Read a book as you walk through Cherry Hill Park!


Story Walk Added to Cherry Hill Park 

The Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department opened a story walk in Cherry Hill Park, 341 Stoney Point Rd NW, on Tuesday, July 9. The project was made possible through funds provided by the Alliant Energy and Healthy Hometown grants, in partnership with the City of Cedar Rapids and Cedar Rapids Public Library. 

The first story featured is Prince and Pirate, by local author Charlotte Gunnufson, about two pet fish with whale-size personalities.  A new story will be placed in the story walk every two months from May to September.

The story walk encourages children to be physically active and read. Twenty sign holders have been placed along a pathway in the park with pages of the story spaced so children must walk to read the entire story. 

The walk is located between the playground and the exercise station for the remainder of the year. It will be moved to a permanent location next year, after construction along the walking trail has been completed.
Bender Pool Closes July 19 for ADA Upgrades 

Bender Pool will close at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 19. The pool's interior and exterior will undergo extensive remodeling to make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Renovations will include upgrading and replacing restroom fixtures, partitions and baby changing areas; regrading all floors to the proper slopes; replacing all floor tile; and redesigning the front entry. Sidewalks and parking strips will be removed, modified and regraded to bring them into compliance as well.

Construction is expected to be complete by September 2 and Bender Pool will reopen on September 3.
Game On! Greene Square
Thursday Activities Continue through August 1 

Come to Greene Square on Thursdays, 11:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m. through August 1 and enjoy free activities in the park sponsored by Linn Area Credit Union and Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation. Free meals will be provided to kids (ages 18 and under) by Horizons at Noon. The next event, Animals in the Park, is Thursday, July 11. Bring the kids to Greene Square to play with some of the animals from Old MacDonald's Farm.

Wibit Days at Noelridge July 23 & 25

Have fun in the water and out at Noelridge Aquatic Center's Wibit Days on Tuesday, July 23 and Thursday, July 25 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Bounce in the huge inflatable castle and play on the Wibit in the pool. Admission  is $5.50 or a season pass.

Old MacDonald's Farm County Fair

Old MacDonald's Farm in Bever Park will host the fourth annual County Fair on Saturday, July 27 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Admission is free for all ages, but a $1 minimum donation is recommended. The first 1000 kids will receive a small door prize.

Families will enjoy experiencing a fair setting at the farm with hayrack rides, interactive booths, gunny sack races, carnival games, contests, balloon animals, face painting ($5 fee), truck/tractor to touch, and fair foods. Concessions by Hy-Vee will be available for purchase. Highlights include the Iowa State University Insect Zoo, music by Sheila Stevens and Whipped Cream Pie Eating Contest.

We want a safer, healthier Cedar Rapids. That's why the City of Cedar Rapids' Parks and Recreation Department has teamed up with the Iowa Cancer Consortium and the Iowa Department of Public Health to provide complimentary sunscreen at Old MacDonald's Farm this season. Look for the gallon-sized sunscreen jug at the barn. Stay safe in the sun this summer with free sunscreen at the farm!
Get Ready to Go Back to School
7th Annual Back 2 School Bash is August 3

Get a variety of school supplies and a snack for just $5 per ticket on Saturday, August 3 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at McGrath Amphitheatre. This fun event with games, bounce houses, food and more is sponsored by Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation and Macaroni Kid. Register by 4:00 p.m. on August 2. Admission is free for parents and non-school age children not receiving school supplies and a snack.

Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation | 319-286-5566 | recreation@cedar-rapids.org | CRREC.org
STAY CONNECTED: