Recreation

INRCOG can help communities enhance the quality of life for its citizens through recreational planning and project development, including identification and implementation of funding sources to achieve recreational goals. INRCOG has played an integral role in the development of the recreational trail system in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro area as well as trail planning and development at the regional level. Our staff has led water trail planning efforts including the designation of the Cedar River and Black Hawk Creek in Black Hawk County as official water trails. The Water Trails Master Plan for Black Hawk County is the official guide to these State-designated water trails.

The Cedar Valley Trails Guide is a “road map” to the 125+ miles of hard-surfaced multi-use trails, soft trails, lakes, ponds, water trails, and other recreational opportunities. 

INRCOG also has extensive experience with Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning and improvements. We can work with communities on individual projects such as trails, wayfinding signage, designated bike lanes, and a full range of pedestrian safety improvements. 

Other quality of life projects have included BlueZones, Healthy Hometown, and 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count. We were instrumental in the development of Complete Streets policies in the cities of Waterloo and Cedar Falls and have remained active on the Waterloo Complete Streets Committee and Cedar Falls Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission.

INRCOG plays a key role in the Cedar Valley River Partnership, a regional non-profit organization formed to oversee and identify the economic development opportunities associated with the Cedar River. The mission of the organization is to implement the regional placemaking plans developed in coordination with local governments, private and public entities, environmental and recreational organizations, and citizens; these plans are identified in The Cedar Valley River Experience Vision. The CVRP is governed by a Board of Directors made up of elected and appointed officials.

INRCOG works with our member Counties and their respective Conservation Boards to develop plans for Iowa’s Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program. INRCOG also facilitates the biannual meetings of the Black Hawk County REAP Committee and is active in aiding the Iowa DNR’s Regional REAP Assemblies.

We can help!