About our department

The Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department is completing a master plan that will aide in planning for the next fifteen years. The plan will include future development of parks, indoor recreation, riverfront and greenway, and trail connections between parks. Recommendations have been developed as a result of analysis of the current system, needs assessment surveys, and a public participation process which involved over 1,000 individuals. The plan will also address growth of the system, operational efficiencies and best practices in other communities. A final presentation to Council will be made in February. Click here to find out more about the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

The Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department manages over 3,360 acres of city owned property. In addition to 74 areas formally named, there are hundreds of acres held in reserve as undeveloped green space for future park expansion and flood control. Athletic fields, pavilions, playgrounds, and restrooms abound throughout the system.

The Parks and Recreation Department maintains all weather basketball courts, the trail system, splash pads, sand volleyball courts (at Shaver Park, Foxtrail Park, and Ellis Park), a BMX dirt track at Cheyenne Park, an off-leash dog exercise area, 21 pavilions, baseball and softball fields, and picnic areas. The Department also operates 12 spray pools and 6 splash pads, the Tuma Soccer Complex, Bever Park Children's Zoo, and Noelridge Park Flower Gardens. Two frisbee golf courses are located at Shaver Park and Jones Park.

The park season for the availability of restrooms, drinking fountains, rental of open-air pavilions, and general day-to-day operating conveniences runs from April 17 through October 10, 2010. As spring unfolds, water is turned on in the larger parks first and the smaller parks follow.

Office Location:
3601 42nd Street NE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Phone Number:
(319) 286-5760