Open House 3 Board Series - P&r

WELCOME Purpose The purpose of Open House No. 3 is to share the feedback from the second set of open houses and receive feedback on the Preferred Option for the future of the Parks & Recreation System.

Tentative Open House Schedule Open House No. 1

Needs, Existing Facilities, Process, Work to Date Tuesday, June 23, 4-7 p.m. DONE

Open House No. 2

Master Plan System Options Tuesday, August 18, 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 19, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. DONE

Open House No. 3

Master Plan Preferred Option Tuesday, November 17, 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, November 18, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Crowne Plaza Hotel

What is a Parks & Recreation Master Plan? Cedar Rapids’ Parks & Recreation Master Plan will be a blueprint to guide decisions about investments in park improvement and development and recreation programs over the next 15 years. The plan will: • Prioritize investments to ensure a system that meets community needs. • Establish strategies to improve operational efficiencies, cost recovery and land acceptance standards. • Demonstrate community need and support to assist in pursuit of alternative funding. • Ensure a system that accommodates changing community demographics. • Ensure a City system that is sustainable and financially feasible into the future.

Master Plan Project Goals • Meeting needs to attract and retain residents and the next generation workforce. • Providing a community-wide perspective to the Parks & Recreation System as priorities are set to meet operational funding constraints. • Enhancing the use of our riverfront and attracting residents to the river. • Ensuring indoor recreational facility needs are met and are affordable for the community. • Addressing flood damage to the Parks & Recreation System. • Enhancing connectivity of parks and open space through the trail system. • Ensuring a system which the City and its taxpayers can afford.

The Challenge This Parks & Recreation Master Plan Open House Process must address the following questions: • What are the best future investments to achieve the City’s Vision to improve residents’ quality of life, compete with other Midwestern cities and encourage community development? • How does the City of Cedar Rapids meet the community’s parks and recreation indoor and outdoor needs and ensure the system is sustainable and affordable, now and in the future? • How does the overall Parks & Recreation Master Plan impact flood recovery planning and reinvestment in the river corridor areas?

Master Plan Chronology 2003 – Recreation Department creates its own master plan of facilities and programs. 2007 – City Parks Department and Recreation Department combine to become one department. 2008 – City begins process of its first Parks & Recreation Master Plan. Activities including an inventory of the parks system, needs assessment and stakeholder interviews, were completed. June 11-13, 2008 – Flood results in damages and needed investment of at least $3 billion in Cedar Rapids, including some damages to river corridor parks and recreational facilities. August 2008 – Parks master planning process resumes and a post flood inventory occurs. June 23, 2009 – First of three sets of Parks & Recreation Master Plan open houses held. August 18 & 19, 2009 – Second Parks & Recreation open houses held.

Other Related Processes: • P.L.A.Y. multi-generational community center/recreational facility (2005 to date). • Greenway – Flood Management System – River Corridor Process (June-Nov. 2008). • Riverfront Uses – Riverfront Master Plan Process – Halted due to June 2008 flood. • Neighborhood Planning Process – Reinvestment plans for 10 flood-impacted neighborhoods (Jan.-May 2009).

Preferred Program Elements: Amphitheater; May's Island fountain and ice skating rink; City Promenade, cafés and farmer’s market; naturalized areas; river recreation; inflatable dam; centralized indoor recreation facility.

Preferred Program Elements:

Naturalized areas; City Promenade, cafés and farmer’s market; May’s Island plaza; amphitheater; new recreation centers; dog parks; skate parks; walking and biking trail connections.

Urban Fishery

Cost; traffic; too focused on Riverfront, neglects neighborhoods; too much building in the floodplain; not enough neighborhood connectivity or access to indoor recreation facility.

Landfill

Status quo; no vision for future; Riverfront and Downtown are not regional destinations; parks too spread out; too much economic investment required; inadequate facilities.

Beverly Park

Apache Park

Concerns

Cherry Hill Park

Downtown

Bever Park

Concerns

Cedar Valley Park Urban Fishery

Van Vechten Park

Ambroz

Time Check Greenway

Ellis Park

Daniels Park

Takes advantage of Riverfront and Downtown vision; provides regional attraction along Riverfront; meets multiple community needs.

Jones Park

Bender

Downtown

Ellis Seminole Harbor Valley

Good neighborhood connectivity and access; builds on existing infrastructure; good economic value.

Time Check

Bever Park

Squaw Creek

Advantages

Beverly Park

Apache Park

Ellis Park

Shaver Park Daniels Park

Advantages

Cherry Hill Park

Shawnee Park

Ushers Ferry Seminole Valley

Noelridge Park

The Centralized System creates a recreational destination Riverfront by focusing new community and regional facilities in the future Greenway.

The Decentralized System works closely with the existing Park System, enhancing existing facilities. Parks and facilities are dispersed throughout the City.

Noelridge Park

Option 2: Centralized System

Option 1: Decentralized System

Total number of attendees: 591 Total number of cards: 592 Total number of comments: 1,674

Ellis Park

Future (based on growth)

Jones Park

Downtown

Urban Fishery

Bever Park

PRIORITY TRAIL

NATURALIZED GREENWAY

INDOOR RECREATION

RIVERFRONT ACTIVITY NODE

NEIGHBORHOOD PARK

EXISTING PARK

Naturalized areas; amphitheater; river recreation; City Promenade, cafés and farmer’s market; active recreation; inflatable dam, May's Island; multiple indoor recreation facilities; activities in cluster parks.

Preferred Program Elements:

Inefficient use of funds; does not take advantage of the river; lack of parking; discourages neighborhood connectivity.

Concerns

Provides connected neighborhood facilities; takes advantage of the Riverfront and Downtown; uses existing and new infrastructure; meets many community needs; funding and maintenance well utilized.

Advantages

Cherry Hill Park

Seminole Valley

Noelridge Park

The Hybrid System creates focused activity centers along the Greenway and throughout the City, consolidating programming into multi-neighborhood cluster parks.

Option 3: Hybrid System

Open House 2 Feedback: Three Options to Improve our Park System

Open House 2 Feedback: Efficiencies and Revenue There was strong support for streamlining the Park System through the following tactics: • Strategic conversion of lawn areas to low-mow prairie and naturalized areas; and • Partnerships with other organizations, including the County and State, schools and churches, and neighborhood associations. More controversial streamlining tactics included: • Re-purposing parks. The response was split on selling or repurposing certain neighborhood parks with lower recreational value or maintaining them. There was, however, a common desire to conserve the Park System for future generations. There was strong support for revenue-generating tactics, including: • Bike rental facilities at trailheads or community facilities; • Rental of park spaces for events (such as weddings at Noelridge Park); • Independence for Ushers Ferry, and/or the addition of a revenuegenerating rental lodge or campground; • Urban forestry or nurseries on park land; • Adopt-a-park programs; community-maintained gardens; • Friends of Parks or volunteer clean-up crews; • Developer impact fees and land dedication; and • User fees for park use. Other common feedback included: • Keep park improvements affordable and within budget; and • Plan parks to promote year-round utilization.

Evaluation Criteria These evaluation criteria, reviewed by the public in the first open house, were applied to the Parks & Recreation Master Plan Options.

Cost Short-term capital costs to implement

Affordability Long-term operating costs and sustainability

Need Meets a demonstrated need and has community support

Quality of Life Impact to residents’ health, safety, family life and community life

Community Impact Number of people that will use it or be affected by it

Economic Impact Impact in terms of competitiveness to attract and retain residents, bring visitors to Cedar Rapids, or result in additional revenue to businesses

Environmental Impact Ecological benefit by providing flood mitigation, stewardship of natural resources, and environmental sustainability

Once public feedback and City Council input was received and the evaluation criteria applied, a Preferred Option for the Parks & Recreation System Master Plan was developed.

Preferred Option

The Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation System will.... Be a wise investment for the future of the City Create a vibrant, destination riverfront Provide signature neighborhood parks Increase connectivity Improve the ecological health of the City Be efficient and cost-effective to maintain

A Multi-generational Community Life Center meets regional needs and small park facilities meet neighborhood needs.

Indoor Recreation

Trails link regional systems and neighborhoods to the Riverfront and Downtown Core, and also connect Signature Parks for recreational opportunities.

Trails

Popular parks are transformed into multi-neighborhood destinations by concentrating high quality features in each.

Parks

The preferred scheme creates a series of Riverfront attractions that draw Cedar Rapids residents and visitors to the River.

Riverfront

The Preferred Option reflects the priorities expressed by residents at the first and second Open Houses. It balances the creation of a Destination Riverfront, which would draw people and investment to the Downtown Core, with a series of Signature Parks that serve the neighborhoods with high-quality amenities.

Cherry Hill Signature Park

Seminole Valley Park

Time Check Greenway

Ellis Signature Park

Jones Signature Park

Downtown Riverfront

Noelridge Signature Park

Urban Fishery

Bever Signature Park

Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation Master Plan: Preferred Option

Be a Wise Investment for the Future of the City • Great Cities Have Great Park Systems • Attract and Retain the Future Workforce • Generate Downtown Activity • How Much Are Other Cities Investing?

Great Cities Have Great Park Systems Great cities are known for their great park systems, because parks are so central to quality of life in metropolitan areas.

Omaha, Nebraska • New riverfront development with high-quality parks, trails, commercial development, and housing • Historic boulevard system • Over 200 parks throughout the city • Extensive trail system

Minneapolis, Minnesota • More than 170 parks in the 55-mile system with trails, athletic fields and scenic parkways • More parkland per person than any other major U.S. city • The “Grand Rounds” Park System maximizes recreational and scenic value while also improving ecology and drainage

Madison, Wisconsin • Over 6,000 acres of parkland and 260 parks • Parks for all seasons including cross-country skiing trails, ice skating, swimming pools, community recreation centers, farmers markets, gardens and conservatories • 14 conservation parks focused on environmental education and habitat preservation

Kansas City, Missouri • • • • •

Over 200 parks Extensive boulevard and parkways system Known for fountains and sculptures in parks 45 miles of trails Forestry and conservation program operated by Parks & Recreation

1. Parks Boost Land Values and Property Taxes as much as 22 percent 2. Parks Boost Local Economies by Attracting Businesses and Residents 3. Parks Increase Tourism and Visitation 4. Conservation Saves Money 5. Parks and Open Space Preserve the Value of Ecosystems 6. Parks Reduce Health Care Costs

• According to studies by the Trust for Public Land, a high-quality Park System is integral to attracting the next-generation workforce in the following ways:

• Studies by Next Generation Consulting indicate that a city's commitment to providing access to green space and natural environments for its residents is one of the best indicators of an up-and-coming, "Next City." Quality-of-place amenities help to retain the young knowledge workers that drive innovation and economic growth.

A high-quality Parks & Recreation System is integral to realizing the City's Vision, contributing significantly to residents' quality of life, health, property values, ability to attract residents, businesses, tourists and investors, and reducing environmental impacts.

• Parks and outdoor amenities help attract retirees (expected to make up one in four of the U.S. population by 2050 according to the U.S. Census).

• Business leaders recognize that a good environment is ranked as the most important amenity in attracting high-technology workers — more than housing, cost of living, and good schools.

• Cities with quality of life features – including Parks & Recreation amenities – attract businesses and residents. Communities that do not cultivate this quality of life will lose out to others that do.

Parks and Quality of Life

Why Are Parks Important To Retain and Attract Our Future Workforce?

Be a Wise Investment for the City

• The Trust for Public Land has demonstrated in their studies that high-quality parks increase property values and tax revenue by as much as 22 percent.

3. A high-quality Park System increases property value.

• For every dollar spent on park improvements, private sources spend four or five. (See "Creating Value" inset. )

2. Public investment in parks and public amenities establishes a foundation for private investment.

• On average, these new daytrips will generate over 80 million more dollars in meals, hotel, retail and travel expenses that will help Downtown businesses and the community.

• New amenities will bring more than 1.3 million MORE visitors Downtown per year.

1. A high-quality Park System with the preferred Riverfront program can help to create a vibrant, 24/7 Downtown environment.

$ 73 million

$ 90+ million

$ 425 million

Private Investment

4.9 private dollars for each public dollar

$ 86 million

Public Investment

Central Indianapolis Waterfront Project, IN

5 private dollars for each public dollar

Private Investment $ 500 million (exp.)

Public Investment

Cincinnati Central Waterfront Park, OH

4.6 private dollars for each public dollar

Private Investment $ 337 million

Public Investment

Charleston Waterfront Park & Maritime Center, SC

Creating Value

What Economic Activity Can be Generated by a High-Quality Park System?

Be a Wise Investment for the City

$39.8 M

Cincinnati Riverfront

$9.8 M +

St. Paul

Des Moines

$55 M

Council Bluffs

$57 M +

Omaha

$60 M

Denver

$86 M

Indianapolis

In order to attract and keep future generations, Cedar Rapids must be competitive with other cities. An attractive Park System and Riverfront will help to improve our quality of life and keep our kids and grandkids in Cedar Rapids.

$90 M +

Cincinnati

$126 M

Davenport

Indianapolis Riverfront

Phase 1 $46.8 M

Phase 2 $30.2 M

Phase 3 $29.5 M

$106.5 M Total

(over 25 years)

Cedar Rapids

How Much Are Other Cities Investing in Their Riverfronts?

Be a Wise Investment for the City

$160 M

Elgin

$188 M

Dubuque

Minneapolis

$199 M +

(over 30 years)

Create a Vibrant, Destination Riverfront • City Promenade • Amphitheater • May’s Island Plaza • Multi-Generational Life Center • Time Check Greenway • Seminole Valley Park • Urban Beach • Urban Fishery and Wetland Park • Circulation, Access, and Parking

Multi-purpose fields Wetland Walk Lodge for Events Rental Camping

• • • •

Multi-purpose fields Skate Park Walking Trails Parking

• • • • •

• Sandy "beach" area for sunbathing and volleyball • Picnic Lawn • Naturalized River's Edge

• Boating and Fishing Access • Walking Trails

Urban Fishery

• Downtown Promenade • May's Island Fountain and Ice Rink • Outdoor Amphitheater

Downtown Core

Multi-Generational Community Life Center River Access Gardens New Pedestrian footbridge Ellis Harbor

Ellis Park

Urban Beach and New Bo Wetland Park

Time Check Greenway

• • • •

Seminole Valley Park

Create a Vibrant, Destination Riverfront

Community Life Center.

a new Multi-Generational

wetland restorations, and

trails, naturalized areas and

recreation, walking and biking

multi-purpose fields and active

recreation and fishing, new

access to the River for

on May's Island, improved

amphitheater, fountain/ice rink

Downtown Promenade,

improvements include a

visitors to the River. Riverfront

Rapids residents and regional

destinations that draw Cedar

a series of Riverfront

The preferred option creates

BEFORE

BEFORE

lower level, closer to the water's edge, that allows continuous access for walkers and bikers without street crossings. Ramps between the upper and lower walks create ADA accessible and bikefriendly access.

8th Avenue. It creates two levels of access - one at the urban edge, where visitors can stroll along shops and cafés, and a

The City Promenade runs from the I-380 bridge to

Create a Vibrant, Destination Riverfront:

City Promenade

City Promenade with removable flood walls deployed

City Promenade

stage at the River's edge and overlooking May's Island and the Downtown. The amphitheater could be used for informal performances or closed off for concerts that would draw people to Cedar Rapids and generate revenue for the City.

A new 5,000-person amphitheater is located on Western Bank of the Cedar River, orienting to a

BEFORE

Create a Vibrant, Destination Riverfront: Amphitheater

Amphitheater view toward May's Island

May's Island in Summer

May's Island in Winter

Create a Vibrant, Destination Riverfront:

BEFORE

sit beneath groves of trees or splash in the fountain's spray jets. In the winter, the plaza is transformed into an ice skating rink at the heart of the city, with a pavilion for skate rental and concessions.

The Plaza at May's Island is a year-round attraction. In the summer time, visitors can

May's Island Plaza

Conceptual View of Center at Ellis Park

Bounded by the golf course to the west, open park space to the north, Greenway to the south, and the Cedar River to the east, Ellis Park provides a location for outdoor and indoor passive and active recreation for all generations. Outdoor enhancements include a park gateway, enhanced Shakespeare Gardens, interpretative trails and sculptures, connections to the Greenway with access to both practice and competitive fields, a destination playground, outdoor pool and the regional Multi-Generational Community Life Center. The natural topography of the park provides a location outside of flood affected areas allowing the Center to serve as a disaster shelter.

BEFORE

Ellis Park - Site Plan

Create a Vibrant, Destination Riverfront:

Ellis Park Site Section

Multi-Generational Community Life Center

BEFORE

Multi-Generational Community Life Center

The Regional (245,000 square-foot) Multi-Generational Community Life Center promotes community gathering for residents of Cedar Rapids and Linn County in a destination facility that replaces and repurposes outdated existing facilities. The center provides diverse recreational offerings and includes multiple public and private partnerships. Components that meet needs from early childhood through senior citizens provide year-round quality-of-life programs to serve the community. Partnerships with schools and other community facilities allow outreach programs to be provided offsite.

A New Multi-Generational Facility within Ellis Signature Park

Create a Vibrant, Destination Riverfront:

Create a Vibrant, Destination Riverfront:

• Creative play and child care with indoor playground

• Party rental room

• Kitchen

• Multi-use room and stage

• 8 Social and cultural programming rooms

• 2 Arts and crafts rooms

• Dance

Passive Recreation

• Rock climbing

• Aerobics

• Health and fitness

• 50-meter competition pool

• Indoor family activity pool

• Indoor lap pool

• Indoor track

• 8 Gymnasiums

Active Recreation

Multi-Generational Community Life Center

BEFORE

Time Check Greenway

The Time Check Greenway becomes a new recreational destination for the City. The park includes 3 multipurpose fields, a ballfield, a new skate and bmx park, a boat dock in addition to existing boating at Ellis Harbor, trails and naturalized areas. The park connects to Time Check Park to the west and the "West Bank" park to the South.

Create a Vibrant, Destination Riverfront:

BEFORE

Seminole Valley Park

Activities at Seminole Valley expand to include both new multi-purpose fields for active recreation and a wetland park with an environmental education trail. The park would also include a dock with public fishing and boating access, a lodge available for event rental, and would accommodate informal camping.

Create a Vibrant, Destination Riverfront:

The Urban Beach and Destination Play area runs from 8th Avenue to the 14th/16th Avenue Bridge. It provides a gathering place where visitors can sunbathe or play beach volleyball, without water access. Its paths provide a continuous connection from the Downtown promenade to the wetland restoration area and Urban Fishery.

Create a Vibrant, Destination Riverfront: Urban Beach

filtering it before it reaches the Cedar River, helping to improve water quality.

The New Bohemia Wetland Park is a place for exploration. Its pathways, boardwalks and overlook move along the river's edge and through a wetland restoration area that provides habitat for wildlife and birds. The park serves an ecological function, collecting stormwater from future Downtown development and

New Bo Wetland Park

which is due to open in 2009.

Urban Fishery

Urban Fishery and New Bo Wetland Park

Along its entire length, the Riverfront Park System offers many opportunities for fishing, boating, and water access via trails, including key sites at the New Bohemia Wetland Park and the Urban Fishery

Create a Vibrant, Destination Riverfront:











Access to and parking for the Park System corresponds with strategically located gateways to the new Greenway Park.



Public feedback has consistently called for continuous access along the River. New trail connections, bridges and trailheads create continuous and connected trail corridors along both sides and across the River.



Access and Parking



Circulation, Access and Parking

Circulation

Create a Vibrant, Destination Riverfront:

Gathering Spaces Riverfront gathering spaces serve as neighborhood access points to the River and Greenway. A mix of sizes and types of gathering spaces accommodate various events along the River.

The Preferred Option increases the number and quality of access points for fishing and boating along the Riverfront.

River Access and Gathering Spaces

River Access

Create a Vibrant, Destination Riverfront:

Provide Signature Neighborhood Parks • Ellis Park • Bever Park • Jones Park • Cherry Hill Park • Noelridge Park

• New universally accessible destination playground • Four new ballfields • Improved park shelter architecture • New park gateway and identity signage

Cherry Hill Park

Potential Future Signature Park

Multi-Generational Facility Access to Time Check Greenway Cross-river pedestrian bridge Improved destination playground New park gateway and identity signage • Garden gazebo • Improved park shelter architecture

• • • • •

Ellis Park

• • • • • •

• Lighted cross-country ski trails • New 18,000 sf recreation facility with one gymnasium, classroom, and a multipurpose room • Improved park shelter architecture • Destination playground • New park gateway and identity signage

Jones Park

• Interpretive trails within a woodland ecosystem • New destination playground • Improved park shelter architecture • New park gateway and identity signage

Bever Park

Garden and Greenhouse improvements New gazebo and shelter for rentals New 29,000 sf indoor recreation facility Improved existing destination playground New park gateway and identity signage Garden Gazebo

Noelridge Park

Provide Signature Neighborhood Parks

create a community draw.

recreational components that

high level of design, and

each have a unique identity,

Each Signature Park will

location to be determined.

future population growth, in a

in the southwest if required by

potential future Signature Park

Bever, and Noelridge, with a

be Ellis, Cherry Hill, Jones,

These "Signature Parks" would

high quality features in each.

destinations by concentrating

into multi-neighborhood

Popular parks are transformed

Conceptual Drawing of Ellis Park Improvements

Provide Signature Neighborhood Parks: Ellis Park

BEFORE

A Multi-Generational Community Life Center is located above the 500year and 2008 flood elevations in Ellis Park. A cross-river pedestrian bridge provides access from the east side of the river to the Center, and the Time Check Greenway. The park also includes: a park gateway, enhanced Shakespeare Gardens with revenue potential through wedding rentals, interpretative trails and sculptures throughout the site, play/ practice fields within the Greenway, competitive ball fields on higher ground, a destination playground, outdoor children’s play zone, and an outdoor pool.

Interpretive Woodland Walk

Group Shelters for Rental

Provide Signature Neighborhood Parks: Bever Park

Destination Playground

Interpretive trails are added within the woodland ecosystem in the park. A new destination playground and park gateway is created. Additional improvements include improved group shelters for rentals and signage consistent with other Signature Parks.

Group Shelters

Universally Accessible Playground

Ballfields

The park features a new playground that is entirely accessible to people of all abilities. Four new ball fields are added in addition to improved group shelters, a new park gateway and identity signage.

Provide Signature Neighborhood Parks: Cherry Hill Park

The park is complimented with a destination playground, park gateway and improved group picnic shelters. A lighted cross-country ski trail provides extended recreation opportunities in the winter. Additionally, a neighborhood scale (18,000 square-foot) recreation center with one gymnasium and general program rooms are added during the second phase.

BEFORE

Provide Signature Neighborhood Parks: Jones Park

BEFORE

phase to meet the growing needs on Cedar Rapids north side. The facility includes a gymnasium, neighborhood fitness area, banquet/multi-use rooms, outdoor plaza, outdoor basketball and space for recreational programs and cultural arts.

The popular botanical gardens at Noelridge Park are enhanced with a new greenhouse entry with restrooms and an outdoor plaza. A new gazebo, water feature and pavilion create opportunities for wedding rentals. A new park entrance separates the passive recreation to the north and active recreation to the south. The existing playground is improved to create a destination playground that serves as an area attraction. A community recreation center (29,000 square feet) is added during the third

BEFORE

Provide Signature Neighborhood Parks: Noelridge Park

Increase Connectivity • Connected Trail System • Continuous Riverfront Access • Parks Signage System

Increase Connectivity: Trail System Develops trails that link regional systems and neighborhoods to the Riverfront, the Greenway, and the Downtown Core, while also connecting Signature Parks for local, recreational opportunities.

The connectivity of the Trail System is improved with a new system of trailheads, signage, and strategic use of paving materials.

Increase Connectivity: Trails

Proposed Trail Head at McLeod's Run

BEFORE

  
     & 


       


 


 

 

 


      


       

Proposed Promenade Section

30'

LOWER PROMENADE

At the Downtown Core, a two level promenade allows for access to cafés and shops at the upper level, while also providing continuous access (without street crossings) at a lower elevation, bringing visitors closer to the water.

A key aspect of Park System connectivity is continuous access along the Riverfront.

Increase Connectivity: Continuous Riverfront Access

EXISTING WALL

45'

UPPER PROMENADE

Examples of some other Park Systems' signage.

Great Park Systems have comprehensive, clear systems of signs that help users easily find their way around. They can also help to create a signature identity for the Park System and the City that is recognizable and attractive.

An example of what a Cedar Rapids Parks signage system could look like.

Increase Connectivity: Parks Signage System

Improve the Ecological Health of the City • Overall Strategies for the Park System • The River as an Ecological Resource • River’s Edge Restoration

• Convert manicured parkland to native prairie plantings to reduce long-term maintenance costs and create wildlife habitat.

• Look for opportunities to expand diversity in natural areas to promote healthy ecosystems and healthy communities.

• Preserve and enhance woodland areas in existing parks. Cedar Rapids parkland currently protects 43 percent of the City's Riverfront habitat.

Principles to enhance diversity of landscapes:

Overall Strategies for the Park System

Cedar Rapids can highlight existing preservation efforts and expand them to include renovation of the Cedar River banks and conversion of acres of existing turf grass to native plantings. The park system plan is also an opportunity to consider the regional watershed and resultant water quality issues.

Improve the Ecological Health of the City

Woodland walk

Prairie landscape

Wetlands and manicured turf

Riverfront Landscape Types

• While the Preferred Option can help to improve the Cedar River's water quality, long-term water quality improvements also require efforts to reduce pollution in upstream communities and agricultural land.

• Many of the Preferred Option's elements help to improve the Cedar River's Water Quality, including the treatment of stormwater in wetlands and the reduction of erosion through river's edge restoration.

Water Quality

• Naturalized Riverfront areas also offer increased flood protection.

• These protected Riverfront areas maintain biological diversity, improve water quality, provide wildlife travel corridors, and create recreation opportunities.

• Currently parkland protects almost half of the existing river corridor areas within Cedar Rapids city limits.

The Value of Riverfront Landscapes in Cedar Rapids

Improve the Ecological Health of the City: The River as an Ecological Resource

Several approaches to restoration can be employed, depending on the location along the River. At urban, Downtown locations, a harder edge condition is most effective, allowing visitors to get close to the water with a gradual slope uphill. In less heavily trafficked areas, a naturalized edge with a mix of grassy plantings and flood-tolerant tree species will help stabilize and improve the visual quality of the River's edge.

River's edge restoration can help to stabilize the river banks, making them more attractive, reducing erosion, and helping to reduce future flooding.

Cedar River bank erosion occurs when high velocity water flow eats away at the bottom of the slope, causing it to collapse.

Urban Edge

Images by Conservation Design Forum

Improve the Ecological Health of the City: River's Edge Restoration

Naturalized Edge

Be Efficient and Cost-Effective to Maintain • Streamline the Park System • Create New Revenue Sources • Phase Improvements

$22,000 $90,000 $70,000

$34,500 $32,500

$35,000

$191,500

$22,000 $54,000 $15,000

$34,500 $19,000

$35,000

$94,500

$274,000

Operational Adjustment

Close 12 old spray pools

New fee structure covers Tuma costs

Increase independence of Ushers Ferry with reduced subsidy and increased revenues

Reduce mowing schedule in some areas

Transfer maintenance of pocket parks to neighborhoods (Central, Garnett, Iroquois, Lincoln Heights, Glass Road, Long Bluff Road, Sinclair, Whittam)

Repurpose or transfer maintenance of property adjacent to schools (Coolidge, Monroe, Pierce, Reed, Van Buren, Viola Gibson Park)

$610,000

Total Annual Revenues

Total Annual Operational Efficiencies

$535,000

$500,000

$500,000 Naming Rights

$509,000

$55,000

$10,000 Provide sponsorships of new recreational amenities

$475,500

$55,000

$25,000 Create an Annual Giving/ Friends Organization

Action

Average New Revenue per Year Phase I Phase II 1 -5 Years 6-10 Years

Create New Revenue Sources

$130,000

$75,000

$55,000

Phase III 11-15 Years

A return of parkland to prairie plantings saves $481,000 over 15 years

Convert portions of parkland to prairie (Cheyenne, Lincoln Way, Osborne, Stejskal, Sun Valley, Interstate Ramp Areas, Tait Cummins, Shawnee, Nixon, Seminole Valley, Cherokee extended, Navajo, Bowman Woods)

$195,000

$35,000

$32,500

$34,500

$100,000

$90,000

$22,000

Average Savings per Year Phase I Phase II Phase III 1 -5 Years 6-10 Years 11-15 Years

Strategic operational landscape changes, such as the conversion of some parkland area to prairie plantings or reduced mowing schedules will save the City $1,258,500 over the fifteenyear phased planning period.

Streamline Park System Operations

Be Efficient and Cost Effective to Maintain

• Construct Multi-Generational Community Life Center

Indoor Recreation $82,000,000

• Naturalized areas

• Seminole Valley/Ushers Ferry rental facility

• Time Check - 4 multi-purpose fields

• May's Island Plaza skating rink/fountain

• 5,000-person amphitheater

• City promenade/riverwalk

Riverfront $46,838,000

$70,000,000 $3,000,000

City and Other Partners Private

$5,000,000

$4,000,000

Federal State

$82,000,000

$5,000,000

Private

Indoor Recreation

$5,200,000 $16,169,000

City and Other Partners

$20,469,000

Federal State

$46,838,000

$0

Private

Riverfront

$175,000 $1,380,000

• Begin east-west spine trails and trails connecting them to Signature Parks

$175,000

City and Other Partners

Federal

• Build funded trails

$1,730,000

State

Trails

$400,000

Private

$0

State

$5,729,000

$1,018,000

Federal

City and Other Partners

$7,147,000

Funding Potential Phase I 1 -5 Years Parks and Open Space

Trails $1,730,000

• Invest in dog parks, splash pads, and TUMA enhancements

• Noelridge garden/greenhouse improvements and rental facility

• Noelridge playground and improvements

• Ellis playground and improvements

Parks and Open Space $7,147,000

Phase I: Fiscal Year 2011-2015

How Would We Phase This System?

• Southwest neighborhood facility with multi-purpose rooms and gymnasium

Indoor Recreation $7,293,000

• Naturalized areas

• Ellis Park and trail pedestrian bridge

• New Bo Riverfront Park and beach

• Westbank Greenway 3rd Avenue to 8th Avenue

Riverfront $30,150,000

Private

$0

Federal

$100,000

Private

* Future costs are escalated for Phases 2 and 3

$7,193,000

City and Other Partners

$0

$7,293,000

Indoor Recreation State

$5,000,000

$14,360,000

$5,200,000

$5,590,000

Private

City and Other Partners

State

Federal

$30,150,000

$20,000

City and Other Partners

Riverfront

$550,000 $4,550,000

State

$550,000

Federal

• Continue construction of east-west spine trails and trails connecting them to Signature Parks

$5,670,000

$750,000

Private

Trails

$6,737,000

$0

$0

$7,487,000

City and Other Partners

State

Federal

Parks and Open Space

Phase II 6-10 Years

Funding Potential

Trails $5,670,000

• Complete investments in dog parks and splash pads

• Bever playground and improvements

• Jones playground and improvements

• Cherry Hill playground and improvements

Parks and Open Space $7,487,000

Phase 2: Fiscal Year 2016-2020*

How Would We Phase This System?

• Noelridge recreation center expansion

Indoor Recreation $12,698,000

• Concrete skate park

• Naturalized areas

• Seminole Valley - fields

• City promenade/riverwalk completion

• Wetland Park (14th Avenue to Cargill)

Riverfront $29,562,000

• Build regional trail extensions and loops

• Build local trails to create loops

• Complete construction of east-west spine trails and trails connecting them to Signature Parks

Trails $11,709,000

• Enhance tournament athletic fields with the addition of baseball and softball

• Install lights on cross country ski trails

Parks and Open Space $12,020,000

Phase 3: Fiscal Year 2021-2025*

How Would We Phase This System?

$12,698,000 $0

Indoor Recreation Federal

$200,000

Private

* Future costs are escalated for Phases 2 and 3

$12,498,000

City and Other Partners

$0

$5,000,000

Private

State

$5,200,000 $8,450,000

City and Other Partners

$10,912,000

Federal State

$29,562,000

$25,000

Private

Riverfront

$1,175,000 $9,334,000

City and Other Partners

$1,175,000

Federal State

$11,709,000

$2,000,000

Private

Trails

$0 $10,020,000

City and Other Partners

$0

Federal State

$12,020,000

Parks and Open Space

Phase 3 11-15 Years

Funding Potential

How Do We Fund This System? Funding the Parks & Recreation Master Plan will be phased over 15 years and will come from various sources.

Federal Funding • FEMA allocations for facilities impacted by the flood. • Army Corps of Engineers cost sharing for elements that assist with flood mitigation. • Federal grant programs that fund emergency shelters and health related facilities for the MultiGenerational Community Life Center. • Federal grant programs for trails, including Federal Recreational Trails Program, Clean Air Mitigation Program, National Highway System, Scenic Highways Program, Highway Safety Program, Bridge Access, Federal Transit Funding. • Land and Water Conservation Fund for assistance in park development.

State Funding • CAT and RECAT grant funding will be sought for riverfront improvements and the Multi-Generational Community Life Center. • Naturalization projects are eligible for REAP funding. • Iowa Recreational Trails Fund, Statewide and Regional Enhancement Programs for trails. • Water Recreation Access Fund for boat ramps and river access.

Foundations • Funding for plan components will be sought from foundations including American Greenway Awards Program, AEGON Transamerica Foundation, Alliant Energy Foundation, The Principal Financial Group, PepsiCO Foundation, The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Handspring Foundation, The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, H.J. Heinz Company Foundation, HB Heron Foundation, The Irving Harris Foundation, Rockwell Collins Charitable Corporation, United Fire Group Foundation, Verizon Foundation, Qwest Foundation, Wells Fargo, Tony Hawk, Baseball Tomorrow and the United States Soccer Foundation. There will also be continuing pursuit of partnerships with such local foundations as Hall Perrine and Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.

Private Funding • Businesses, corporations and service organizations invested in a vibrant downtown have expressed interest in partnerships that will provide funding for downtown improvements. • Interest groups will help to solicit funds for specific facilities including dog parks, recreation centers, sports fields and the skate park.

City and Other Partners • Investment will be required from the City of Cedar Rapids and Linn County. • Adopt parkland dedication and impact fee to pay for new parks to meet future needs from population growth.

How Will the Master Plan Coordinate with Other Planning and Recovery Efforts? City Vision and Strategies The Parks & Recreation Master Plan reflects the City’s Vision. It includes components that will contribute to Cedar Rapids becoming a vibrant urban hometown and building a greater community for the next generation.

Flood Recovery The Master Plan builds on the flood mitigation strategy publicly supported through the River Corridor Redevelopment Plan. It includes naturalization and wetland parks that will provide additional protection from floods.

Neighborhood Planning Process The Preferred Option reflects feedback from the Neighborhood Planning Process regarding gathering spaces, trail connections, and access to the River. Concerns regarding parking and Greenway development have been examined and addressed.

Community Needs Components of the Preferred Option address feedback gathered in a recent city-wide survey. Results of that study indicated additional resources could be devoted to creating a vibrant downtown, attracting new businesses and industries, and engaging in environmental initiatives.

Next Steps November 2009 • Consolidate feedback and present summary to City Council. • Outline next steps to identify and work with funding partners.

December 2009 • Meet with potential private donors and public partners.

January 2010 • Potential Vision Iowa Grant submitted in early 2010. • Complete Master Plan document for adoption by City Council.

February - June 2010 • Work with neighborhood groups on operational efficiencies within the Park System. • Meet with user groups to identify public participation required for specific projects.

2010 - 2011 • Submit additional grant applications for Phase I projects. • Begin operational efficiencies within existing Park System.

2012 - 2015 • Complete operational efficiencies within the existing Park System. • Implement Phase I projects. • Develop partnerships and solicit funding for Phase II projects.

2016 - 2020 • Implement Phase II projects. • Develop partnerships and solicit funding for Phase III projects.

2021 - 2025 • Implement Phase III projects.

QUESTIONS • What do you like and dislike about the Preferred Parks & Recreation Master Plan Option? • In what ways do you feel the Preferred Option does or does not meet current and future community needs? • What questions/comments do you have on proposed operational efficiencies, new revenue sources, funding and phasing?

THANK YOU for providing your feedback at this open house.

Comments/Questions? Please provide your feedback on the following topics: • Recommended Facilities & Locations • Cost Impacts & Funding Sources • Value of Investments for Community • Public Participation/ Communications • General Comments/Questions

Frequently Asked Questions Q. How will City Council decide on priorities and how with the City pay for the options? A. Feedback from this Open House will assist City Council in establishing priorities and determining which funding strategies will be used. The Council will review all plans that lead to new investments to make sure they fit into the City’s vision and long-range financial planning. Funding strategies may include issuing bonds, FEMA allocations and grant programs. Some of the options may be dependent on the ability to secure partnerships, private contributions and grant funding. The information gained through this planning process will be instrumental in securing those funds. The City knows that not everything can be done at once. But having a plan in place will help us to move forward, access alternative funding sources, integrate planning related to the flood recovery and revitalization, and invest in our future.

Q. Will implementation of this plan increase my taxes? A. Almost any improvement to the current park system is likely to have some increase in taxes. The level depends on the options selected and the amount of private and grant funds that are secured.