The Cedar Rapids River Recreation Commission was established by city Ordinance No. 039-09 in September 2009. The seven commission members must be residents of Cedar Rapids and serve without compensation. Representation consists of four members appointed at large and one member appointed from each of the following constituencies: Five Seasons Ski Team, Cedar Boat Club, and Ellis Harbor Association. The terms of office for each of the members is three years.
The River Recreation Commission provides support and guidance to the City. The Commission makes studies and recommendations for enhancement of the Cedar River and promotion of recreational activities, facilities, and programs within the City of Cedar Rapids related to the river. Commission duties include advocacy; promotion of volunteerism; capital improvement planning; review and recommendations for the proposed annual Parks & Recreation budget; fundraising; studies and recommendations for activities, facilities and programs; promotion of river activities, events, facilities and other projects; recommendations for acquisition, development and improvement of parklands and recreation areas; and recommendations concerning rules, regulations and ordinances.
This commission meets the first Thursday of every month at 11:00 AM at the Ambroz Recreation Center, 2000 Mt. Vernon Rd. SE.
Ellis Harbor Business Plan/Feasibility Study
The City of Cedar Rapids has contracted with Edgewater Resources from St. Joseph, Michigan, to do a business plan and feasibility study of Ellis Harbor and quarry. The City expects Edgewater Resources to provide information and recommendations that will enhance the river and Harbor experience.
Edgewater was chosen over other interested companies because of extensive marina experience in the Midwest, having worked on more than eighty projects with local governments and public input processes. Some of their current or recent projects in Iowa include projects at Lake Red Rock, Dubuque, Rock Island, and Clinton. They also have experience in numerous other marinas along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.
Click on the links below to learn more:
Ellis Harbor Presentation
Final Ellis Harbor Plan
Final Ellis Harbor Plan Appendix
Summary of Key Ellis Harbor Existing Conditions