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 grassroots 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 Throughout the City

Community residents are looking for greater connectivity of trails throughout the city.

Why should you support us?

Completely Volunteer

Funding goes Directly to Projects

City Supported - But independent of politics & pet projects

New Recreational Opportunities for Citizens

Creating healthy environment and lifestyle

Can be used as umbrella for friends groups

Board of Directors

Laurie Worden | President
Community Volunteer and Career Coach

Jackie Thompson-Oster
Director of Site Development
University of Iowa College of Pharmacy

Heather Visser
Assistant Controller
ImOn Communications

Esther O’Donnell | Secretary
Community Volunteer

Patrick Alvord | Ex Officio
Principal
Confluence

Duane Jasper
Owner and CEO
Travel Leaders/Destinations Unlimited

Wade Morris | Vice President
Practice Director
The Harrison Group

Dana Moses
Digital Marketing Manager
Fluke Process Instruments

Andrew Ravera
Video Producer
de Novo Marketing

Jenny Skogman | Vice President
Licensed Realtor in the State of Iowa
Skogman Realty

June Schumacher
Community Volunteer

Dina Haveric
ReLeaf Outeach & Communications Manager
Trees Forever

Anna White | Treasurer 
City of Cedar Rapids

Lizzie Maske
Strategic Account Manager
Staples Promotional Products

Molly Monk
Carver College of Medicine Collegiate Relations Specialist
University of Iowa Health Care

Hashim Taylor | Ex Officio
Director
City of Cedar Rapids Parks Department

Ali McGrew
Suburban Lumber 

Andrea Shanahan
Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust