Cedar Rapids to get new west-side park

CEDAR RAPIDS - The city's westside is getting a new 7.3-acre park.

On Thursday, the city announced that it had secured a $300,000 state Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant, which will enable it to purchase seven-plus acres of hilly, wooded land at 2100 Wilson Ave. SW that is surrounded by homes.

Sven Leff, the city's parks and recreation director, said the site to be purchased is in an area of the city that has a deficiency of parks, an observation that City Council member Justin Shields, whose council district covers this part of the city, has not been reluctant to point out.”

'They're about non-existent,” Shields said in August when the city announced that it was seeking a REAP grant for the new park.

Leff said the site will be developed into a park over the next five to seven years and will keep landmark trees as it changes into a naturalized area with native prairie, trails, educational signage and a natural play area.

'We are thrilled to have received the maximum amount that REAP allows for city projects,” Leff said. 'The park will preserve critically needed green space in the southwest quadrant. We are looking forward to creating a natural escape that is different from other park spaces in the city.”

In August, the city said the proposed park site, which is owned by Dwight Hughes Jr., had an appraised value of $402,600.

Gail Loskill, communication coordinator for the Parks and Recreation Department, said the department will use city funds to cover any portion of the purchase price not covered by the REAP grant. As in any city purchase, the purchase price will be negotiated, she said.

REAP grants have helped in other city projects, most recently to help with restoration work along the Cedar River at the McGrath Amphitheatre.