Contract crews planted prairie seed last fall during the planting window. These first few years after planting are crucial for establishing root systems of the flowers and grasses. Parks crews mow off the prairie roughly every 1-2 months to ensure that invasive weeds are kept in check and not out-competing the native species. After the first few years of establishment, we will look to begin prescribed burning to assist with management.

As a reminder, no motor vehicles are allowed in the pollinator areas. Please contact the Parks & Recreation Department with any questions regarding this project.

New Park Name

We are looking for your input on a permanent park name. Valley Park was chosen as a name that we could use to refer to the park while it was under construction. Now that it is complete, we would like your feedback on a name. Here are some options we would like you to choose from. Please fill out the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ParkName by Thursday, August 31. We will let you know the final outcome in September.

1. Valley Park
2. Primrose Park
3. Cottonwood Park
4. Prairie Meadows Park
5. Indigo Park

If you have other options you would like us to consider, you can include that in the survey. However, we must follow the park naming policy when naming Cedar Rapids parks. The guidelines include:

• A recommendation must be submitted in writing to the Parks and Recreation Department.
• Prior to the adoption of an official name, all requests will be reviewed by the Director of Parks and Recreation as well as any other pertinent City Staff.
• The Director of Parks and Recreation, or their designee, shall have the final responsibility for all naming decisions.
• The Parks & Recreation Department maintains the option of changing names, or moving amenities and memorials, as needed.
• The official name of a park shall reflect the geographic area it is located within. Barring this, it should have some distinct affiliation with specific qualities of the park.
• Parks and amenities shall not be named after individuals. Organizations and other entities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Any proposed names should be supported by the local community and reach beyond a single or specific interest group.