Cedar Rapids Riverwalk

[DMRyan]

I found some renderings of conceptual plans for a downtown riverwalk along the Cedar River, prepared by Sasaki and Associates. I know this is only a masterplan, but to any of the CR members, do you see this as a realistic next step once flood improvements are constructed?

[JMsioux]

It appears that a lot of it could and should be integrated into the new flood protection as its being built. One thing I do like is the 'boardwalks' through the wetland areas and I'd still like to see that link connecting east and west across the south end of Mays Island. One thing I don't see happening is the water feature on Mays Island between Vets and the County building, although a temporary structure could be installed in the winter to provide outdoor ice skating.

[DMRyan]

Yeah, that skating plaza seems like a much better fit for Greene Square Park, rather than Mays Island. A skating plaza/fountain area would do wonders in invigorating this park right in front of the new library. That would become a true central gathering place for CR, where one doesn't really seem to exist now.

[mustang84]

I like the idea of an ice skating park on Mays Island. It would form a nice connection for both sides of the river, and there is plenty of parking on the bridges.

The one thing I do not like about the Sasaki renderings is how they handle the west side of the river. They seem to want to raze much of it and replace it with a greenway (although it looks like they do save the Louis Sullivan People's Bank, which is good). I would rather see them preserve the west side and rehab that neigborhood with new shops, restaurants, and infill development. The goal should be uniting the east and west side, not further dividing it by razing what little remains over there.