New Riverfront Crossings Park nears completion

Construction is nearly complete at Riverfront Crossings Park, the 17-acre area located on the east side of the Iowa River, just north of Benton Street, behind Big Grove Brewery.

The park features a nature play area with traditional and nature-based playground structures, a trail that connects to Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, and wetlands designed to fill when the river is high and dry up when it is low. The entire area is considered to be “floodable,” though it extends far beyond the 500-year flood line.

Trails are now open for use, and the rest of the park will be open for play in the fall.

Take a bird’s eye tour of the park to see more. 

Get your Iowa City RAGBRAI tee at the Farmers Market

For just $20, you can sport your Iowa City RAGBRAI spirit!  Skip the online order and get your official T-shirts now at the Iowa City Farmers Market. Visit the information table located at the Washington Street entrance to the market for shirts, which come in black or gold, and volunteer information for the July 27 event. RAGBRAI is looking for volunteers to help work the event and host riders in their homes or yards. Be sure to come to the market on Saturday, June 9 for a special pep rally (featuring Herky the Hawkeye!) as the official RAGBRAI pre-ride heads off to Davenport to finish testing the route. The Farmers Market happens Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to noon in the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp, 405 E. Washington St. For more information about Iowa City RAGBRAI, visit iowacityragbrai.com.

Can’t wait for RAGBRAI?

You don’t have to! 

Join in on a pre-ride following nearly the exact route between Sigourney and Iowa City on June 23. A pancake breakfast will be served in Sigourney at 6:30 a.m., and the ride will depart at 8 a.m. Several festivities will take place along the way, including Kalona Days in Kalona. 

End at Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City for hot dogs and beer, and then head Downtown to finish the night off at the Downtown Block Party from 5 to 11 p.m. for a sneak peak of what RAGBRAI’s July 27 overnight in Iowa City will be like.

Tickets are $40, which includes an official RAGBRAI Iowa City or Sigourney T-shirt, breakfast, hot dogs, and beer.

Register online in advance, or on the morning of the ride in Sigourney.

No more recycling for single-use bags

The Iowa City East Side Recycling Center is no longer accepting single-use plastic bags. Avoid throwing away bags or letting mountains of plastic pile up in your home by using reusable bags when shopping and recycling plastic bags at participating grocery stores.

No consumer fireworks in Iowa City

Fireworks sales began in Iowa on June 1, but using them in city limits is illegal. Violators may face a minimum fine of $250, but items like snakes and sparklers can still be used. To report illegal fireworks, contact the Iowa City Police Department at 319-356-6800. Enjoy fireworks safely and legally with a spectacular that will close out Iowa City's Jazz Festival on Sunday, July 1. The show will begin at sunset. Best views are from the UI Pentacrest.

Subscribe and share

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #SustainableIC. Subscribe to this newsletter and other news at icgov.org/e-subscriptions. 

Upcoming Events

Sunday Tunes and Treats

The Iowa City Community Band will perform Sunday, June 10, 17, 24 and July 8 2018, in several community parks as part of a series of special events funded through the City’s Program for Improving Neighborhoods, or PIN grants. Each performance includes free ice cream and will take place at a different park offering a variety of activities. All are welcome.

The first event is from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. this Sunday, June 10, at College Green Park and includes an Artisan Fair and tours of the historic Houser-Metzger house.

Downtown Block Party

Back by popular demand, the second annual Downtown Block Party takes place on from 5 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 23. Last year’s event saw 30,000 people come together to enjoy Downtown Iowa City’s stores, restaurants, and nightlife.

A $10 ticket buys a wristband and a cup that allows you to take beer and wine outdoors (21 and older). Get tickets online or at the event. 

Image courtesy of ICDD

Iowa City Jazz Festival

You like jazz? Join the fun at the Iowa City Jazz Festival June 29 to July 1. Enjoy famous artists and up-and-coming performers, food specials, activities for kids, and a fireworks show to end the weekend.

The main stage will be located at the corner of Clinton Street and Iowa Avenue, with other festivities surrounding on the nearby blocks. More information is available online. 

Community Meeting

Did you know more than 50 percent of Iowa City residents think about climate change on a daily basis?

Results from a survey showed the community is concerned about the effects of climate change, like increased flooding and impacts on agriculture.

Express your concerns and find out how you can make a difference at the next Climate Action Plan community meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11 in Meeting Room A of the Iowa City Public Library. 

Stay tuned for updates at icgov.org/climateaction. 

City Park pool is open!

Escape the summer heat with a dip in the pool. City Park pool, located at 200 Park Road, is now open. Admission is $4 for ages 3 and older, and $2 after 5 p.m. For free summer fun, visit one of Iowa City’s three splash pads: Wetherby Park Splash Pad, Fairmeadows Splash Pad, or Tower Court Spray Pad. The waterpark-like hoses and fountains operate 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. No fee! For more information, visit icgov.org/pools.

Sustainability Spotlight

This month’s spotlight features Gustave Stewart, an incoming senior at the University of Iowa who has worked to engage students with biking as the Office of Sustainability’s bicycle intern and the president of Bike Friends. Gustave recently received the prestigious Udall Scholarship for his work promoting bicycle awareness. He also serves as the City Council's UI Student Government Liaison.

To read Gustave’s full spotlight, visit www.icgov.org/sustainability.

4-STAR: In March 2016, Iowa City was awarded a 4-STAR Community Rating for sustainability excellence, by being formally certified in the STAR Community Rating System. STAR offers the nation's leading certification program in evaluating local sustainability, encompassing social, economic and environmental performance measures. Learn more, www.STARcommunities.org.