Full-Service Park Season Ending

City of Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation staff have started shutting off water and closing restrooms throughout the park system in preparation for freezing winter temperatures and the loss of seasonal cleaning staff. The park system includes over 30 restrooms, more than 50 drinking fountains, and many irrigation lines, requiring the winterization process to start in early fall. Restrooms at select parks will remain open until November as staffing and temperatures allow. Portable restrooms will be available in some locations after they close. Parks with gates will close to vehicle traffic as weather requires but walkers and bikers will continue to have access.

Parks staff will begin mowing and plowing City leased garden plots at Tuma and Ellis Parks, and the plots near Gardner Golf Course, on Monday, October 10. All non-vegetative material such as stakes, wire, and plant ties must be removed by Sunday, October 9. Any remaining non-vegetative materials will be cleared by department crews and a penalty fee of $30 per plot will be charged after this date. For more information, call (319) 286-5760.