Iowa City Parks Master Plan Discussed Wed., 5:00 p.m., July 12th

Update!! The Park Master Plan will be discussed at the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting at the Robert Lee Recreation Center at 5:00 p.m., not 5:30 p.m. as previously mentioned, on Wednesday, July 12th. The City of Iowa City apologizes for the error regarding the time. The public is encouraged to attend. (The Neighborhood Council will NOT be meeting that evening.) The full draft plan is available at

https://www.icgov.org/city-government/departments-and-divisions/parks-and-recreation/master-plan

It is expected that the Iowa City Council will discuss the plan at their August 1st work session.

The Creekside Park Plan will also be discussed at the Parks and Recreation meeting on July 12th.

As my husband and I have noticed on our bicycle rides, phase one of the Riverfront Crossings Park construction is in full swing at 1101 S. Clinton Street, Iowa City. Huge piles of trees and brush lie near the trail and construction equipment is parked in the large field next to the trail.

Phase one will focus on restoration of Ralston Creek, wetland creation, trail connections to the surrounding neighborhoods, a bridge connection to 2nd Street, and the addition of a new parking area at the north end of the park. The majority of the work is set for completion in the fall, with the parking area construction expected to be completed in spring 2018.

The work will include grading, as well as tree removal along the Iowa River Trail and Ralston Creek. Priority will be given to keeping at least one trail open in the park throughout construction, however temporary closures may occur. In the event there are closures, alerts will be posted on the Iowa City Parks and Recreation website, icgov.org/pr.