Volunteers Needed! Mayors' Bike Ride!
LCTA is asking for volunteers to assist with the execution of the Linn County Mayors' Bike Ride. The event starts at 9AM and volunteers are needed between 8-1pm. Volunteers to act as route monitors, ride shepards and assist with registration and tear down are appreciated! If available and interested, please email Kari Lammer, kariannlammer@gmail.com.
Thank you for your support of Mayors' Bike Ride!
The Bike Lane
LINN COUNTY MAYORS BIKE RIDE ON LABOR DAY
The annual Linn County Mayors’ Bike Ride will be on Monday morning September 5, 2011. Linn County Trails Association and the Bicycle Advisory Committee are hosting the ride which will start and end at Ellis Park. It’s free and open to the public. Helmets are required.
Registration starts at 9:00 am in the parking lot near Ellis Blvd and Ellis Lane NW. Ride starts at 10:00 am. 2.5 or 8 mile route. Last year approximately 400 cyclists participated.
Live music from KantiRocks will follow in Ellis Park 10:45 am – 12:45 pm. www.kantirocks.com
Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Proceeds will be donated to Linn County Trails Association. www.linncountytrails.org
KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE FALL CLASSES IN CEDAR RAPIDS
Let's Run - Train For Your First 5K
Community Training & Response Center
Even if you have never run a step, you can build up to a 5K in eight weeks. This class will help with answering all your running questions and will encourage and motivate you. Topics from proper shoes and clothing to what to expect on race day. Show up ready to workout and have fun. Walkers are also welcome.
Indoor Cycling
High energy and intensity cycling class that will burn tons of calories and start your day off right. This class is for all levels and will allow you to go at your own pace.
Splash! Water Aerobics
New Life Fitness World West
Enjoy a great cardiovascular workout designed to burn calories, trim and tone your body, and still be easy on your joints. It's a great workout for all levels of fitness with emphasis for those who need or enjoy the benefits of the environment of a pool. This workout can be modified for all fitness levels.
http://kirkwood.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=18836#
NEW LINN COUNTY TRAIL MAPS AT BIKE DAY AT THE FARMERS MARKET AUG 6
Bike Day at the Farmers Market is on August 6, 7:30 am – Noon at Greene Square Park. Linn Area Mountain Bike Association, Linn County Trails Association, Bicycle Advisory Committee and Bike Ambassadors will provide bike parking from 7:30 am – Noon.
Cyclists using the bicycle parking or stopping by with their bike will receive choice of beverage coupon from Parlor City, Jerseys, Prime Time, and Sammy’s, or a coupon for a free ice cream cone from Parlor City Ice Cream, while quantities last.
Stop by and visit with Linn County Trails Association about the Linn County Mayors Bike Ride. Recently updated Linn County trail maps will be available and they will have LCTA tshirts for sale. www.linncountytrails.org
The Bicycle Advisory Committee will have copies of the “Iowa Goes By Bicycle Guide” provided by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. It includes information on the benefits of cycling, types of bikes, clearing for takeoff, rules of the road, selecting the best route, commuting, equipment, gear, apparel, bike etiquette, basic maintenance and repair.
Linn Area Mountain Bike Association recently constructed new singletrack trails at Squaw Creek Park in Marion. Beverly Park in Cedar Rapids has 5 miles of singletrack with many intersecting trails and loops for all skill levels, and optional natural and man-made obstacles alongside main trails. LAMBAonline.org.
CLUBS AND ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS
Bicyclists of Iowa City (BIC) www.bicyclistofiowacity.org
Bikeiowa www.bikeiowa.com
Cedar Rapids BMX www.CedarRapidsBMX.com
Cedar Valley Running Association (CVRA) www.CVRA.net
Cedar Valley Association for Soft Trails www.cvast.org
East Iowa Ski Club (EISC) www.EastIowaSkiClub.com
Hawkeye Bicycle Association (HBA) www.HawkeyeBike.org
Iowa Bicycle Coalition www.iowabicyclecoalition.org
Iowa Bicycle Racing Association www.Bikeiowa.org
Iowa City Cycling Club (ICCC) www.iowacitycyclingclub.com
Iowa Coalition of Off-Road Riders (ICORR) www.ICORRmtb.org
League of American Bicyclists www.bikeleague.org
Kennedy Mt. Biking Club (Chain Gang) www.Kenn.cr.d12.ia.us
Linn Area Cyclers Bike Club www.lacofcr.com www.lacofcr.org
Linn Area Mountain Bike Assoc. (LAMBA) www.LAMBAonline.org
Linn County Trails Association (LCTA)
Marion-Cedar Rapids Road Hogs Bike Club
http://northtownebikes.com/for/roadhogs
Midwest Xtreme Triathlon Club www.MWXTRI.com
North Liberty / Coralville Running and Bicycle Club (CRABS)
www.meetup.com/North-Liberty-Coralville-Running-and-
Bicycling-Club
Sticks in the Water Paddlers sticksinthewater@yahoo.com
Think Bicycles www.thinkbicycles.org
University of Iowa Cycling Club (UICC) www.iowacycling.org
CR Named #9 on Kiplingers Report: reference to parks, bike trails, and entertainment options
For Immediate Release
Contacts:
Dennis Mihalsky
The Rosen Group
646.695.7042
dennis@rosengrouppr.com
Doug Ruchefsky
The Rosen Group
646.695.7050
doug@rosengrouppr.com
Kiplinger’s Names 10 Best Value Cities of 2011Omaha, Charlotte and Nashville take top spots
Washington, DC (July 25, 2011)—Kiplinger’s Personal Finance has named its top ten cities that provide the best value—with value defined as low living costs, strong economies and great amenities. This year’s picks are profiled in the September issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, and online at www.kiplinger.com/links/bestcities with additional interactive features. To identify the winners, Kiplinger’s teamed up with Kevin Stolarick, research director at the Martin Prosperity Institute – a think tank that studies economic prosperity. “We searched beyond traditional economic measures and included quality of life and the ability to tap people’s creative potential,” says Stolarick, who this year provided data to evaluate U.S. cities for livability and greatest overall value. “People today are choosing locations based as much on amenities and atmosphere as they are on financial opportunities.” Kiplinger’s staff members visited each of the top ten cities to help determine the final rankings. These cities have several common themes. Public-private partnerships have been vital not just to creating great public spaces, but also to helping nurture business environments that attract employers and bring high-paying jobs. For example, Omaha’s Midtown Crossing has been one key to that city’s downtown renovation, and the completion of the Clinton Presidential Library in 2004 became the keystone of a renaissance in Little Rock, Ark. . Low living costs, especially when it comes to housing, make these cities ideal for people looking for value, or business owners seeking great places to open new operations. And our top ten also put a premium on livability, including lots of free amenities, music and arts venues, and outdoor activities. “It’s this trifecta of vitality, livability and low costs that we know our readers are interested in,” says Kiplinger’s senior editor Robert Frick. “And because all these cities have a high percentage of residents in the creative class—basically creative, educated people—which closely mirrors our readership, we think our 2011 Best Value Cities are communities where they’ll feel right at home.”
Kiplinger’s Best Cities 2011 package offers these special features online at www.kiplinger.com/links/bestcities:
· Narrated walking-tour slide shows with Kiplinger’s editors and writers
· A Which City is Best for You? calculator to help readers determine which city best matches their goals and tastes
· A spreadsheet that lets readers see where their own city ranks in different key categories
· A Facebook “Readers’ Choice” poll where audiences can vote for their favorite city among Kiplinger’s top 10 picks or add their own favorite city to the mix
Kiplinger’s Best Cities of 2011:
1. Omaha, NE—Omaha? Omaha natives are sick and tired of the question mark. Given the work this vibrant prairie city has done revitalizing itself over the past ten years, its cost of living and its remarkably low unemployment rate, Omaha takes the top spot without question.
2. Charlotte, NC—Home to Bank of America, several Fortune 500 companies including Lowes and steel company Nucor, and blossoming small business and energy sectors, Charlotte’s economy is both well-diversified and growing. The city is also making a push to become greener by attempting to reduce energy use downtown 20% by 2016. Top-notch schools, a flourishing culinary scene, as well as low taxes and utility rates make Charlotte a top-tier city.
3. Nashville, TN—Sure, Nashville is home to the Grand Ole Opry and the highest concentration of record labels, recording studios, music publishers and distributors in the nation. But the Music City also means business. The area is making a strong comeback from the recession and is expected to add more than 151,000 jobs by 2019 – mostly in the education, health services, and manufacturing fields. Amenities such as a free bike-share program for residents and no state income tax help make Nashville particularly attractive.
4. Colorado Springs, CO—Colorado Springs is proof that smart people flock to a diverse economy in a truly great outdoor setting wrapped in a happy vibe. The city is home to five military bases that employ 10% of the workforce, and more than a dozen colleges. To keep employment numbers rising, the city woos companies with tax incentives and its highly-educated workforce. Colorado Springs also has affordable rents and living costs.
5. Knoxville, TN—Knoxville has managed to avoid the sharpest impact of the Great Recession thanks to such economic drivers as the Tennessee Valley Authority (the nation’s largest public utility), the University of Tennessee and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The city also offers an abundance of free, eclectic, and family-friendly entertainment options, along with a revitalized downtown area. Low taxes, low energy/utility rates, affordable housing and free downtown public transportation also make Knoxville a cheap and desirable place to live.
6. Lexington, KY—Steeped in history, tinged with bourbon and surrounded by the horse farms that define its identity, Lexington has worked hard to protect its bluegrass pastures, brick-and-limestone buildings and small-town feel while cultivating a burgeoning downtown and a forward-looking economy. Affordable housing and utilities also help to make this northern-Kentucky city a top place to live.
7. Little Rock, AR—Revving Little Rock’s job market is a diverse economy, including a 500-person Caterpillar factory in North Little Rock, the headquarters of IT company Acxiom, and world-class medical centers. The completion of the Clinton Presidential Library in 2004 sparked a downtown renaissance. Additionally, a trendy arts scene and a collection of fine dining and local music establishments endear this great city to its residents.
8. Wichita, KS—Prices are typical of a small prairie town, but Wichita comes with surprising big-city amenities. Many workers head to one of the city’s several aviation manufacturing and research companies, including Spirit AeroSystems and Cessna Aircraft. A well-rounded selection of restaurants, theaters and other cultural venues blend in cosmopolitan flavor. Prices for homes and entertainment are both extremely affordable compared to the national average.
9. Cedar Rapids, IA—From grains to planes, a diverse economy attracts a high-tech workforce and cushions the city from downturns. The nearby University of Iowa provides Cedar Rapids residents with access to Big Ten sports, and the city itself is laced with parks, bike trails, and various entertainment options. The city has recovered nicely from the 2008 Cedar River flood, and housing costs and property taxes remain extremely affordable.
10. Cincinnati, OH—After taking a big recession hit, the city is flexing its economic muscle and revamping its downtown. With ten Fortune 500 companies, including Kroger, Macy’s and Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati’s diverse economy is making a strong comeback from the recession. The cost of living is about 7% below the national average. Cincinnati offers all the big-city amenities you’d expect, plus some you wouldn’t, including a park within one mile of every resident.
More on Ranking Methodology
Kiplinger’s included data from Martin Prosperity Institute research director Kevin Stolarick on population growth, unemployment rate, income growth, cost of living and cost of housing, among other factors, to get an initial list of cities. Also included is a “creative class” measure, which stems from Stolarick’s work with Richard Florida, academic director of the Martin Institute and author of The Rise of the Creative Class. This measure reflects the number of creative-class workers—including educators, writers, and scientists—living in the area. Further research involved traveling to each of the ten cities to interview business and community leaders and residents. The rankings factor in both the data and the results of Kiplinger’s reporting.
About Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
For nine decades, the Kiplinger organization has led the way in personal finance and business forecasting. Founded in 1920 by W.M. Kiplinger, the company developed one of the nation's first successful newsletters in modern times. The Kiplinger Letter, launched in 1923, remains the longest continuously published newsletter in the United States. In 1947, Kiplinger created Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, the nation's first personal finance magazine. Located in the heart of our nation's capital, the Kiplinger editors remain dedicated to delivering sound, unbiased advice for your family and your business in clear, concise language. Become a fan of Kiplinger on Facebook or Kiplinger.com and follow Kiplinger updates on Twitter.
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Oak Hickory News
The Fall 2011 Oak Hickory Newsletter is now available. Please click on the link below to explore the latest Linn County Conservation Department news and happenings:
http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1101646565693-13/fall+2011+%282%29.pdf
Need Your Input for 1st Avenue East Improvements
Do you live, work or travel along 1st Avenue East between 27th Street and 40th Street? We want your input on the future development of this road. Help us identify corridor problem areas, neighborhood concerns and improvement options.
•Online Survey: Click here to complete the survey about this road
•Attend a Meeting: Attend the informational meeting and visioning session Thursday, July 28 ◦6:00-9:00 p.m. St. Matthew’s Church, Kern Hall, 2310 1st Avenue NE
This stretch of 1st Avenue East is a commercial center and main corridor between downtown and residential areas of Cedar Rapids. This important transportation corridor is nearing traffic capacity during some periods of the day, which has had an impact on traffic safety and access to local businesses. The 1st Avenue East corridor between 27th Street and 40th Street will be rebuilt as a “Complete Street Improvement,” which means a street design that provides for safe, comfortable and convenient travel for all users, including motorists, bicycles, pedestrians, and transit riders. The new design may include additional turning lanes, driveway consolidations, medians, sidewalk improvements, CEMAR trail crossing, utility upgrades, accessible transit, trees, and other landscaping enhancements. For more information, please contact the project team at info@CR1stAvenueEast.com.
City Seeking Input from Residents about 1st Avenue East
City Seeking Input from Residents about 1st Avenue East
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – July 13, 2011 – The City of Cedar Rapids has launched a community wide survey to kick-off a road improvement study of 1st Avenue East from 27th Street to 40th Street. The survey is available on the City’s website at www.Cedar-Rapids.org.
The City encourages all residents that live, work or travel along this corridor to provide input regarding the future development of this road to help us identify corridor problem areas, neighborhood concerns and improvement options. The City is collecting input in two ways:
- Online survey available at www.Cedar-Rapids.org
- Public Information Meeting on July 28, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Church Kern Hall, 2310 1st Avenue NE
This stretch of 1st Avenue East is a commercial center and main corridor between downtown and residential areas of Cedar Rapids. This important transportation corridor is nearing traffic capacity during some periods of the day, which has had an impact on traffic safety and access to local businesses.
The 1st Avenue East corridor between 27th Street and 40th Street will be rebuilt as a “Complete Street Improvement,” which means a street design that provides for safe, comfortable and convenient travel for all users, including motorists, bicycles, pedestrians, and transit riders.
The new design may include additional turning lanes, driveway consolidations, medians, sidewalk improvements, CEMAR trail crossing, utility upgrades, accessible transit, trees, and other landscaping enhancements.
For more information, please contact the project team at info@CR1stAvenueEast.com.
Congress threatens to end ALL dedicated bike/ped funding
Iowa Bicycle Coalition
Biking and walking make up 12 percent of all trips in the US - even as funding for biking and walking projects only accounts for 1.5% of the federal transportation budget. That's more than 4 billion bicycle trips and 40 billion walking trips a year -- including trips to work, school, shopping and for recreation and tourism.
Bicycling and walking programs build bikeways, walkways and other facilities for millions of Americans, improving access and saving lives.
Biking and walking are important forms of transportation (and recreation and tourism). Funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements is a very efficient use of federal transportation dollars. Portland, Oregon built a city-wide bike network for the cost of one mile of highway.
Both the House and Senate long-term transportation bill are being written right now. We still have a chance of influencing the outcomes. Let's make sure that funding for biking and walking programs doesn't disappear for many years to come.
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/7093/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=7483
The Bike Lane - City of CR BAC Newsletter
RAGBRAI XXXIX CORALVILLE JULY 29
RAGBRAI will enter Coralville from the West on IWV Rd, turning north on Camp Cardinal Blvd, which becomes 22nd Avenue, then east on 9th Street, south on 18th Avenue, east on 8th Street, where riders will enter the Coralville RAGBRAI campus at S.T. Morrison Park. The park will be the hub of activities with campgrounds, aquatic center, entertainment, beverage garden, and food vendors. 38 Special will perform in the Town Center Parking Ramp at 8 pm. Tickets are $10, free for those wearing the official RAGBRAI wristband. www.38special.com
Volunteers are needed for a variety of areas, including beverage garden, information center, parking, sanitation, set-up, and entertainment. Register to volunteer at: www.coralvilleRAGBRAI.com
The Trekwomen Bike Demo Tour provides women of all abilities the opportunity to test ride a Trek WSD (Women’s Specific Design) bike, and try the latest women’s products from Gary Fisher and Bontranger. Tech reps educate riders on products and proper bicycle fit. www.fitforwomentour.com Check out the latest WSD bikes and gear at trekbikes.com/women.
The Davenport to Coralville RAGBRAI Training Ride will be on Saturday, July 9, sponsored by SCHEELS. The 65 mile training ride is a fundraiser for the Coralville and Davenport RAGBRAI Committees. The route is the reverse of the July 30 RAGBRAI route. It will begin at 8:00 am at the dip site in Davenport and end at SCHEELS at Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville, traveling through Walcott, Durant, Wilton, Moscow, Rochester, Springdale, West Branch, and Iowa City.
The $25 registration fee includes the choice of Coralville or Davenport official RAGBRAI T-Shirt, pancake breakfast, snacks along the route, emergency bike repair/SAG Wagon Service (if needed), and route end refreshments at SCHEELS. There will be a shorter route that joins up in West Branch for the last 15 miles. http://www.coralville.org/index.aspx?NID=466
IOWA CITY BIKE LIBRARY
The Iowa City Bike Library is located at 408 E. College Street. Bikes are available for checkout on Saturdays 10 am – 1 pm. Supply of bikes is limited, so arrive early. You can check out a bike for 6 months with a deposit which varies depending on the type and condition of the bike. They accept donations of bikes in good or repairable condition. For a small fee, you can use their tools, books, and equipment to tune up or repair your bike from Noon – 1pm on Saturdays. There are volunteer opportunities for skilled bike mechanics and other tasks such as bike checkout, data entry, helping patrons, bike stripping & salvage, bike pick up, cleaning & organizing and recycling. www.bikelibrary.org
SHARED USE LANES ON EAST MAIN STREET IN ROBINS
At the May 16th Robins City Council meeting, the council unanimously voted to install shared-lane pavement markings on East Main Street. East Main Street begins in Robins at N. Troy Road and runs southeast to C Avenue NE.
TOUCH THE EARTH OUTDOOR RECREATION AND EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Touch the Earth Outdoor Recreation and Education program provides opportunities for members of the University of Iowa and surrounding communities to learn about a variety of outdoor activities. Some of the past classes have included bicycle touring, mountain biking, canoeing, marathon training, hiking, trail running, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
http://recserv.uiowa.edu/Apps/Programs/TouchTheEarth.aspx
SPLASH PADS AT HAYES PARK AND CEDAR VALLEY PARK
Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department recently opened new splash pads at Hayes Park, 1924 D Street SW, and Cedar Valley Park, 2250 Blakely Boulevard SE. Spray features are activated when you run your hand across the sensor on the fire hydrant. Water is turned on at 10:00 am each day, and turned off at 8:00 pm. Other splash pads are located at Cleveland Park, Daniels Park, Hidder Park, Jacolyn Park, Noelridge Park (near Harding School on Golf Street), Redmond Park and Time Check Park. For more information, contact Park Operations at (319) 286-5760.
JAZZ UNDER THE STARS CONCERTS IN AUGUST
In August, Jazz 88.3 KCCK presents free Jazz Under the Stars concerts on Thursday evenings 7:00 pm at Noelridge Park, bike parking area provided to the left of the stage. Food and refreshments available for purchase. You’re also invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and your own picnic to the park. In the event of rain, concerts will be held indoors at Parlor City Pub and Eatery 1125 3rd St. SE. www.kcck.org
August 4 - Ariel Pocock
arielpocock.com
August 11 - Funk Daddies
www.funkdaddies.com
August 18 - Dennis McPartland and The Jazz Underground
August 25 - Bob Dorr and The Blue Band
www.theblueband.com
FARMERS MARKET GREENE SQUARE PARK
Bike parking provided 7:30 am – Noon on 1st and 3rd Saturdays:
July 2nd and 16th
August 6th Bike Day LAMBA Skills Demonstration
August 20th
September 3rd, September 17th Linn County Safe Kids Day
www.downtowncr.org
HALL BICYCLE COMPANY
www.hallbicycle.com
SUMMER HOURS:
Mon. & Thur. 8:30 am – 8:30 pm
Tue, Wed and Friday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday Closed
NORTHTOWNE CYCLING & FITNESS
www.northtownebikes.com
SUMMER HOURS:
Mon. & Thur. 9:00 am – 8:30 pm
Tue, Wed, Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday Closed
CLUBS AND ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS
Bicyclists of Iowa City (BIC) www.bicyclistofiowacity.org
Bikeiowa www.bikeiowa.com
Cedar Rapids BMX www.CedarRapidsBMX.com
Cedar Valley Running Association (CVRA) www.CVRA.net
Cedar Valley Association for Soft Trails www.cvast.org
East Iowa Ski Club (EISC) www.EastIowaSkiClub.com
Hawkeye Bicycle Association (HBA) www.HawkeyeBike.org
Iowa Bicycle Coalition www.iowabicyclecoalition.org
Iowa Bicycle Racing Association www.Bikeiowa.org
Iowa City Cycling Club (ICCC) www.iowacitycyclingclub.com
Iowa Coalition of Off-Road Riders (ICORR) www.ICORRmtb.org
League of American Bicyclists www.bikeleague.org
Kennedy Mt. Biking Club (Chain Gang) www.Kenn.cr.d12.ia.us
Linn Area Cyclers Bike Club www.lacofcr.com www.lacofcr.org
Linn Area Mountain Bike Assoc. (LAMBA) www.LAMBAonline.org
Linn County Trails Association (LCTA)
www.LinnCountyTrails.org
Marion-Cedar Rapids Road Hogs Bike Club
http://northtownebikes.com/for/roadhogs
Midwest Xtreme Triathlon Club www.MWXTRI.com
North Liberty / Coralville Running and Bicycle Club (CRABS)
www.meetup.com/North-Liberty-Coralville-Running-and-
Bicycling-Club
Sticks in the Water Paddlers sticksinthewater@yahoo.com
Think Bicycles www.thinkbicycles.org
University of Iowa Cycling Club (UICC) www.iowacycling.org
Cedar Valley Nature Trail news
Progress is being made in opening the sections of the Cedar Valley Nature Trail that was closed by the floods of 2008. See this link to the Iowa Bicycle Coalilition for information on the bridges over the Cedar at Evansdale and McFarland Park and the trail between Brandon and La Porte City: http://www.iowabicyclecoalition.org/node/43
Hoover Nature Trail Celebration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2011
Contacts:
Dennis Goemaat
Linn County Conservation
(319) 892-6450
dennis.goemaat.@linncounty.org
Aaron Anderson
City of Ely
(319) 848-4103
admin_elycity@southslope.net
Local Governments, Linn County Trails Association
Celebrate Hoover Nature Trail Grand Opening June 3
ELY, IA – Linn County, the City of Ely and the Linn County Trails Association will celebrate the grand opening of the Hoover Nature Trail on Friday, June 3 at 2 p.m. in Ely City Park with a public trail connecting ceremony. The event will kick off National Trails Day on June 4. Local elected officials will speak prior to the symbolic trail connecting ceremony.
“We are so excited to celebrate the grand opening of the Hoover Nature Trail. This is a culmination of years of hard work and cooperation by local governments, land owners and trail advocates,” said Lu Barron, Linn County Supervisor and Vice Chairwoman of the Linn County Conservation Board. “We all worked together to get here, and we’re looking forward to the celebration and use of the trail.”
Parking at the grand opening event may be limited. Attendees are welcome to ride their bicycles to the event and enjoy the trail following the ceremony.
The Hoover Nature Trail extends south from the Cedar River Trail in Cedar Rapids through Ely to the Linn County / Johnson County border. With the completion of the Hoover Nature Trail in Linn County, the trail system now runs non-stop through Linn County from the southern border through Ely as the Hoover Nature Trail; through Cedar Rapids as the Cedar River Trail; and through Hiawatha, Robins, rural Linn County and Center Point as the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. The trail then continues north through the northeastern corner of Benton County and northward through Black Hawk County.
WHAT: Hoover Nature Trail grand opening & trail connecting ceremony
WHEN: Friday, June 3
2 p.m.
WHERE: Ely City Park
1635 Hillcrest Street
Ely, IA
WHO: The event is open to the public.