The Riverside Skatepark will be removed beginning the week of September 19, 2022 to make room for a detention basin that is part of the city's flood control system. A replacement skatepark will be built closer to C Street SW, with construction taking place during the spring and summer in 2023.
Background and History 
Riverside Skatepark is located in Riverside Park, one of the oldest
parks on the west side of the river in Cedar Rapids. The original
skatepark was installed in 1999 and consisted of mostly steel-framed obstacles with a few concrete pieces. The skatepark was made
possible by the combined efforts of a group of local students and
parents, the City of Cedar Rapids Recreation Department, a state Recreation Infrastructure Grant, and corporate and private donations.
Why is the skatepark being relocated?
The skatepark is being relocated to make room for a large detention
basin to be used for flood control on the west side of the Cedar River.
The detention basin will allow for a large reduction in pump sizing for
the flood control system in the Czech Village area. To install this basin,
the existing skatepark and the playground must be relocated to the
southwest side of the park. The flood control project will pay for the cost
of relocating the skatepark, however, it must meet the following requirements:
— Stay within the allocated footprint
— Integrate into the site’s natural topography
— Re-create key elements from the current skatepark
Funding requirements limit the replacement to like for like elements only. The project is paid for with state funding which can’t be held and applied to a future project
How does relocation impact the skatepark?
The relocated skatepark will include similar obstacles in a design that allows for better flow, and using concrete instead of steel to meet
optimal industry standards. The project includes:
Moving current light poles to provide light at night for skating after dark until 10:00 p.m.
- Four LED lights, directed at the skatepark and equipped with glare and spill control elements-No light will spill out across property lines
- New drinking fountain
- New playground
- Larger, reconstructed parking lot with accessible parking spaces
- Existing restroom will remain
How does it impact the proposed greenway skate park?
Simply, it doesn’t. A new, larger skatepark is still included in greenway plans and the City plans to build it as the greenway is developed.
A process to update greenway plans will take place next year. New timelines will be set that will include phases for securing funding,
design, and construction. The new greenway would feature a
destination skatepark, pump track and skills trail.
How can I stay informed?
1) Subscribe to an email bulletin with project updates.
2) Share your ideas with us by emailing parksdirector@cedar-rapids.org.
3) Help with site projects that could include artwork on the exterior of the restroom and planting trees.
Park Location and Hours
C St. and 13th Ave. SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Year-round
Resources:
- Information presented at project open house - June 2022
- Skatepark obtacle list sheet
- Skatepark renderings
- Project Update - September 16, 2023
