Homers: What's going right

REVIEW DUE: Gov. Chet Culver appropriately called for a review of Army Corps of Engineers' reservoir policies that govern such facilities. John Castle, operations manager at the Coralville Reservoir, has pushed for a review since the flood of 1993. The issue is whether the Corps should be more proactive in adjusting water levels at Coralville Lake to help mitigate flood damage downstream.

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PLAY THAT PIANO: Two pianos placed in Iowa City's downtown three weeks ago have beckoned musicians of all levels of ability and styles to stop by and play. And many have. The piano outside of developer Marc Moen's Plaza Towers and another in front of the M.C. Ginsberg store are provided courtesy of West Music in Coralville.

Their outdoor presence was inspired by the public art project “Play Me, I'm Yours,” which has placed pianos in open spaces worldwide, challenging people to interact. The city is allowing a 90-day trial and organizers want to make it permanent and add more pianos. Go for it. A great addition to downtown Iowa City's environment.

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SANDPIT TRANSFORMED: The flood of 2008 delayed progress, but a former industrial sandpit on Cedar Rapids' southeast side is being transformed into a fishing and recreational venue. Prairie Park Fishery, a 60-acre stocked lake with a park and 2-mile trail, is just off Otis Road SE, between the Cedar River and the Cedar Valley/Rompot Neighborhood. It should be open to the public next month. Martin Marietta Materials donated the sandpit to the city.