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A Welcoming Parks and Recreation System
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As a nationally accredited parks and recreation department, the Cedar Rapids Parks, Recreation, Golf, and Forestry divisions keep equity and access at the forefront of all programming, planning, and facility management. With goals of ensuring that programs and infrastructure are responsive to changing demographics, enhancing programming for underserved populations, upgrading facilities to meet accessibility needs, and implementing mobile recreation programs that connect neighborhoods to parks, every decision is made with an attitude of acceptance, inclusion, and welcoming of all ages, ethnicities, and ability levels.
Welcoming All Ages
Beginning with a “start with us” philosophy, the Department welcomes new parents and their babies as young as six months old into water adjustment classes. These classes emphasize the importance of water safety at the very youngest level. Activities for preschoolers provide a first step into participating in recreation programs, including music programs, nature walks, and classes at Old MacDonald’s Farm. Opportunities to improve motor skills exist through the introduction of sports. The Parks and Recreation Department focuses on each age group through adulthood with programs that meet trends, expressed needs, and developmental and social benefits. Older adults are offered social dance, art, yoga, Japanese archery, karate, and more. A group of experienced gardeners assists with carrying out the many functions of the Noelridge Greenhouse. In addition, senior programs are offered at the Northwest Recreation Center and will be offered through the AARP at the outdoor fitness area in Jones Park.
Beyond programming, the Department provides hundreds of young adults with their first experience in the workforce. More than just a part-time job, staff work to assist with providing employees life skills through work experience.
Welcoming All Abilities
The Department has been inclusive since 1938 when it started the first program for children with disabilities as a W.P.A. Recreation Project. In addition to offering the largest Special Olympics program in the state, accommodations are provided for any individual with a disability asking for assistance. These accommodations can extend to support access to services in other departments.
The City of Cedar Rapids has exceeded requirements for accessibility to public facilities, working since 2015 at improving connections to parks, buildings, and parking. From sidewalks and parking lots, to swimming pools, splash pads, playgrounds, miniature golf, and ball diamonds, every feature in the park system is either accessible to those with physical limitations, or on a schedule to be made accessible within the next few years. Ensuring that no resident or visitor is excluded from activities and facilities is an important part of making Cedar Rapids a welcoming community.
To request an accommodation for a disability or language translation, contact Rob Wagner, Parks and Recreation Special Programs Supervisor, at 319-286-5799.
Welcoming All Neighborhoods
The Department recognizes that some children have greater access to recreation activities and park programs than others do. This recognition drives the mission of enhancing programming for under-served populations. Staff from the Department work to build partnerships with organizations already working within neighborhoods to strengthen and build on existing programs. The Rollin’ Recmobile makes 13 stops in neighborhood parks each week over the summer. The schedule allows additional time to be spent in neighborhoods with kids who have fewer other opportunities for summer recreation programs. With over 40 community partners, the Rollin’ Recmobile provides opportunities for more than Parks and Recreation Department programming to be offered at stops. Organizations provide resources, activities, food, and more. Watch this summer for the second Rollin’ Recmobile to hit the streets, offering even more opportunities for summer fun than ever before.
Over the last several months, as I began my role with the City of Cedar Rapids as the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, I was welcomed at every turn by people that I met. I realized how much a part of the culture welcoming others was to the people of Cedar Rapids. From the moment I arrived, Parks and Recreation employees invited me to participate and collaborate with them, inquired about me, and shared their passion for the community readily. We want everyone to be involved and feel welcome to participate no matter their age, race, identity, or past experience. We welcome you to our parks, our recreation center, our pools, our golf courses, our greenhouse, our sports complex, and so much more.
— Hashim Taylor, Parks and Recreation Director
Hashim Taylor, Parks and Recreation Director, enjoying Open Kayak/Canoe Practice at Bender Pool.
Welcoming Ideas
With a commitment to the community, new ideas for ways to connect with residents and visitors are always welcomed. Some of the most popular classes offered came from an idea that a resident passed along. Please submit ideas to recreation@cedar-rapids.org.
