Revitalization of Northeast Iowa Parks

Iowa's outdoor recreational amenities could become bigger and better under a statewide program being launched by state officials in cooperation with local governments and private groups.

A strategic pilot parks project was announced Monday with the goal of improving and expanding Iowa's parks. The first area designated for the program is the Grant Wood Mississippi River Region, which includes Dubuque, Jackson and Jones counties in northeast Iowa. The area now includes four state parks, scenic byways, and the potential for land and water development, officials said.

The region will receive $1.9 million in state money, while private groups will provide about $6 million in additional money or contributions of land or services.

Similar projects are expected to be launched elsewhere in Iowa in future years. One of the primary goals of the initiative is to have Iowa offer a premier parks system that will help Iowa attract and retain young people who are interested in a vigorous lifestyle, which should also help stimulate the state's economy and help attract and retain businesses, officials said...(full article)

 William Petroski, bpetrosk@dmreg.com 1:13 p.m. CDT September 29, 2014