Cedar Rapids plans design of Hughes Park, seeks public input

CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapids is seeking public input as it designs the new Dwight Hughes Park in the southwest quadrant.

A public meeting is scheduled from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Time Check Hall in the City Services Center, 500 15th Ave. SW. The city acquired the 7.3-acre Hughes Park, 2100 Wilson Ave. SW, with plans to enhance it as a neighborhood amenity. A previous Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation master plan noted the southwest side had a lack of green space.

The city purchased the hilly, wooded land surrounded by homes for $403,000 in 2016 with $300,000 from an Iowa Department of Natural Resources Resource Enhancement and Protection - or REAP - grant. The proposed 2018 fiscal year budget, which begins on July 1, includes $250,000 to revamp the park. The makeover timeline is five years.

At the open house, the public will be able to view maps and concept designs, incorporating landmark trees into a naturalized park with trails, native prairie, interpretive education signage and a natural playscape. Staff and architects will be on hand for the discussion.

'This new park is within walking distance of hundreds of homes where no other park exists,” said Sven Leff, Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation director. 'Unlike other neighborhood parks in our system, this park will have a more natural play space feel that takes advantage of the huge trees that were planted decades ago. It will be a special place for the neighborhood, and we hope they'll come and tell us what they think,”

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