Government Notes: Cedar Rapids City Council awards $1.5M contract for Jones Dog Park project

Jones Park is set to transition from 9-irons to K-9s next year following the construction of a new dog park.

Cedar Rapids City Council members last week approved a $1,497,000 contract with Midwest Concrete to move forward with constructing a dog park at the former municipal golf course site in southwest Cedar Rapids.

The Jones Dog Park will include a general canine socialization area, a space specifically for small dogs and two dedicated training areas. The site plan also calls for a walking trail, shade structures and picnic tables.

The off-leash dog park is part of an ongoing effort to revamp Jones Park’s now-closed municipal golf course. The project was first identified through a community survey meant to collect citizen input on potential park uses.

Early cost estimates for the project were around $1.8 million, although bids came in lower than originally anticipated. Nine companies expressed interest in the project with Midwest Concrete submitting the lowest bid.

The goal is to open the pet-friendly facility next fall. Once complete, the Jones Dog Park will be the city’s fourth dog park.

Iowa City launches ‘Project Cleanup’ program for litter removal

Iowa City is launching “Project Cleanup” a volunteer program focused on litter cleanup efforts around the city. Anyone can volunteer by picking up a Project Cleanup kit and using it to clean up public spaces throughout the city.

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Project Cleanup Kits are available at Iowa City Public Library, City Hall, the Senior Center, or Mercer Park Aquatic Center. Each cleanup kit includes a pair of gloves, a 16 gallon orange trash bag and a program instruction sheet.

Volunteers can put the filled orange trash bags next to any waste bin for curbside pickup.

“This is a simple, direct way for individuals, families, and groups to help prevent litter from ending up in our waterways, by picking it up and ensuring its proper disposal,” Sarah Gardner, the city’s climate action coordinator, said in a news release. “Project Cleanup makes it easy for residents to do so at their own pace, with friends or neighbors or on their own, in locations near where they live or work, and have a positive impact. Every effort adds up.”

The city is asking program participants to fill out a survey at icgov.org/projectcleanup to help track efforts.

Cedar Rapids Park Foundation donates $67K toward local park improvements

The Cedar Rapids Parks Foundation has donated just over $67,000 toward improvements across the city’s parks system.

The $67,079 donation to the city’s Parks and Recreation Department aligns with the foundation’s mission to create, enhance and sustain innovative parks and recreation opportunities in Cedar Rapids.

The funds will go toward projects across the Cedar Rapids parks system including amenity improvements at Cedar Lake, lighting installation at the Jones Park pickleball courts and to lay power and waterlines for the Hughes Park ice rink and basketball court.

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The donation also will support native oases in several city parks and support educational programming around native planting.

“We believe these enhancements will make our parks even more beautiful, welcoming, and useful for everyone,” foundation executive director Laurie Worden said in a news release. “Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, event supporters, sustaining donors, and our strong partnership with CR Parks & Recreation, we can continue to bring these projects to life.”

The foundation operates as a volunteer-led nonprofit meant to support the local parks system through fundraising and event promotion.

The organization will host its annual “Beers in the Barnyard” fall fundraiser from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at Old MacDonald’s Farm in Bever Park.

Tickets can be purchased online at crparkfoundation.org, although attendees must be 21 or older to attend.

Linn County seeks applicants for legacy and community attraction grant program

The Linn County Board of Supervisors is seeking applicants for its Legacy & Community Attraction Fund grant program.

The program aims to promote the unique culture and history of Linn County to engage residents and visitors alike.

This year, a total of $50,000 is available for disbursement, and a maximum of five organizations will be selected for funding.

Applications are open to nonprofits based in Linn County or with a strong Linn County presence. Priority will be given to requests for events and capital projects over those requesting funds for operational support.

Applications materials and additional information are available on the Linn County website, and all applications are due by 4:30 p.m. Oct. 31.

Iowa City park maintenance scheduled at three locations

Throughout this week, routine maintenance will be taking place at trails and parks across Iowa City. The maintenance will result in partial closures of park facilities.

Terry Trueblood Recreation Area: Beginning Monday, Sept. 15 through Wednesday, Sept. 17, between the hours of 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the trails on the west and south sides of Sand Lake.

Highway 6 Trail: Maintenance on the Highway 6/Iowa River Corridor Trail between Highway 6 and McCollister Boulevard will take place Thursday, Sept. 18 and Friday, Sept. 19. The trail will remain open throughout the work, though the city has advised that visitors may be redirected around the maintenance crews.

Thornberry Dog Park: Maintenance work at Thornberry Dog Park will primarily be focused on areas near the fencing and last Wednesday, Sept. 17 through Saturday, Sept. 20. The dog park will remain open during the maintenance period.

New local Civics Bee for Eastern Iowa middle schoolers

Applications are open for students in sixth through eighth grade interested in participating in a new local Civics Bee where they can showcase their civics knowledge, engage in their communities and strengthen their skills as future leaders.

Finalists will be invited to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Civics Bee National Championship fall 2026.

Any sixth-, seventh- or eighth-grader residing in Iowa with an idea about using civics to improve their community can submit their application to participate.

All applications must be submitted by Tuesday, Feb. 3. Applications can be found online at cedarrapids.org/public-policy/national-civics-bee.

The Civics Bee is being hosted by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

This event is special as it will be held in all 50 states in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

The local Civics Bee begins with a written essay competition and culminates in live quiz events at the local, state and national levels.

Finalists from the essay round will be invited to compete in a live local quiz event hosted by the Economic Alliance next spring. Winners will advance to the Iowa State Finals, and the first-place state winner will earn a trip to Washington, D.C. for the National Championship.

National finalists will compete for cash prizes, national recognition and a $100,000 529 education savings plan contribution.

Government Notes is published Mondays and contains updates from area governmental bodies. The Gazette’s Grace King, Grace Nieland and Megan Woolard contributed.