Coralville City Council Approves New Recreation Center Project
The Coralville City Council has decided to construct a new recreation center rather than renovating the existing one. This decision followed the presentation of two options in a master plan adopted in August.
The new facility is projected to cost between $50 and $55.4 million and span 109,700 square feet. It will include three gymnasiums, an elevated track, a spa, and three pools: a competition pool with spectator seating, a leisure pool, and a recreation and community lap pool. Additional amenities include community meeting rooms and strength, cardio, and fitness spaces.
The city has not yet finalized the funding for this project.
In partnership with the Iowa City Community School District, the city announced plans in February to replace the current 50-year-old facility with a new recreation center and indoor competition pool. The new center will be located east of the existing building in ST Morrison Park. The current facility will remain operational during construction and will be demolished after the new building is completed.
A renovation and expansion alternative, estimated at $52 to $56.2 million, was also considered but ultimately not selected.
The city and school district collaborated with Neumann Monson, Iowa City area architects, to create the master plan. The development cost $150,000, with the city covering $90,000 and the school district $60,000.
Earlier this year, a community survey gathered feedback on desired amenities for the new facility, as well as residents’ usage of the current center and participation in its programming.
Cedar Rapids Schools Introduce College and Career Pathways Program
The Cedar Rapids Community School District is hosting three informational meetings for families of current eighth-grade students to discuss the launch of a new College and Career Pathways program. This initiative, beginning next fall with Freshman Academies, aims to provide enhanced opportunities for college and career readiness while fostering skills for the workforce, military, or higher education.
These pathways will offer focused learning environments where students can earn college credits or industry-recognized certifications. The meetings are open to parents, guardians, and middle school students, although anyone interested is welcome.
Attendees will learn about Freshman Academies, class offerings, and how the program prepares students for future success. Current high school students in grades 9-12 will continue with their existing academic structure.
Meeting Details:
- Monday, Dec. 2: 5:30–7 p.m. at Kennedy High School, 4545 Wenig Rd., NE, Cedar Rapids
- Tuesday, Dec. 3: 5:30–7 p.m. at Jefferson High School, 1243 20th St. SW, Cedar Rapids
- Thursday, Dec. 5: 6–7:30 p.m. at Washington High School, 2205 Forest Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids
Johnson County Prepares FY26 Budget
Johnson County has begun the fiscal year 2026 budgeting process with several public meetings scheduled.
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors, in coordination with county officials and department heads, will conduct budget discussions beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 9. Departmental meetings will conclude in February.
Two public hearings are planned:
- March 26 at 5:30 p.m.
- April 16 at 5:30 p.m.
The budget will be reviewed during a work session on April 23 at 9 a.m., with a final vote scheduled for April 24 at 9 a.m. The budget must be submitted to the State of Iowa by April 30, 2025.
Meetings will be held at the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building in Iowa City and livestreamed on the county’s website and via Zoom. The full schedule can be viewed at johnsoncountyiowa.gov.
Linn County Now Accepting Witwer Trust Grant Applications
Nonprofits in Linn County can now apply for the FY25 Witwer Trust Grant Program. Funded by an $80,000 annual trust established by Weaver Witwer, these grants support projects benefiting Linn County residents.
Applications are due by Dec. 15. Details, including eligibility requirements, can be found at LinnCountyIowa.gov/Witwer.
Iowa City Relocates Recycling Containers
Recycling containers previously located at the South Riverside Recycling Center have been moved to the new Sturgis Ferry Park Recycling Center, located at 1700 South Riverside Dr. The new site accepts the same materials and serves residents of Johnson County, Kalona, and Riverside.
For more information, visit icgov.org/recycle.
DNR Awards Wildfire Assistance Grants
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has awarded nearly $416,000 in grants to 138 rural fire departments across Iowa. These 50% cost-share grants will fund equipment for wildfire suppression and communications.
Eastern Iowa fire departments receiving 2024 Volunteer Fire Assistance grants include Amana, Lisbon, Maquoketa, Solon, and others. Departments must report wildland fire activities to qualify for funding.
Adventure Pass Program Suspended
The Iowa Libraries Adventure Pass program will be suspended starting Dec. 31 due to software discontinuation. Reservations for 2025 will still be honored, but users must print passes by Dec. 31. Efforts are underway to resume the program with a new system.
Johnson County Offers $2.9M for Affordable Housing
The Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County is providing $2.9 million for affordable housing projects, including rental and transitional housing for individuals earning under 80% of the area median income. Applications are due by Jan. 3. A minimum of $386,000 is allocated for projects in North Liberty.
Visit htfjc.org or call 319-358-0212 for more information.
Mercer Aquatic Park Gym Resurfacing Underway
Resurfacing of the Scanlon Gym at Mercer Aquatic Park has begun and will continue until Dec. 15. The gym will remain closed during this period.