featured
Welcome to On the Plus Side
February 02, 2023
On the Plus Side features good news from the City of Cedar Rapids!
2022 Cedar Rapids Business Survey Update Now Available
August 10, 2022
ReLeaf Cedar Rapids
October 13, 2020
ReLeaf Cedar Rapids
Downtown Convention Center and Arena Now Named Alliant Energy PowerHouse
October 26, 2020
BAE Systems Building $173M Facility in CR
October 13, 2020
BAE Systems
New Housing Options Coming to CR
October 13, 2020
New housing projects coming to Cedar Rapids
Securian Advisors MidAmerica Renovating Downtown
October 13, 2020
Securian Advisors MidAmerica
Student ID Numbers Now Work as Library Cards
October 13, 2020
Student ID Numbers Now Work as Library Cards
Buying Local Benefits Entire Community
December 10, 2020
featured
A Message from Hashim Taylor, Parks & Recreation Director
November 08, 2022
Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation's winter-spring program registration is underway. Thank you for connecting with our recreation guide, Play CR, Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation’s go-to source for all things recreation!
Noelridge Greenhouse Easter Showcase
April 06, 2022
The Noelridge Greenhouse Easter Showcase is back this year on Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Noelridge Greenhouse, 4900 Council Street NE. Come enjoy a preview of spring!
Friends Of Noelridge
April 04, 2022
The Friends of Noelridge organization supports the operations of the greenhouse and gardens at Noelridge Park. Read about their instrumental role in providing plants and flowers that help beautify public spaces.
Germination Strategy at Noelridge Greenhouse
February 16, 2022
Starting as early as January, we are busy sowing seeds. We grow over 500 varieties of ornamental annuals at the Noelridge Greenhouse and Gardens. Depending on the species, the germination strategy can vary greatly. Read more about the process.
Tropical Escape
February 16, 2022
Are you dreaming of running away to some tropical rainforest to escape the frigid winter in Iowa? How about counting down the days until summer? If you are like me, you are! Noelridge Greenhouse is the perfect place to get away.
Happy 50th Birthday Noelridge Greenhouses
February 16, 2022
While the Parks Division has been producing flowers for public spaces in Cedar Rapids since 1930, the greenhouses at Noelridge Park just turned 50 at the end of 2021.
Crush the Curve Virtual Marathon
April 17, 2020
Get off the couch and do something powerful for yourself – run a marathon! Crush the Curve virtual marathon is for everybody. You have 30 days to run, jog, walk, or workout to complete the 26.2 mile challenge. This is your race.
Healthier parks in 2019
December 20, 2018
Many people start off the new year with a list of planned changes, often these goals include plans for a healthier year. We have plans to make the parks healthier and cleaner in 2019 as well.
Explosions of color
July 31, 2018
Cedar Rapids has been recognized across the country for its local work in returning public land to native prairie and increasing pollinator habitat. One of the most captivating benefits is the beauty of pollinator zones in bloom.
Staff receives state awards
April 09, 2018
The Iowa Parks and Recreation Association recognized two Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department employees Wednesday, March 28 at their annual conference.
Parks staff assists with "Parchitecture" project
March 27, 2018
The Parks and Recreation Department’s Recreation Maintenance team was asked to work with 55 students at Roosevelt School who were interested in planning and designing accessible playgrounds.
Keep our parks and waterways clean
March 22, 2018
Now that it is officially spring, we hope that you will be able to use our park system more often. Unfortunately, now that spring rain has washed away the snow, we are left with lots of litter and debris in plain sight.
Habitat Restoration
February 22, 2018
Parks & Recreation Department Forestry crews recently removed invasive and undesirable understory trees along the Sac and Fox Trail that were crowding out a native black walnut and a grove of Kentucky coffee trees nearby.
It is a wonderland out there
January 08, 2018
While you’re inside, staying warm and curled up by the fire, there is a lot of outdoor winter recreation that you are missing. Take advantage of the winter season and the opportunities it provides in the Midwest.
Keep your New Year's resolution
January 04, 2018
Stay committed to keeping your New Year’s resolution this year! You don’t have to be intimidated at a gym, we have many creative ways to keep you active and healthy.
Tree maintenance in Bever Park
December 12, 2017
While we plant trees as often and in as many places as we can, unfortunately, sometimes we must also remove trees because they are no longer safe for the public.
Is it cold enough yet?
December 07, 2017
Each year people wait anxiously for an outdoor recreation opportunity that only occurs in Cedar Rapids in the winter. Read how we need Old Man Winter to cooperate to get outdoor ice rinks up and running.
O Christmas Tree
November 15, 2017
On Monday, November 20, we will cut down the City's official Christmas tree and get it ready in Greene Square for the tree lighting ceremony. Join us on Saturday, November 25 at 5:30 p.m. to watch as the tree is lit.
A playground to be proud of
November 08, 2017
A few weeks ago we were happy to open the Variety Star Playground in Noelridge Park. We encourage you to visit the playground to see all the unique features and hope that you show your appreciation to the many donors.
Buggy (and more) for Sale
November 03, 2017
Antique and auction lovers will get a real treat this Sunday when we hold a public auction of items no longer used at Ushers Ferry.
featured
Consumer Alert: Cedar Rapids Address Requirements
August 28, 2018
Curbside painting of home addresses is not required by the City and is not endorsed by either the Police Department or Fire Department.
Police Department Advising of Moving Company Scam
August 13, 2018
Don't fall for the moving company scam that is occurring throughout the country. In mid-August, the Police Department took three reports of this scam affecting our residents.
Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week
April 10, 2017
This week is Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week. Like police officers and firefighters, animal control officers are dedicated professionals who often put themselves at risk, work irregular shifts, and care deeply about their mission.
Fire Department Recognizes Life-Saving, Heroic Actions
February 02, 2023
The Cedar Rapids Fire Department held its Annual Recognition Ceremony last week and honored firefighters and civilians for distinguished and life-saving actions.
SRO Relationship Inspires Law Enforcement Career Choice at McKinley
March 27, 2017
School Resource Officers in area high schools and middle schools truly can make a difference in young people's lives.
featured
We are Ready for Winter
October 30, 2020
The Public Works Department begins making preparations early every year in advance of winter weather. Check out a brief overview of the equipment and material used every year to plow and treat approximately 1,400 lane miles.
Pothole Patching: The Hot and Cold of It
May 07, 2019
City crews tackle potholes differently depending on the time of year, the material available, and the severity of the pavement decay.
Addressing Spring Flood Risk
March 03, 2019
A message from our Public Works Director Jen Winter: "One point I wanted to emphasize is that we’ve been preparing for – and addressing – major flood threats for the last several years."
Meet the Construction Division
June 17, 2017
Juggling the logistics of multiple construction projects every summer takes the combined efforts of a committed group of individuals with eyes on the ground.
Roundabouts Improve Safety
January 12, 2018
Fewer construction projects generate more interest than that of roundabouts. While they are a newer traffic control measure for Cedar Rapids, roundabouts have a well-documented history of safety benefits.
Construction Zone Safety Concerns and Reminders
August 02, 2017
With a number of construction improvements underway throughout the community, the City of Cedar Rapids would like to remind the public of important safety tips and regulations on construction zone safety.
featured
Newly Released Map Makes Cedar Rapids Sustainability Visible
August 01, 2018
You may not know the Downtown Library has a green roof, or that you are neighbors with one of the City's solar arrays… this new map can give you a clearer picture.
Where can I dump it now?
April 22, 2020
The coronavirus has upended everybody's routine. Your garbage and recycling collection is no exception! But what should you do with your extra stuff now?
Recycling Challenges
December 05, 2019
Cedar Rapids faces the same challenges in its recycling programs as the rest of the globe. Mark Jones, Cedar Rapids solid waste superintendent, gives some helpful hints and education about recycling in November's Inside Cedar Rapids Podcast.
Celebrate Earth Day with the City of Cedar Rapids
April 22, 2019
Learn about some of the City of Cedar Rapids' green initiatives on Earth Day 2019.
April is Earth Month
April 10, 2019
Find out how the City of Cedar Rapids is celebrating sustainability, green initiatives, and our planet.
2019 Recycling Resolutions
January 04, 2019
The City of Cedar Rapids Solid Waste and Recycling division asks customers to make good recycling habits their goal in 2019.
City Achieves 4-STAR Community Certification
August 20, 2018
STAR Communities is the nation’s leading framework for measuring a community’s environmental, economic, and social health.
Cedar Rapids Utilities Department Recognized with Clean Water Advocate Award
July 27, 2018
The City of Cedar Rapids Utilities Department received the 2018 Clean Water Advocate award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA).
