Jan/Feb/Mar 2024
The Cedar River Recreational Project is Underway! The Cedar River Recreational River Area and Riverbank Improvements Project broke ground in September 2023 and will create a major transformation for both the City of Cedar Falls and the Cedar River Valley! It will connect residents and visitors to the river, improve safety and accessibility for all, enhance aquatic life, and provide family-friendly activities. The project consists of recreational improvements including multiple kayak play areas, fishing jetties, habitat spawning pools, and water access points, along with riverbank improvements and trail additions. It will also include upland improvements with the construction of seven instream water features, connecting our trail to the Cedar River, riverbank improvements, and the installation of a new River Art Plaza.
Current Progress The City has contracted Peterson Contractors Inc. of Reinbeck, Iowa, for the project and work will continue through the winter months as weather and river conditions allow. Currently, the contractor has completed three in-river structures along Gateway Park including the new Clay Hole Structure located near the main Gateway Park shelter. Crews will continue with work on the Gateway Park side with in-river boulder fill placement, trail connections, riverbank terracing, and construction of the last instream structure before switching sides to the downtown riverside.
Looking Ahead As crews complete the instream improvements, they will work their way out of the river by installing riverbank improvements and connecting trail segments to the new water features. The last phase of the project will be the upland improvements including installation of the new River Art Plaza and other landscaping amenities to the existing Gateway Park on the river left side of the project. The river right, adjacent to the Downtown District, will include updates such as a turtle back landing. This landing is along the Cedar River, near River Place Plaza. Families can be near the river and learn about the aquatic habitat of our river, such as the spotted turtle. Located between Main Street and First Street adjacent to downtown Cedar Falls, the project will connect Peter Melendy Park on the southside of the river with Gateway Park on the northside to bring a wider variety of incredible recreational and educational opportunities to our community. Learn more about this exciting adventure at www.cedarriverexperience.com. You can also get the latest construction notices and sign up for text/email alerts of the progress at bit.ly/CFCedarRiverProject.
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