Across Iowa, programs are increasingly drawing residents and visitors outdoors at a time of year when temperatures drop and it may be tempting to hibernate indoors. Winter recreational offerings encourage people to get outside year-round, harnessing the Hawkeye state’s natural assets to keep people active despite colder weather.
The vision for “a park in a library and a library in a park” is on its way to coming to life for Cedar Rapids’ new westside library. The library is being designed, but park amenities would include outdoor “reading rooms,” multiuse courts, community gardens, event space and more, leaning on natural elements.
Another eight Cedar Rapids parks are slated to be revamped with community garden plots over the coming years as a step toward expanding access to healthy food and advancing climate action across the city.