Iowa City will maintain its trails with a $200,000 grant

Iowa City, Iowa – Iowa City is set to enhance the Sycamore Trail on the southeast side, utilizing a $200,000 grant in response to the area’s growth and development.

The pathway extends over two miles, linking various neighborhoods and parks together. The initiatives focus on enhancing the trail’s surroundings by eliminating invasive plant species and striving to restore prairies. Benches and bike fix stations will be installed along the trail.

“They offer nature right in people’s own backyards and ensure safe access for individuals to ride their bikes away from traffic,” stated Juli Seydell Johnson, director of the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Office. “It provides an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.”

Throughout the years, the city has received over $2 million in funding from the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant. According to Johnson, contributions from the state are essential for the upkeep of local parks.

“This has been an excellent means for us to enhance our local funding and bring projects to fruition that we couldn’t accomplish independently,” Johnson stated. “We feel incredibly lucky to have accomplished so much throughout the years.”

The city must submit an application for the grant each year, having received the annual grant a total of 15 times, with 10 of those years being consecutive.

“The goal of achieving ecological restoration aligns seamlessly with our natural areas plan, highlighting regions that could be enhanced to become even more remarkable natural spaces.”

Johnson states that with increased development in the southeast side of the city, her office anticipates a rise in trail usage following the project’s completion.