The Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center, an unimpressive building that looms small in the shadow of The Chauncey, is nevertheless a nexus for the true cultural geography of Iowa City. A relic of mid-century municipal architecture — something of a rarity in Iowa City — it took nearly a decade to realize after a […]
Iowa City Parks and Recreation
Get Rec’d: A quick guide to birdwatching in eastern Iowa
Iowa City’s drive-through farmers market now taking orders online

The online ordering page for the Iowa City’s drive-through farmers market went live at noon on Monday. Shoppers can choose from hundreds of items from 22 vendors that they will be able to pick up during the market’s first session on Saturday at the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp. In addition to the fresh fruit, vegetables […]
Iowa City Farmers Market opening delayed (again); pools, playgrounds and rec centers to remain closed

The Iowa City Department of Parks and Recreation announced on Monday it is pushing back the already delayed opening day of the Iowa City Farmers Market. Earlier this month, the department said the market would open on June 6, instead of the first week in May as it usually does. Opening day will now be […]
Iowa City seeks input on Creekside art installation

Backyard Abundance — an environmental education nonprofit based in Johnson County — and Marion artist Cara Briggs Farmer combined skills to remodel Chadek Green Park in 2018: the nonprofit designed a community garden, and Briggs Farmer created the “Three Sisters” art installation to complement it. “The three aluminum structures represent the three daughters of Carl […]
The history of public pools in Iowa City shows swimming hasn’t always been accessible

As summer comes to an end, the pool in City Park reaches a milestone — 70 years of service to Iowa Citians looking to float, dog paddle or simply cope with the heat. But if everything had gone according to the original plan, the pool would have opened in the summer of 1942, and it would now be celebrating 76 years of service […]
Iowa City’s weekly Party in the Park comes to Thornberry Off-leash Dog Park

Humans are welcome to attend Thursday’s Party in the Park as the summer-long series of weekly events goes to the dogs. Literally. This week’s party will be at the Thornberry Off-leash Dog Park. Tennis balls and treats will be provided for the attending pups. Humans can enjoy music, dog-toy crafting and […]
Public invited to see plans for the new City Park playground, as the park’s old rides are being sold online
Tunes & Treats is bringing free music and free ice cream to Iowa City parks this summer
Construction begins soon on nature-themed play area in Riverfront Crossings Park
Film screenings launch Regenerative Landscapes initiative

Inhabit screenings Sunday, Jan. 17 at 1:30 p.m. Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, 120 E. Boyson Rd. in Hiawatha Sunday, Jan. 24 at 1:30 pm Shambaugh Auditorium, University of Iowa Main Library Several Iowa organizations are partnering to host film screenings in Hiawatha (Jan. 17) and Iowa City (Jan. 24) to raise awareness around environmental issues. […]
Verizon reps withdraw application to build Iowa City-based cell tower after community backlash

On Thursday, Sept. 24, city officials received word that Selective Service Consultants, a Kansas-based company working on behalf of Verizon Wireless to secure a cell tower site, has withdrawn its application to construct a controversial cell tower at Iowa City’s Oak Grove Park. SSC’s decision to withdraw was based on the city’s recommendation to deny […]