A resolution to approve plans, specifications, and alterations for Phase ! of the Riverfront Crossings District was passed, 6-0, by the City Council on Tuesday.Juli Seydell Johnson, the director of Iowa City Parks and Recreation, provided a master plan for the entire site.
“Phase 1 is primarily creating the wetlands,” Seydell Johnson said. “And that’s the part of the grant money that we received from the state flood-mitigation funds.”
She said there will be a trail that goes up through the park, a trail along Highway 6, and a bridge crossing that lines up with Second Street.
She also presented a list of alternate plans. These include a second trail on the other side of the park, a circle drive for the parking area, and a second bridge crossing.
Previously, Seydell Johnson said, another alternate was a nature playground for children, but that is being set aside for now.
“We are likely getting a federal grant for at least half of the playground,” she said. “This necessitates that becoming a separate project.”
Seydell Johnson said the current timeline placed bid letting at May 30, award date at June 6, and construction from mid-July to September or October.
She also showed pictures of what the site looked like several years ago versus what it looks like now. She noted that there is still a lot of work to be done.
“It’s hopefully going to be in a state where kids will want to go down and play in it,” Seydell said. “So that’s a long way from what it looks like right now.”
Councilor Susan Mims said she supported the bridge.
“It’s really exciting to see this moving forward …” Mims said. “It’s going to be so useful and going to be a real amenity to everybody in the community.”
Mims also said the process of handling the aftermath of the 2008 flood was very long, and it was good to see it progressing.
Councilor Rockne Cole said he can’t wait to use the bridge.
Councilor Kingsley Botchway said he was happy about the new view of the improved Riverfront Crossings.
“I think it’s going to be eye candy from Highway 6,” Botchway said. “I’m excited, and I’m not even an outdoors kind of person.”