Iowa City officials consider adding beach to Lower City Park

Officials in Iowa City are considering making a portion of Lower City Park into a beach area along the Iowa River, according to a recent email from parks and recreation director Mike Moran.

A large amount of sand floated into City Park during the June flooding, which left much of the park underwater for days. In an email to a resident, which was included in a recent city council packet, Moran said he's received several inquiries about leaving the sand in the park for recreational use.

“We will be exploring this idea to see if it is feasible to maintain along the river and the long term effects with the fluctuation that comes with the control of the water flow through the Coralville Reservoir,” Moran told the resident.

Moran said a large amount of the sand will be staying put for now, until the city can have a discussion about its longevity with the Corps of Engineers and the Department of Natural Resources.