About Us
100% volunteer driven
Work closely with the city
Create & Sustain innovative parks
Enriching the CR community
Creating, enhancing and sustaining innovative parks and recreation opportunities in Cedar Rapids for all community members.
The CR Parks Foundation is a grass roots volunteer citizens’ organization founded by members of the Cedar Rapids community who recognized a need to raise private funds for the Cedar Rapids park system for expansion and improvements. Members of the City’s Parks, Recreation and Waterway commission; Parks Department and City Manager’s office were simultaneously looking for a solution to funding problems. The Foundation rose out of these discussions and a desire to implement pieces of the city’s Master Plan and Greenway plans, as well as other projects.
The Foundation used privately sponsored projects such as Greene Square as an inspiration for what private groups can do to improve our city.
Addressing Community Concerns
Continuing to revitalize flood areas
Especially greenways
Increase Economic Opportunities
We’re here to cultivate more recreational variety to attract people to the area – in turn increasing economic opportunities in the Cedar Rapids Area.
Improve Trail Connectivity Through the City
Community Residents are looking for greater connectivity of trails throughout the city.
Why should you support us?
Board of Directors
Jackie Thompson-Oster, Vice-President
Director of Site Development
College of Pharmacy
University of Iowa
Steve White, Secretary
Commercial Realtor
Skogman Realty
Heather Visser, Treasurer
Assistant Controller
ImOn Communications
Matt Mitchell
Director of Marketing
Police Legal Sciences
Samantha McGrane
Project Manager
United Fire Group
Patrick Alvord
Principal
Confluence
Duane Jasper
Owner and CEO
Travel Leaders/Destinations Unlimited
Jenny Skogman
Licensed Realtor in the State of Iowa, Skogman Realty
Laurie Worden, President
Community Volunteer/Career Coach
Esther O’Donnell, website managing
Community Volunteer