WELCOME
WELCOMERAGBRAI RAGBRAI
The City of Cedar Falls is excited to announce that RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) will be coming to town this summer! As an overnight stop on Thursday, July 24, 2025, Cedar Falls will host tens of thousands of riders and visitors, showcasing our community’s rich cycling history and civic pride. The main entertainment and festivities will be held in the Downtown District, with campground and parking locations to be announced in the coming months.
PLEASE NOTE that ANY business or organization within city limits that plans to sell goods or services to riders especially planned for this or outside of their normal operations, during the RAGBRAI stop (July 24th at 8 a.m. - July 25 at noon) MUST apply and be approved for a Cedar Falls RAGBRAI vendor permit. Applications are available now at cedarfallsragbrai.org and are due May 15.
Residents can get involved by volunteering their time, hosting riders in their homes/ yards, or becoming sponsors. Find all of the details at cedarfallsragbrai.org and @CedarFallsRAGBRAI on Facebook and Instagram.
Council Meetings are held the first and third Mondays of the month at 7 pm. Meetings ta k e place in the Council Chambers at 220 Clay S treet, inside City H all.
Danny Laudick—
Cedar Falls Mayor
319-243-5632
danny.laudick@cedarfalls.com
Term ends 1/2/2026
Gil Schultz
Ward 1 Council Member
319-268-1402
gil.schultz@cedarfalls.com
Term ends 1/2/2026
Chris Latta
Ward 2 Council Member
319-404-1496
chris.latta@cedarfalls.com
Term ends 1/2/2028
Daryl Kruse
Ward 3 Council Member
319-277-1100
kruseoncouncil@aol.com
Term ends 1/2/2026
View City Council Meetings online at www.cedarfalls.com/meetingvideo. Other
Mayor's Revision
Aaron Hawbaker
Ward 4 Council Member
319-455-6540
aaron.hawbaker@cedarfalls.com
Term ends 1/2/2028
Dustin Ganfield
Ward 5 Council Member
319-553-6899
dustin.ganfield@cedarfalls.com
Term ends 1/2/2026
Kelly Dunn
At-Large Council Member
319-215-6891
kelly.dunn@cedarfalls.com
Term ends 1/2/2026
Hannah Crisman
At-Large Council Member
319-231-4283
hannah.crisman@cedarfalls.com
Term ends 1/2/2028
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Cedar Falls Public Safety
Lawn Maintenance
Believe it or not spring is on its way, which means your yard will soon need your attention. Therefore, we wanted to provide a reminder on the yard maintenance ordinances.
City Ordinance 17-246 requires grass to be maintained at a height of 8”. If the City observes the grass at a height that exceeds 8” the property owner will receive a reminder to mow the lawn. If the property owner doesn’t address the lawn within 7 days, the City’s Contractor will mow it at the property owner’s cost.
The exception to the 8” rule is native Iowa plantings (prairie grass) or wildflower planting areas. Prairies can be located almost anywhere on the property but must be maintained per prairie and wildflower best practice recommendations. If they are located in the right-of-way, they must have an 18” turf grass or low growing boarder at the curb/edge of street and along any sidewalk. There are additional requirements for corner lots that can be found in Ordinance Section 19-47. The plantings cannot exceed a height of 24” in the ROW. If you are interested in prairie plantings in the ROW you will need to contact Public Works regarding your seed mix.
Exterior Maintence
As spring approaches a lot of people get the spring-cleaning bug. But what about the Spring Exterior Maintenance Bug? It is important to not only open the windows and clean out the inside winter dust and grime but also do those little things on the outside of your home to spruce it up and make it last longer. Here is a list of a few things that everyone should review each year to ensure their house is in tip-top shape:
• Touch up exterior paint. Paying close attention to window trim and fascia. When wood isn’t treated with stain or paint it can quickly deteriorate. Damaged wood creates a way for water to permeate the home and create damage. Sometimes this damage can be hidden within the structure for years before the issue is identified.
• Repair loose or damaged siding or shingles.
• Keep your siding clean and clear of algae, mold, and mildew.
• Check gutters and downspouts to ensure they are securely attached and properly functioning.
• Check all decks and patios for wear and tear. Make sure the handrail is properly attached, guardrails are secure, and spindles haven’t bowed. Check to ensure the skirting is secure and unbroken. Wood decks should be stained and sealed on a regular basis. Most stains require recoating after 4-5 years. The stain protects against moisture, sun damage, and pest infestation.
• Make sure the grade around the perimeter of your home slopes away from the foundation. This is imperative in helping to keep your basement dry.
Land Use Permits for Sheds, Fences, Decks, and Pools
With summer just around the corner, you might be thinking about adding a shed, fence, deck, or swimming pool to your property. Before you start, don’t forget to check if you need a Land Use Permit! Even if you don’t need a Building Permit, a Land Use Permit is usually applicable.
A Land Use Permit ensures your project complies with local zoning codes and helps prevent issues like interfering with underground utilities, affecting storm water drainage, or causing conflicts with your neighbors. When you apply, you’ll need to submit a drawing showing where you plan to place the structure in relation to your property lines and other features.
The Planning Division reviews your application to identify any easements—reserved areas like utility and drainage easements that must be avoided. Structures can’t be built on utility easements, and while fences may be allowed, doing so could result in costly removal if utility repairs are needed in the future. Drainage easements are equally important; fences and other structures are not allowed in drainage easements because these areas manage water flow to prevent flooding, and blocking them could lead to property damage or fines.
In addition to a Land Use Permit, check if your project may require a Building Permit by contacting the Inspection Services Division at (319) 268-5161. And remember to call “Iowa One Call” (Dial 811) before you dig, they will mark underground utilities, so you avoid hitting them.
For more info or to apply for your permit, contact the City’s Planning Division at (319) 273-8600, email planning@ cedarfalls.com, or visit www.cf1stop.com
It was a plowapalooza this winter as the City launched its first ‘Name that Plow’ contest! The contest invited residents to name the City’s snowplow fleet, and our community certainly rose to the challenge with over 300 submissions. A total of 24 snowplows received new names which were displayed on the front of each vehicle. Nine of the snowplows were dedicated to the area elementary schools. To congratulate the winners, Public Works stopped by the schools so the students could snap photos, meet the drivers, tour the vehicles, and learn more about the important job of snow and ice control in the city. Public Works also held a community open house so all area winners could see their snowplows and meet our team. Thank you to everyone that took part in this year’s contest!
2024 Winner Names
Blizzard of Oz; Frosty the Snowplow; Sleetwood Mac; Crtl+Salt+Delete; Plowasaurus Rex (Lincoln Elementary); The Big Snowplowski; Betty Whiteout; Hansen Hustler (Hansen Elementary); Roundabout Rescue; Blizzard Wizard; Taylor Drift; Snow Force One; Princess Sleigh-a (St. Patrick Catholic School); Cedar Heights Shoveler (Cedar Heights Elementary); Scoop Dogg; Elsa (North Cedar Elementary); Southdale Sweeper (Southdale Elementary); Panther Plowler; Clearapathra; Plowabunga (Aldrich Elementary); Darth Drifter (Orchard Hill); Buzz Iceclear; Mr. Plow; Clark W. Blizzwald.
Join us in thanking our City snowplow drivers for all they do to keep our roads clear and safe every winter!
Native Prairie
Prescribed Burning
The City of Cedar Falls Park staff prescribe burns approximately 165 acres every three years in rotation. These locations include Big Woods, Prairie Lakes, UNI Wetland, North Cedar Natural Resource Area, Pheasant Ridge golf Course Prairies, and several smaller pollinator prairies in parks and buy out lots. This year in the spring of 2025 city staff will be burning the UNI Wetland, North Cedar Natural Resource Area, and Pheasant Ridge Golf Course Prairies.
Benefits of Prescribed Prairie Burning
Prescribed burning, a carefully planned and controlled fire, has been used for centuries as a land management tool. For native prairies, in particular, prescribed burns offer numerous ecological benefits that contribute to the overall health and vitality of these ecosystems.
Encourages Native Plant Growth
Many native prairie plants are adapted to fire and rely on it for regeneration. Fire can stimulate seed germination, encourage the growth of fire-resistant species, and help control invasive plants that threaten native species. By clearing away dead plant matter and reducing thatch, fires allow sunlight to reach the soil, promoting the growth of grass, wildflowers, and other native plants.
Enhanced Biodiversity
Prescribed burns help maintain the diversity of species found in prairies by creating a mosaic of different habitats. The varied stages of regrowth ranging from freshly burned soil to more mature vegetation offer a range of conditions that support different animals and insects. This variability fosters a rich diversity of wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and mammals.
Control of Invasive Species
Many invasive species, such as non-native grasses and shrubs, are less fire-tolerant than native prairie plants. Prescribed burning can help reduce the spread of these invasives, which often outcompete native species. Regular burns prevent the encroachment of woody plants and help maintain the open, grassy structure of the prairie.
Restores Soil Health
Fire can play a crucial role in maintaining soil fertility by recycling nutrients stored in plant material. The ash left behind after a burn act as a natural fertilizer, enriching the soil and promoting healthier plant growth. In addition, the removal of dead plant material can improve soil aeration and water infiltration, supporting better overall plant health.
The Ridgeway Avenue asphalt overlay timeline is going to be coordinated with the Iowa DOT highway 58 project and Waterloo HMA overlay project that is in the same vicinity. During the overlay the contractor will be required to maintain two lanes of traffic (head-to-head) throughout the construction process. Before the overlay can occur, the contractor will be completing minor roadway patch work that may require additional closures.
The trail along Lone Tree Road from Ford Road to Hiawatha Road is being reconstructed as part of this project. This trail will be removed and replaced with a new subbase and asphalt as the trail has deteriorated. The new asphalt will also fill in the current gap of gravel between the Trail and roadway and will be delineated by rumble strips and pavement markings for separation.
Along with the roadway reconstruction, this project will include the replacement of sanitary sewer along the Hudson frontage road south of W. 31st Street. The sanitary sewer replacement will also require trail reconstruction along Hudson Road from W. 31st Street towards University Avenue. This portion of the project will require minor lane closures along the frontage road for utility work and street patches.
Lastly, the Bluff Street drainage consists of sidewalk reconstruction and regrading in order to correct problematic drainage issues along Bluff Street, near East 7th Street.
Additional information and updates regarding the 2025 Street Construction Projects will be provided on the City’s webpage. For ongoing active projects, sign up for e-mail notifications through “Notify Me” on the City’s webpage at https://www. cedarfalls.com/list.aspx
Creekside Business Park
The City of Cedar Falls will be going out to public bid for the Creekside Business Park Project this spring with construction starting in the 2025 construction season. The overall project is estimated to take 18 months to complete and will include improvements on Ridgeway Avenue from Hudson Road to the future Waterway Avenue intersection.
Design began in September of 2024 for the reconstruction of Ridgeway Avenue from Hudson Road to the future Waterway Avenue intersection, roundabouts at Cyber Lane and the future Waterway Avenue intersections, trail connection along Ridgeway Avenue from the Chancellor Drive roundabout to Hudson Road, trail extending south to the Business Park’s
wet detention basin and green space, storm sewer installation, sanitary sewer, and watermain. South of both roundabouts, there will be a new looped roadway constructed, Gibson Drive, that will create developable PC-2 zoned lots. Below are the expected sequencing and limits of construction for each construction year:
2025: Ridgeway Avenue will be fully constructed along with the western half of Gibson Drive.
2026: The eastern half of Gibson Drive will be completed along with landscaping and miscellaneous project closeout items
During the spring months, final design will be brought forward for Council review and approval, Right of Way needs will be addressed, and public bidding will take place to select a contractor. Final construction schedules will be addressed and provided once a contractor has been brought on board. Additional information and updates for the Creekside Business Park Project will be provided on the City’s webpage. For ongoing active projects, sign up for e-mail notifications through “Notify Me” on the City’s web page at http://www. cedarfalls.com/list.aspx.
Proposed Roundabouts along Ridgeway & new roadway Gibson Drive
Source: Snyder & Associates
Implementing the College Hill Vision Plan
– Progress Update
In mid-November 2024, Codametrics, the consultant team hired to work on zoning code updates for the College Hill area, held in-person listening sessions with a wide variety of interested stakeholders, including the College Hill Partnership, businesses, landlords, residents, UNI students and officials, architects, and developers. The vision plan was adopted fairly recently (2021), but with economic changes over the past few years, these listening sessions were intended to verify and reinforce the plans goals and objectives as still relevant in the current environment. Based on this input, Codametrics prepared a Directions Report for City Council discussion. This report summarizes the input from the listening sessions, discusses the supported goals from the plan, reviews current zoning, and outlines a set of recommendations to address those goals through an updated zoning code.
The topics discussed in this report are meant to address the “big ideas” outlined in the vision plan (see sidebar, right) that can be addressed through zoning regulations.
IMAGINE COLLEGE HILL! PLAN BIG IDEAS
• Stabilize and Enhance Neighborhoods
• Concentrate and Intensify Student Housing Near Campus
• ReConnect Upper and Lower Hill
• Treat Natural Areas as Amenities
• Manage Parking Better
• Improve Walkability
• Make Biking Easier
• Increase Retail and Dining Options
2025 Business & Industry and Community Awards Luncheon
Thursday, May 1, 2025, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
The City of Cedar Falls and Cedar Falls Utilities will honor local businesses and organizations, as well as both the Representative Citizen of the Year and the Melendy Spirit Award honorees at the Diamond Event Center. To RSVP, please contact Joanne Goodrich at (319) 268-5157 or joanne. goodrich@cedarfalls.com by Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Cost is $25.
Free Summer Parking in the College Hill!
Enjoy FREE parking from June 1-July 31, 2025, in 22nd Street West and 22nd Street East-South lots on College Hill while UNI students are on break. Please take advantage of this free parking while supporting College Hill businesses. Always be mindful of City’s 48-hour ordinance, which prohibits parking longer than 48 consecutive hours on publicly owned streets or lots. Vehicles in violation of this ordinance are subject to citation and tow at the owner’s expense.
Radar Trailer
The Cedar Falls Police Division radar trailer can be requested for your neighborhood to help reduce the number of motorists that are exceeding the speed limit on your street. The goal of the radar trailer is to increase speed awareness and traffic safety. The radar trailer is moved throughout Cedar Falls streets in response to citizen requests. If you would like to have the radar trailer on your street, please call 273-8612. Please specify what block number that you believe the trailer would provide the greatest benefit to your neighborhood.
The focus of this initial zoning update effort is on the business district along College Street, known fondly as “The Hill,” and on the residential areas that surround the business district and UNI campus. The goal is to create rules and a process that is easy to follow that achieves what the community envisions for the business district and residential neighborhoods in the College Hill area.
We encourage everyone who is interested in the future of College Hill to sign up for notifications of upcoming meetings and events related to this project. Please click the box for “Our Cedar Falls – Imagine College Hill” at www.cedarfalls.com/notifyme
To view the adopted Imagine College Hill Vision Plan, visit the project webpage at: www.cedarfalls.com/1615/ImagineCollege-Hill.
Join us for an afternoon of adventure, learning, and family fun as we celebrate the grand opening of the Cedar Falls Gateway River Park! Sign up in advance for a river surfing lessons, see in-river professional kayak demonstrations, and get some local fishing insights. Learn river safety tips from local experts and discover the joys of water recreation available in Cedar Falls.
Families can enjoy interactive games and guided tours of the new river features, all while soaking up the beautiful surroundings of the Cedar River. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for fun with the family, the Cedar Falls Gateway River Park promises a wave of excitement for all ages.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 1-4 p.m. at the Gateway Park Shelter at E. Main and Lincoln Streets. Learn more about the Gateway River Park at gatewayriverpark.com.
Look for information on future river surfing lessons through the Cedar Falls REC at cedarfalls.com/recreation!
Property Taxes and Budget Season: What you Need to Know!
As spring kicks off, local governments across the state are working hard to set their property tax rates and certify their budgets. Find out what this means for you!
Understanding Your Property Taxes
Property taxes are the primary tool that supports local government services and amenities. They also can be a source of confusion for the community. Every year, the City Council sets the property tax rate (sometimes called the millage rate). This is just a single step of the multi-layered process that results in what a citizen can expect from their total tax bill.
Learn how property taxes are determined and how Cedar Falls sets the property tax rate.
First, let’s address the big picture when it comes to property taxes. Everyone wants low taxes including citizens, business owners, elected officials, and City staff. For years, Cedar Falls has maintained a lower tax rate compared with other similar cities, indicative of our mission to streamline services and enhance efficiency. For fiscal year 2025, our tax rate of $11.86 was the 6th lowest among the 20 largest cities in Iowa. How does the City arrive at this rate, and how does this determine what a citizen pays?
There are 3 factors that influence the property taxes a citizen will pay:
Property Valuations
- The assessment of property values is complex. At its core, though, it is based on fair market value. All Cedar Falls property values are assessed every other year by the Black Hawk County Assessor and, because it is based on market value and activity, values can increase, decrease, or not change much.
State Rollback
- In some cases, property values may experience a significant increase, causing an increased burden on a property owner. The rollback system works to offset that significant increase by limiting the taxable value of a property. Currently, the rollback for residential property 46.34%. So, for a property assessed at $100,000, the taxable value is $46,340, meaning the tax rate can only be applied to that taxable value.
Property Tax Rate
- The City’s tax rate in fiscal year 2025 was $11.86. Within that rate, there are several levies allowable by state law and then approved by Cedar Falls voters. These levies include liability insurance, debt service, MET transit, EMA, and others. The Library and Municipal Band levies were eliminated starting in FY 2025 due to new legislation HF 718. This means we must now fund both of those from our Combined General Fund Levy, which was also capped at $8.22 by HF 718.
- This total city tax rate of $11.86 is taxed against every $1,000 of taxable value. That is only a portion of the total taxes paid because other taxing authorities, like Black Hawk County and Cedar Falls Schools, also set tax rates. In total, the fiscal year 2025 tax rate was $33.74. With our $11.86 rate, the City of Cedar Falls was only 33% of your property tax bill! Let’s demonstrate what an actual citizen would pay.
- If a resident of Cedar Falls owns a house with an assessed value of $200,000 then applying the rollback equates to a taxable value of $92,680. Dividing this by 1,000 equals 92.68. Multiplying this by the tax rate of $11.86, the resident would pay $1,099.18 in city taxes.
Common Misconception: When Assessments
Increase Dramatically
A factor that directly affects a citizen’s tax bill is assessed property values. A common question with this is: If my assessment goes up by 10%, does that mean my property taxes will increase 10% too?
The answer is no. The rollback system limits the increase in property taxes for residential properties if statewide residential valuations grow by more than 3%. In addition, tax credits like the Military or Homestead Exemption can apply, further lowering a citizen’s tax bill.
In March, taxpayers received the tax statement letter from Black Hawk County showing the percentage change in property taxes from last year and a sample of what a citizen would pay this year. However, the sample calculation of a tax bill will assume a 10% increase in property valuation. The County does this to show an example of a possible increase in property valuations. However, this year is not an assessment year, so the “sample tax bill” citizens saw this year was not indicative of the change in taxes which will actually occur, likely showing a higher increase than the actual change.
Working For You
We have talked a lot about property taxes but what do they provide?
Property tax dollars fund our local parks including recreational sports fields, courts, an inclusive playground, a dog park, and Gateway River Park; biking and walking trails; police and fire services; 226 miles of maintained and snow-free streets; stormwater and wastewater treatment and removal; access to public centers like the Cedar Falls Public Library and the Hearst Center for the Arts; recycling centers; a compost facility, and many more community services and amenities. User fees also help fund essential services including garbage and yard waste collection, water, electricity, gas, internet, and more.
The City strives to efficiently and effectively provide our growing community with excellent public services and amenities. We thank you for making Cedar Falls your home.
thehearst.org
304 west seerley boulevard cedar falls, iowa 50613
319.273.8641
tue & thu 10 am–9 pm
wed & fri 10 am–5 pm sat & sun 1–4 pm
Admission is free daily.
Hearst Center for the Arts is part of the Department of Community Development, City of Cedar Falls.
EXHIBITIONS
CEDAR FALLS STUDENT ART
EXHIBITION
2025
April 5-May 18, 2025
Join us for a public reception on Sunday, April 6 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.!
The Hearst Center’s tradition of celebrating students and teachers continues this spring with an exhibition of work created in the art rooms of Cedar Falls Community Schools. Pottery, painting, and works on paper abound!
DECADES: WORKS BY GARY KELLEY
April 5-August 21, 2025
How many of us knew what we wanted to do for a living in elementary school? Illustrator Gary Kelley did. We’ll explore the artist’s works from age 8 to 80. Visit the Hearst galleries to see a hand-picked selection of hand-made art, including some of his favorite monoprints, pastels, sketches, oil paintings… and maybe even a childhood drawing or two.
A public reception for the artist’s exhibition will be held Saturday, June 14 from 2-3:30 pm. A screening of “Gary Kelley,” a film by David O’Shields will be held Tuesday, June 17 at 7 pm. Both events are free and open to the public at the Hearst Center for the Arts in Cedar Falls.
FIRST FIFTY: MADE IN 2025
June 12-August 21, 2025
Stand in line to submit! Drop-off on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. Join us for a public reception on Thursday, June 12 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.! New year! New work! Artists are cordially invited to create a work of art in 2025 and participate in the Hearst’s biennial First Fifty exhibition. Plan to line up with your artwork to be one of the fifty artists to be included in this non-competitive gallery exhibition. The artwork must be brought by the artist, be made in 2025, and be ready-to-hang. More info via thehearst.org.
EVENTS & PROGRAMS
All events listed are free and open to the public.
BOOK TALK WITH CHERIE DARGAN
Saturday, April 5 at 2:00 p.m.
HYBRID! FINAL THURSDAY READING SERIES
Open mic starts at 7:00 p.m. & featured author talk begins at 7:30 p.m. Visit finalthursdaypress.com for links to attend virtually.
Join us for a community open mic followed by a discussion with a featured author. The Final Thursday Reading Series is a collaboration of Final Thursday Press, the Hearst Center, the UNI College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences, and the UNI Department of Languages and Literatures. This event takes place on the final Thursday of each month.
April 24: Bao Phi| Bao is the author of the poetry collection Sông I Sing (Coffee House Press) and the children’s book A Different Pond (Capstone Young Readers), a Caldecott Honor book.
ARTS RETREAT: CREATING DEEP TIME
Saturday, April 26 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Author Cherie Dargan discusses book three of her series, The Gift. Join us for her insight into what she has learned about the role of Iowa in WWI, as well as the role of Iowa’s women and the 19th amendment.
FREE SERIES! EKPHRASTIC POETRY WITH THE HEARST COLLECTION
Tuesdays, April 8-22 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Unlock Creativity Through Poetic Responses to Art. Ekphrasis, originating in ancient Greece, is the art of describing a subject with vivid detail. This series is perfect for visual artists, arts appreciators, and writers! Led by our 2024–25 James Hearst Writer-in-Residence, Dr. Hannah CarrMurphy, this series invites you to create your own ekphrastic poems, guided by expert instruction. Space is limited! Preregistration required. Register now via thehearst.org.
HEARST FILM SCENE
For cinephiles, film buffs, and anyone interested in movies.
Tuesday, April 8 at 7:15 p.m. Panel Discussion: What Makes A Film Great? Tuesday, April 22 at 7:15 p.m. Film Screening: The Seventh Seal This film is in Swedish with English subtitles. Not rated. Running Time: 1 hr 36 m. FILM SCREENING OF GARY KELLEY DOCUMENTARY
Tuesday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Directed by David O’Shields, this documentary explores the artist’s successful and prolific career while sticking close to his Iowa roots to share with local audiences.
Join the EarthWhispers Abbey sisters, Sue Schuerman and Felicia Babb, for a threehour free workshop designed for anyone needing a creativity refresh. If you enjoy journaling and using your cell phone camera to create resonating moments, this workshop is for you!
This workshop involves improving your creativity with more spontaneity through:
•Photography and writing prompts
•Sharing your creative work
•Commenting and inspiring each other
Using the Hearst Center garden and galleries as sources to nourish and refresh your creative spirit in the company of other wild minds, the EarthWhispers Abbey sisters will help you see and appreciate our world.
RED HERRING THEATRE PRESENTS: THE LACY PROJECT
Tuesday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Written by Alena Smith; Directed by Ahmad Madlock; Sponsored by Jones Law Firm, Mike and Rita Waggoner, and the Friends of the Hearst.
Synopsis: Her mother’s photographs turned Lacy into an icon of childhood innocence and beauty. Now, on the night of her 22nd birthday, Lacy must navigate between image and reality, sex and friendship, self-indulgence and responsibility. This wild tragicomedy presents a portrait of a young woman held captive by her own childhood, and a vivid picture of a generation unable to grow up.
CEDAR FALLS COMMUNITY THEATRE AND HEARST CENTER PRESENT...GORILLA THEATRE!
Tuesday, May 13 at 7:00 p.m.
The stakes will be high and there will be no net in an unscripted comedy event called… Gorilla Theater. Two improv teams will meet in a comedy showdown to determine which team captain will go home with Bingo the Comedy Gorilla! This is a totally improvised show with lots of audience participation – everything you see will be performed for the first and for the last time! It will be bananas!
OUTDOOR CONCERT WITH GET UP! GET DOWN!
Thursday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Get Up! Get Down! is an instrumental jazzy funk band formed in 2022 by drummer Don Colton and guitarist Jon Chamberlain. Joined by Devin Ferguson on bass and Simon Harding on woodwinds and keyboards. Their repertoire includes original tunes as well as covers from some of the biggest names in jazz-funk, such as Lettuce, Soulive, The Meters, John Scofield, Medeski Scofield Martin and Wood, and Herbie Hancock.
MIDDAY MELODIES
Second Fridays at 12:00 p.m.
Enjoy classics performed by the UNI School of Music Department students and faculty.
April 11: Anthony Williams directs Trombone Students OUTDOOR CONCERT WITH CARTER GUSE
Thursday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us in welcoming back singer/songwriter, Carter Guse to the Hearst Center. He is a performer who excites audiences with stories and songs ranging from the 50’s through today’s hits. BYO lawn chair, beverages, and snacks.
MICHAEL CONRAD & CHRISTOPHER MERZ JAZZ DUO
Tuesday, June 3 at 7:00 p.m.
The Mike Conrad / Chris Merz Duo plays a mix of original compositions, lesser-known jazz works, and tunes from the Great American Songbook that have often been given a creative twist. These University of Northern Iowa Jazz Faculty members take a dynamic and highly-interactive approach to the piano/saxophone duo format.
MAKE MUSIC DAY, A COMMUNITY WIDE EVENT
Saturday, June 21, times TBA
We are excited to partner with several other local businesses in our community and host music events in honor of Music May Day. More info is available soon via thehearst.org.
AMERICAN FOLK LYRICS PERFORMANCE
Thursday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Join Hearst Writer-In-Residence Hannah Carr-Murphy and friends as they delve deeper into iconic American folk song lyrics by Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and more.
OUTDOOR CONCERT WITH MOORS & MCCUMBER
Thursday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Bridging the gap between classic folk-rock and present-day Americana, Moors & McCumber write heartfelt songs directly inspired by life’s experiences. With their latest record, released in 2023, ‘Wired to the Moon,’ they have created some of their most compelling work to date.
Caliana Hilliker, Family Portrait, Painting, 2nd grade, Hansen Elementary
Gary Kelley working in his studio
Design by Roy Behrens
Citywide Clean-Up: Make Cedar Falls shine! All businesses, individuals, and neighborhoods are invited to participate in this citywide event by conducting an organized clean-up activity and picking up litter in their areas during the month of April. Participants can get clean-up gear including free blue 30-gallon collection bags at the Public Works Complex (2200 Technology Parkway), Transfer Station (1524 State Street), City Hall (220 Clay Street), the Rec Center (110 East 13th Street), and the Hearst Center for the Arts (304 West Seerley) during normal business hours. Once filled, the blue bags can be brought to the Transfer Station or deposited near the shelter areas at Overman Park, Holmes Park, Clay Street Park, Seerley Park, Valley Park area (near the Cedar Falls Skate Park), Neighbors Park, and Pfeiffer Park for pick-up; for other areas please contact Public Works at (319) 273-8629 to arrange a special pick-up. Participants are reminded that trash must be bagged and secured before placing it for collection. Please do not overfill trash bags and always ensure they are tied tightly at the top.
The City will be highlighting participating businesses on social media throughout Earth Week and these businesses are also welcome to have a booth at the Cedar Falls Earth Fair. To get your organization involved, contact amanda.huisman@ cedarfalls.com. The top three businesses that bags the most trash will also get an award and visit from the Mayor!
Education: During Earth Week, citizens can follow Cedar Falls on Facebook @CityCF to hear from the City Parks team about eco facts and tips. The City will be broadcasting tree and butterfly milkweed plantings throughout the area which can be viewed via Facebook Live (follow for information on dates and locations).
The community can learn more about Earth Week and view an updated list of community clean-ups at bit.ly/CFEarthWeek. Thank you for helping keep Cedar Falls beautiful!
ADOPT A SPOT
Make your mark on Cedar Falls and showcase your civic pride with Adopt-A-Spot!
Become a Caretaker for Our City
The Adopt-A-Spot Program invites you to help beautify the city by serving as a caretaker of a local park, green space, or trail. This volunteer program seeks to promote community pride and maintain Cedar Falls as a clean, safe, and attractive place to live and visit.
Citizen engagement and volunteerism is a key component in helping the City uphold the cleanliness of our outdoor recreational areas. As part of this program, volunteers ‘adopt’ a park, trail, or green space location within the city limits. Suggested locations are listed here but if you would like to adopt a space that is not on this list, please inform the City Parks team. This is a great opportunity for organizations, individuals, families, neighborhoods, and businesses to get involved and make a difference!
To Get Started:
• Participants must complete a City volunteer application form at forms.cedarfalls.com/Forms/Volunteer.
• Under ‘Areas of Interest’ select the box that says ‘Adopt-ASpot’
• Park staff will notify participants on the status of the application (approved/denied)
• Staff will work with participants to determine a location, obtain certain supplies (as specified below), and any additional logistics as needed.
• Participants will clean up litter in the location and notify City staff when filled collection bags need to be picked up.
Duties
• Regularly collect litter in the designated area.
• Volunteers should visit their dedicated location at a recommended rate of once per month, however, the suggested schedule can vary. Participants can work with the City team to determine the best specialized schedule for their area.
• Notify City staff when filled refuse bags need to be collected at their location.
• Provide any additional PPE items not supplied by the City.
• Report any maintenance items or vandalism to City staff.
• Helptrack working hours for future grant applications for the City.
The City’s role in the Adopt-A-Spot Program is to assist in assigning volunteers to available locations. Individuals and groups are both invited to volunteer. The City will provide volunteers with refuse bags, disposable gloves, and collection of the bagged litter from the location.
The City will additionally provide necessary training or information on the adoption program to interested participants and address any reported maintenance items or vandalism.
Recognition
Should volunteers continue with the program following a year of service at the location, the City will publicly recognize the participating group, business, or individual by placing an AdoptA-Spot sign near the adopted area. A certificate of appreciation will also be presented as well as a social media spotlight on the City’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Suggested Adopt-A-Spot Locations
• Washington Park (598 East 9th Street)
• Overman Park (316 West 3rd Street)
• Pfeiffer Springs Park (910-916 Grand Blvd)
• Lookout Park (at the intersection of Mandalay and Park Drive)
• Gateway Park (206 Grant Street)
• Place to Play Park (corner of Algonquin and Ashworth Drive) *HIGH NEED AREA
• Seerley Park (2315 Iowa Street)
• Clay Street Park (15th and Clay Street)
• Birdsall Memorial Park (12th Street and Lexington) *HIGH NEED AREA
• Orchard Hill Park (1701 Primrose/McClain Drive)
• Bess Streeter Aldrich Park (2900 Hiawatha Drive)
• Kuehn’s Park (Rownd Street and Pleasant Drive)
• El Dorado Heights Park (Quesada and Cordoba Avenue)
• Mayor’s Bridge Trial (to Nordic Drive along Highway 58)
• Big Woods Trail (1228 Big Woods Road)
• Prairie Lakes Trail (924 Viking Road)
• Paw Park (3200 South Main Street)
• Skate Park (Seerley Boulevard and Grove Street)
Contact Amanda Huisman, Cedar Falls City Communications Specialist, at Amanda.Huisman@cedarfalls.com or (319) 268-5159 with any questions about this program.
It is simple to register for activities at the Rec! Visit bit.ly/CFRecRegister to sign up for aquatics, camps, fitness and wellness classes, youth sports, and much more!
FITNESS
FREE outdoor Yoga and Tai Chi classes at the River Place Plaza downtown are returning!
• Yoga will be held every Wednesday evening at 5:30pm beginning May 7th. Please remember to bring a mat or towel.
• Tai Chi will be held every Tuesday at 11:45am beginning May 6th.
These classes are family-friendly and free for all community members to attend. Keep an eye on our social media pages for updates!
CIRCUIT WEIGHT TRAINING CLASSES—
All fitness levels welcome!
Build muscle strength, definition and endurance on strength training equipment. This is the perfect class for those looking to improve and maintain bone density, and meet new friends!
Session times: Tuesday/Thursday 10am Tuesday/Thursday 4:30pm
$16/month—Rec Members
$32/month—Non-Members
Register here: https://bit.ly/CFRecRegister
Check out our full fitness and wellness offerings at www.cedarfalls.com/fitness
YOUTH SPORTS AND GAMES SPORTS TOTS
Did you miss getting signed up for Sports Tots? We have a few spots remaining and are taking waiting lists and will add some sports as we get closer to the starting date. Ages: 3 - 5 years Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays Times: 9:00-9:55am 3 & 4 Year Olds 10:00-10:55am 4 & 5 Year Olds Baseball Bambinos June 10 & 12 Half Pint Hoops June 17 & 19 Football Fun Time June 24 & 26 Nets Roll! July 8 & 10 Small Fry Soccer July 15 & 17
YOUTH DISC GOLF CLINIC & LESSONS
* This Program is Delivered by Black Hawk Metro Disc Golf
June 17 or June 18 5:00-7:30pm Ages: 9-16
Location: Tourist Park
We will have 2 experienced players from Black Hawk Metro Disc Golf League and UNI for instruction.
Sign up for one night or both, instructors will work with any skill level.
Free Disc With Registration!
T-BALL PROGRAMS - PARENT COACH
*Sponsored by CF Amvets
Current Kindergartners &/or 5 years
· June 16 – Mid July
· Boys/Baseball predominately on Mon/ Wed
· Girls/Softball predominately on Tues/Thurs
· Practices and games are scheduled weekdays after 5:00pm for about 45-60 minutes.
Volunteer coaches needed for this minimum of 5 game season. Players will be divided to teams based upon the school in which they attend. Teams will be scheduled practice sessions on fields reserved by the Rec Division. All players supply their own glove. Parent volunteer coaches are needed. If interested contact Brock Goos at 319-273-8636 brock.goos@cedarfalls.com
SHORTSTOPS LEAGUECOACH PITCH
*Sponsored by CF Police Association
Just completing 1st or 2nd Grade
• April 28- Mid June
• Baseball predominately on Mon & Wed
• Softball predominately on Tues & Thurs
• Volunteer coaches will pitch to their own players during this minimum of 6 game season
YOUTH RUGBY
Dates: Mondays May 12, 19, Tuesday May 29, Monday June 2
Just completing 1st or 2nd Grade
5:00-6:00pm Tuesdays & Thursdays
Just Completing 3rd – 8th Grade
6:00-7:00pm Tuesdays & Thursdays
Location: Washington Park
Fee: $35.00 by May 5/$40.00 starting May 6
*This Program is Delivered by Cedar Falls Highs School Rugby Coache
YOUTH TENNIS LESSONS
Dates: Session 1 June 16 – June 26
Session 2 July 7 – 17
Monday - Thursday Classes
· 5–7 year olds Red Ball Class 11:00am – 11:55am
· 7-10 year olds Orange Ball Class 9:00am – 9:55am
· 10-12 year olds Green Ball Class 10:00am – 10:55am
· 12 year olds & up Yellow Ball Class 11:00am – 1:55am
UNI Tennis Courts (south end)
Fee: $60.00 by May 31/$65.00 starting June 1.
*This Program is Delivered by the Black Hawk Tennis Club.
YOUTH PICKLEBALL
TBA – follow us on Facebook or visit website for details
www.cedarfalls.com/recreation www.cedarfalls.com/fitness bit.ly/CFRecRegister
ADULT SPORTS AND GAMES ADULT SOFTBALL LEAGUES
· 12 Game season starts week of May 5
· Call your own Leagues.
· Games are scheduled between 6:00pm and 10:0pm
· Monday Church & Men’s/Open League
· Tuesday Mixed League
· Thursday Men’s/Open League
· Birdsall Park Softball Complex
· Mixed League $250.00 All other Leagues $ 225.00
· Deadline: when full or April 27
ADULT PICKLEBALL LEAGUE (16+)
· May 12 – End of June
· Monday evenings 5:30 – 8:00pm
· 12 match season, each match consists of 3 Rally scoring Games
· Competitive, Recreational and 55 and over divisions offered
· Orchard Hill Pickleball Courts
· $60 per 2 person team
· Deadline: when full or May 4
ADULT DOWNTOWN BAGS LEAGUE (16+)
· May 6 – Six Match Season
· Tuesday Evenings, first match 6:30pm
· Each match consists of 3 games
· River Place Plaza
· $45.00 per 2 person team
· Deadline: April 27
ADULT 4 ON 4 WHIFFLE BALL (16+)
· 6 Game season starts week of May 14
· Games are scheduled between 5:30pm and 9:00pm
· Wednesdays
· Kuehns Park (Rownd St.)
· Open League $95.00
facebook.com/cedarfallsrecreation
facebook.com/cedarfallsrecreation
twitter.com/cfrec
instagram.com/cfrec
OUTDOOR PURSUITS RIVER SURFING
Date: Monday, June 9 5:30 – 8:00pm Or Monday, June 23 5:30 – 8:00pm
Age: 10 year olds – Adults
Location: Gateway River Park
• Experience river surfing, the fastest growing river sport in the midwest, at Cedar Falls’ brand new Gateway River Park! Learn the principles of river safety, basic surf techniques and how to read eddylines, then progress to successfully body surfing the waves in a single class. Unlike ocean surfing, the river’s constant waves allow you to continually practice and refine your skills without having to wait for the next wave.
• Taught by experienced guides from CrawDaddy Outdoors, this class features a small student-to-teacher ratio for plenty of hands-on instruction and time to play in the river!
• All required gear will be provided, including surfboards, helmets and personal flotation devices. We suggest you wear a good pair of water shoes with secure straps, long sleeve sun/water shirt and tights or leggings to protect your skin.
Fee: $20.00 by June 1 /$25.00 starting June 1
*This Program is Delivered by CrawDaddy Outdoors
BASIC KAYAKING - TBA
– follow us on Facebook or visit website for details
Location: UNI Wellness Center
*This Program is Delivered by UNI Outdoors/ Leisure Services
CEDAR VALLEY CORPORATE GAMES
AQUATICS
RECREATIONAL SWIM
Beginning May 31st
The Falls Aquatic Center 3025 South Main, 319-266-8468 Open Daily (weather permitting)
Monday – Saturday 12:00pm-8:00pm Sunday 1:00pm-8:00pm
If the weather be such that The Falls cannot open as scheduled, staff will attempt to open later in the day at 3pm; weather permitting.
DAILY ADMISSION
The Falls Peet/Holmes
Infant (2 & Under)
Youth 3–17
Adult 18+
$3 $3
$12
$10
$7
$7
SUMMER SEASON PASSES
Water walking/lap swim passes have been folded into the regular summer season pass. This pass will get you into both water walking and when The Falls is open its regular season hours. No refunds will be provided if pool closures, or revised hours occur due to staffing shortages or inclement weather.
Youth 0–17
Adult 18+
RESIDENT↓ NON-RESIDENT↓
$50
$40
LAP SWIM
Holmes Pool - June 2 -August 4
$60
$60
Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 5:45–7:30am
Daily Admission Fee: $7 or season swim pass required
The Falls - June 2 -August 4
A lane is always available during Open Hour
Daily Admission Fee: $10 or season swim pass required
WATER WALKING—THE FALLS
June 2 – August 15 (age 16+)
Monday–Friday, 11–11:55am Tues & Thurs, 8:15–9:15pm (All weather permitting.)
Fee: $10 or summer swim pass
· No lap pool usage will be allowed at this time
· Patrons may choose to walk with the current or against it
· Aqua socks will be allowed during Water Walking
STRETCHING AQUA TRIM
Session I: June 9–20
Session II: June 25–July 9, No class July 4
Session III: July 14–25
Fee: $40/session
POOL RENTAL
The Falls Aquatic Center and Holmes Pool have plenty of space for kids and adults to have a great time! Rental fees vary depending on the area(s) used during the rental period. Lifeguards are provided.
HOLMES POOL
Available daily after open rec swim hours for private parties.
$75/hr for parties up to 75 people
$90/hr for parties over 75 people
FALLS AQUATIC CENTER
Avvailable Friday, Saturday and Sunday before and after open rec swimming hours starting at 9:00AM-10:45 AM (only Saturday and Sunday) and 8:15PM-10:00PM. Rental fees will vary depending on the area(s) being used during the rental period. Lifeguards are provided.
Safari Falls
$240+tax
Rock Falls $365+tax
Safari Falls & Adventure Falls $465+tax
Rock Falls & Adventure Falls $565+tax
Entire Facility
$665+tax +Open Concession Stand Option $45/hr.+tax
DOGGY DIP
The doggy dip will return to end the season. Date to be determined. Enjoy a true dog’s day of summer, weather permitting. Any licensed dog wishing to swim must be with one adult owner and up to two other owners to use the facility. Cost of admission is $5.00 per dog; additional owners are $4.00 each. Season swim passes will not be honored. All those entering the pool area should be prepared to get wet.
ENJOY OUR PARKS!
Park Descriptions: cedarfalls.com/parks
Park Availability: cedarfalls.com/cedarfallsparks
PICNIC SHELTER RENTALS
Reserved in advance at the Rec Center with signed contract and $25 rental fee. Overman Park shelter rented only in conjunction with band shell. THE ISLAND PARK BEACH HOUSE
218 Center Street in Island Park
The building features banquet-style seating for 180, with stainless steel serving counters and sinks with hot and cold water on each side. Tables and chairs are stored in rooms on either side, separated by a garage door. Restrooms for both men and women are on the east side, accessible from the outside, and open to the public using the trails or park. Large windows provide great ventilation and views of the park and river, while ceiling fans help cool the space in summer. A small deck/patio is located on the river side of the building. Reservation fee paid at the time of reservation. Entire building— Mon–Thurs: $175
Fri–Sunday & All Holidays: $275
Damage deposit: $500
Public Service
Recognition Week
Public Service Recognition Week is May 4 through May 10 and is a time to honor all those who serve as federal, state, county, and local employees. From Public Works and Public Safety to Finance and Business Operations (FBO) and Community Development, we thank our Cedar Falls City team for all they do to keep our community running smoothly!
Here are just a few reasons why our team is proud to serve!
Safety Tips from Cedar Falls Fire Rescue
Grills - NFPA reports that an average of 9,079 home fires is caused by grilling each year. Here are some fire safety tips for the grill:
• Grills create very high temperatures and keeping some clearance from combustibles can prevent a fire.
• Make sure that children and pets stay at least 3 feet from the grill to prevent burns.
• Clean the grill often to prevent grease buildup and make sure to open the grill before lighting it. Failing to clean the grill before and after use is a contributing factor in nearly 20% of all grill structure fires.
• If you are using charcoal or another solid fuel, make sure the embers are completely cooled before disposing in a metal container.
• Charcoal lighter fluid can be dangerous if added after the coals are lit.
• Charcoal chimney starters and electric charcoal starters can be much safer.
• Propane gas grills give you a quick start up, but make sure your connections are tight by checking with a light soap and water solution.
• If you smell gas turn off the grill right away.
• Remember that about half of all grill injuries are the result of some type of thermal burn.
Outdoor Fire Pits - The City of Cedar Falls requires recreational fire pits to be at least 20 feet from any building. Following a few simple safety tips can keep your family safe while enjoying the great outdoor life of our community.
• Never leave young children unattended near a fire in the pit.
• Fill a bucket with water and set it next to the pit before you even begin building the fire.
• Avoid throwing leaves, pinecones, pine needles and paper into the fire. They catch fire quickly and can result in dangerous floating embers.
• Unless there’s an emergency, avoid dumping the entire bucket of water on the fire to put it out. Instead, spread the pieces of fuel as far apart as possible and gently sprinkle water over them until there are no more glowing embers. This prevents the scatter of embers and a thick cloud of smoke.
• Toast your marshmallows over the embers rather than the flames. This not only gives them that perfect golden crust but prevents them from catching fire.
Dryers - If your family is fortunate enough to have the space for a clothesline, what a great time of year for you to catch up on that spring cleaning and be able to dry your clothes outside during these lovely warm months.
If your family is using the clothes dryer during your spring cleaning, please keep in mind that the leading cause of clothes dryer-related fires is not keeping them clean. Scooping out the lint basket takes just a few seconds, so be sure to clear it out every time you toss a load in. The NFPA also recommends cleaning out the vent pipe at least once a year and with the wonderful spring weather around the corner pick a day and just clean that out too.
Cedar Falls Public Safety Awards
Firefighter of the Year: Kye Richter
This award is given to the firefighter who best exemplifies the positive characteristics of a member of the fire service and who has a notable record of service and achievements. This award is presented to the individual who has given selflessly of themselves in support of the department, the fire service in general, and the community. FF Richter is committed to training and mentoring others and has a strong work ethic. FF Richter is currently attending classes to become a Paramedic. He is assisting in the role of Medical Officer for the department. FF Richter’s experience allows him to take on leadership roles at incidents and he always carries himself in a professional manner.
Police Officer of the Year: Mike Marcotte
This award is presented to the officer who shows exemplary service, excellence in police work, and an outstanding performance over a prolonged period. Officer Marcotte was assigned to 3rd shift patrol in 2024 and became a mentor to others on shift. Officer Marcotte’s supervisors noted his willingness to train new officers and being a team player. Officer Marcotte has been highly involved with getting the K-9 program up and running after not having a program for around 20 years. Officer Marcotte is also a valued member of the SWAT team and Field Training Program.