosted by Iowa City Parks and Recreation.

Floating Pumpkin Patch Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018 10 a.m. to noon Mercer Park Aquatic Center, 2701 Bradford Dr. Bring your bathing suit and pick out a pumpkin. Dry off your pumpkin and decorate it to take home in time for Halloween! Life jackets will be available. RSVP on our Facebook event page

Halloween SPOOKTACULAR Friday, Oct. 26,...

Play area

Public Input Meeting: City Park Adventure Playground

Thursday, October 4, 2018 - 9:00am
Contact: 
Juli Seydell Johnson
Parks and Recreation

Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department invites the public to a design meeting for the Adventure Playground planned for City Park, 200 Park Rd. This meeting will help shape the project, scheduled to begin late spring/early summer 2019.

The location of the new play area will be on the hillside north of City Park Pool, connecting Upper and Lower City Park. The area is envisioned as a large, new amenity to the park which will offer unique climbing, adventure, and slides to children and families.

Share your thoughts at a public meeting from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct....

Sunday Party in the Park event graphic

Party in the Park presents a series of Sunday special events

Wednesday, August 29, 2018 - 3:15pm
Contact: 
Marcia Bollinger
Parks and Recreation

Spend your September Sundays meeting and enjoying your neighbors during a special series presented by Party in the Park, a popular City of Iowa City program.

Each event will occur on Sunday afternoons, and has its own theme and entertainment. These gatherings are being hosted in neighborhoods with larger populations of student residents, and are an opportunity for neighborhoods to kick off the new school year and welcome their new neighbors.

There is no fee to participate and all ages are welcome. Each event will include food, giant yard games, kids activities, and a...

An image of a few leafs following the storm.

How to clean up storm debris in Iowa City

Wednesday, August 29, 2018 - 11:15am
Contact: 
Jennifer Jordan
Resource Management

Severe weather rolled into Iowa City on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, bringing with it reported winds in excess of 80 MPH that downed power lines, trees and branches.

Forestry staff is not able to remove trees or debris on private property. Homeowners and landlords are advised to contact a private tree company if assistance is needed.

Residents can haul storm debris to the yard waste facility at the Iowa City Landfill, 3900 Hebl Ave. Hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday though Saturday. Yard waste must be separated from trash and cannot go into the landfill per state law....

Iowa City City Hall

Labor Day schedule announced for City of Iowa City

Monday, August 27, 2018 - 2:15pm
Contact: 
Shannon McMahon
Communications

City of Iowa City administrative offices at City Hall, 410 E. Washington St., will be closed Monday, Sept. 3, 2018, for the Labor Day holiday. Other City facilities that will close or operate on special schedules include:

Airport: The administration office will be closed, but Jet Air (FBO) will be open regular hours.

Animal Care and Adoption Center: Closed.

Landfill and Recycling Center: Closed.

Library and Bookmobile: Closed.

Parking: City parking ramps...

Train ride at City Park

Enjoy free City Park amusement rides through September

Friday, August 24, 2018 - 10:30am
Contact: 
Juli Seydell Johnson
Parks and Recreation

Iowa City Parks and Recreation has extended its offering of free rides on weekends throughout the entire month of September, with the season now scheduled to end on Sunday, Sept. 30.

"We want every family to have an opportunity to come out and enjoy their final ride," Parks and Recreation Director Juli Seydell Johnson said. "The rides were originally supposed to close on Sept. 23, but we've extended operation for an additional weekend."

The train and ferris wheel rides are also up and running again after having been down for repairs.

This is the final season for the...

Train ride at City Park

Train at City Park closed until further notice

Friday, August 17, 2018 - 4:00pm
Parks and Recreation

The train at City Park, 200 Park Road, is closed due to needed repairs. The train derailed Friday afternoon, causing it to lose a wheel and will require a welder to repair it. This is the second time this has happened in a month. An update will be communicated when available.

Iowa City Parks and Recreation is offering free amusement park rides in August and September to mark the rides’ final season. Maintaining the aging equipment is no longer viable. As such, the rides will close permanently on Sept. 23, at the end of the 2018 season. As an alternative to the rides, the City has...

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