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, Fox Trail 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 10 splash pads, the Tuma Soccer Complex, Old MacDonald's Farm (Bever Park Children's Zoo), and Noelridge Park Greenhouse and 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 21 through October 14, 2012. As spring unfolds, water is turned on in the larger parks first and the smaller parks follow.
Park hours are 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, with the exception of Prairie Park Fishery. Prairie Park Fishery is open from 6:00 AM to a 1/2 hour after sunset.