Cedar Rapids Greenway Parks Plan Cedar Rapids, IA

Landwise provided economic analysis in support of the Cedar Rapids Greenway Parks Plan. In 2008, historic flooding had a devastating effect on Cedar Rapids. Following substantial progress on the flood control system, the City undertook the process of updating their Greenway Park Plan. Landscape designers at Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) led the master planning effort and turned to Landwise for economic insight that would inform the plan. The City's goal was to reposition a critical part of its park system, to ensure more equitable access to open space and recreational opportunities for its citizens. Landwise undertook an economic impact analysis and explored options for how to best structure funding to ensure financial sustainability. This considered both up-front capital funding and long-term operations and maintenance. Using a case study approach, Landwise estimated that based on the anticipated level of investment in the Greenway system, Cedar Rapids was likely to increase its park visitation to as many as 1.5 million visits, yielding $60M in annual impact and up to 1,300 jobs.