The Riverside Skatepark was removed in September 2022 and will be rebuilt in 2023. This work will make room for a part of the city's flood control system. The replacement skatepark will be built closer to C Street SW. Construction will start in Spring 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. It had mostly steel-framed obstacles and a few concrete obstacles. 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. The basin is a component of the flood control system on the west side of the Cedar River. When the river is flooding, the flood control system will engage to protect the community from flooding. While the system is engaged, rainwater on the "dry side" of the system will need to be pumped over the flood walls and levees. Detention basins create a large pond where rainwater can collect while waiting to be pumped over the flood wall. The Riverside Park detention basin reduces the need for larger pumps in the Czech Village area. To install this basin, the existing skatepark and the playground need to 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
Due to funding requirements, the replacement skatepark is limited 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. It will use 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 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, and
- The 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. The City plans to build that skatepark 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?
- Subscribe to an email bulletin with project updates.
- Share your ideas with us by emailing parksdirector@cedar-rapids.org.
- 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:
