PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES


Councils of Governments (COGs) plays a vital role in building stronger, healthier communities through strategic investments in parks, recreation, and natural resource conservation. By expanding access to green spaces and championing environmental stewardship, COGs help create places where people can thrive—whether they’re living, working, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Below, you'll find a selection of projects that highlight our commitment to enhancing quality of life across our regions.


Bi-State Regional Commission

Bi-State Regional Commission collaborates with member communities to advance parks, recreation, and natural resource planning. In 2022, the West Liberty Parks and Recreation Plan was completed, establishing a shared vision, assessing existing facilities, and identifying future needs to strengthen community connections. In 2024, Bi-State supported Bettendorf’s Parks and Recreation Plan update, working with city staff, a steering committee, and the City Council. Bettendorf’s vision emphasizes livability through educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities across its riverfront and 613 acres of parkland. In 2025, Bi-State assisted with the Scott County REAP Plan update, helping secure grants for recreation and conservation improvements.



Additionally, the 2025 update of the Regional Conservation Directory offers a valuable tool for environmental reviews and outreach, providing contacts across federal, Iowa/Illinois, and local agencies. 



                                     West Liberty, IA

       Photo source: West Liberty Parks & Recreation

Bettendorf, IA

Photo source: Bettendorf Parks & Recreation

Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission

Last October, Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission’s Safe Routes to School program teamed up with Winneshiek County Conservation and the Decorah Public Library to host a “Tree Planting Bike Ride” along the scenic Trout Run Trail. Funded by a $7,500 DNR Trees for Kids grant, 54 trees were planted across three sites, including the hilly, non-motorized section of the trail.



To make the event accessible and engaging for youth, UERPC promoted the ride, led participants along the trail, and provided a meal afterward—turning the day into a fun, hands-on learning experience. The event celebrated environmental stewardship, encouraged active transportation, and showcased the power of community collaboration.


Tree Planting Bike Ride

Photo source: UERPC

Tree Planting Bike Ride

Photo source: UERPC

Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council


This summer, the Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) launched the Trailblazer Challenge, a virtual scavenger hunt encouraging residents to explore local parks and attractions via the trail system. Participants earned points and prizes by uploading selfies at designated locations using the GooseChase app, funded with $1,250 from SIMPCO’s Bicycle Pedestrian Roundtable. 


The event brought fresh air and fun to the community, supported by local businesses and organizations that donated prizes and helped spread the word. Key partners included Palmer Candy, Downtown Partners, Siouxland District Health, Buffalo Alice, ACX Cinema Sioux City, SoHo Kitchen and Bar, and Sioux City Parks and Recreation.

East Central Intergovernmental Association

Thanks to a $1.5 million EDA COVID Disaster Recovery grant written and secured by ECIA staff, the City of Dyersville successfully extended wastewater infrastructure to the iconic Field of Dreams site. This critical improvement paved the way for expanded year-round use and large-scale events.

Most recently, the site hosted the Velocity Music Festival, drawing tens of thousands of visitors over Labor Day weekend. Saturday’s lineup featured country star Tim McGraw, while Sunday brought rock band Nickelback to the stage, along with performances by Brantley Gilbert, Buckcherry, and others. Attendance far exceeded previous MLB games held at the site, which drew around 8,000 fans each.

With the Field of Dreams now fully equipped to host major events, the momentum continues—MLB is expected to return in August 2026 with a tentative matchup between the Minnesota Twins and the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Field of Dreams Movie Site remains open year-round to visitors.

Region XII Council of Governments

In 2019, the Maple River Area Park Committee in Carroll County reached out to Region XII COG with ideas for small improvements to the town’s only park and public shelter house. At the time, rentals were limited and income was minimal. Since then, Region XII COG has helped secure over $55,000 in grants from sources including the Union Pacific Foundation, Community Foundation of Carroll County, Warren H. Timmerman Charitable Trust, and the Barbara & Gilbert Renze Charitable Foundation.


These funds supported upgrades such as air conditioning and heating, electrical improvements, new countertops and cabinets, playground equipment, and more. As a result, shelter rentals have increased, creating a steady revenue stream. This income now enables the organization to provide local match funds and pursue larger grant opportunities for future park improvements.

Maple River Area Park

Photo source: Region XII COG

Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments

Over the past decade, Bunger Park and Mayors Park have undergone major upgrades thanks to support from INRCOG, the Black Hawk County MPO, and various funding sources including TAP, REAP, LWCF, and the Black Hawk County Gaming Association. Enhancements include creek restoration, a connecting bridge and trail, seating areas, a shelter and restroom, native flower plantings with signage, and repurposed tennis courts for pickleball.

In 2023, Evansdale received a grant to help build a dog park, joining forces with Elk Run Heights and the Willow Run Dog Park Committee. After four years of fundraising, the Willow Creek Dog Park opened in 2024, adding another recreational asset to the community.

Bridge Traversing Both Parks

Photo source: INRCOG

Mayor's Park

Photo source: INRCOG

Southwest Iowa Planning Council

A dedicated group of citizens formed a committee in 2023 to raise funds for the construction of a splash pad in Atlantic, Iowa. Numerous fundraisers were held, and donations from private entities helped push the project toward reality, but additional funding was needed. Southwest Iowa Planning Council stepped in early in 2024 to help the effort by writing a Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant through Enhance Iowa. The project was ultimately awarded a $102,047 CAT grant toward construction.


The 4,500-square-foot splash pad includes a variety of features such as fountains, spray pad, dump buckets, and water cannons. The total project cost was $690,000. The splash pad was completed in November of 2024 and officially opened to the public on Memorial Day of 2025. SWIPCO is proud to partner with member communities to make great recreation projects like this come to life.

Construction Phase

Photo source: SWIPCO

Ribbon Cutting Event

Photo source: SWIPCO

East Central Iowa Council of Governments

Established in 2024 by the Springville Hometown Pride Committee—alongside the City of Springville and Linn County Master Gardeners—the Springville Community Garden offers residents a shared space to grow fresh produce and build neighborly connections. As part of ECICOG’s Hometown Pride Program, the garden features 12 rental plots (20’ x 30’) available for personal use.

In just two seasons, the garden has seen full participation, encouraging healthy living, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Supported by volunteers and local partners, the project continues to strengthen community pride while promoting access to fresh food and sustainable gardening practices.