www.iowagreatplaces.gov

Greater Cedar Valley Alliance, Iowa City/Coralville/North Liberty, Marion, Tama County, Turkey River Corridor and Villages of Van Buren County

DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver signed agreements yesterday with Iowa’s six new Great Places, creating work plans designed to make each a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Iowa Great Places is an initiative of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs that combines state resources and local assets to help communities cultivate the unique qualities that make them special. The Memorandums of Understanding signed today bring the state into partnership with each of the following communities: Greater Cedar Valley Alliance, Iowa City/Coralville/North Liberty, Marion, Tama County, Turkey River Corridor, and Villages of Van Buren County.

“I am proud to sign these agreements and officially welcome these communities to the Iowa Great Places program,” Governor Culver said. “These communities have proposed projects that build our cultural infrastructure, create jobs, and enhance quality of life opportunities that retain Iowa’s young people and attract new residents of all ages. I look forward to working with them to fulfill the projects to move Iowa forward.”

The program asks Iowans to develop proposals that address seven unique and authentic dimensions that make places special: engaging experiences; rich, diverse populations and cultures; a vital, creative economy; clean and accessible natural and built environments; well-designed infrastructure; a shared attitude of optimism that welcomes new ideas; and based on a diverse and inclusive cultural mosaic.

Following are summaries of each community’s proposals:

Greater Cedar Valley Alliance

The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance consists of Cedar Falls, Evansdale and Waterloo. Its proposal focuses on strengthening the Cedar Valley community’s relationship with the Cedar River; increasing the public’s use and enjoyment of the Cedar River and its watershed; and enhancing its environmental health, cultural heritage, recreational features and economic opportunities.

Iowa City/Coralville/North Liberty

Iowa City/Coralville/North Liberty incorporates three communities with a vision focusing on literature. Iowa City became part of the Creative Cities Network when it was named a City of Literature in November 2008 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Iowa City is the third city in the world to receive this recognition, joining Edinburgh, Scotland, and Melbourne, Australia. Its proposal develops and supports the “UNESCO City of Literature” brand for Iowa City and surrounding communities.

Marion

The City of Marion has developed a community-wide visioning process called Imagine 8. This process solicited more than 1,800 responses from area residents to develop a clear picture of the community’s direction. Eight ideas were selected from the 1,800 ideas submitted by respondents. “All Trails Lead to Marion” focuses on Marion Square Park as the center of community and recreational trails, parks, amphitheatre and public art, connecting many of the Great 8 ideas to a seamless destination point for residents and visitors alike.

Tama County

Tama County and its 12 towns submitted a proposal that focuses on its Native American heritage with the theme “Feeding the Spirit.” This culturally diverse county proposes expansion of Otter Creek Lake and Park; restoration of historical museums and the Weiting Opera House; and the development of the Meskwaki Cultural Center & Museum to enhance the cultural, economic and workforce environment of the county.

Turkey River Corridor

The Turkey River Corridor is a unique application for Great Places. Three towns – Clermont, Elgin and Elkader – and two counties – Clayton and Fayette – have joined together to submit a regional application. All three towns are connected by 114 miles of the Turkey River. Their vision is to collaborate, develop and enhance the existing natural resources flowing from the Turkey River through the creation of land and water trails that will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and development in Northeast Iowa.

Villages of Van Buren County

The Villages of Van Buren County is a place that encourages visitors to slow down, relax and embrace a more leisurely pace. The proposal calls for developing a Villages Folk School to offer learning experiences in traditional arts, such as pottery, fine arts, spinning, weaving and sculpting within the unique surroundings of each village. The county would be the “campus,” with more than 42 classes offered to adults, parents, children and their families. The goal is to connect the “inner child” often lost in the hustle and bustle of modern-day life.

Iowa’s other Great Places include Adams County, Appanoose County, Charles City, Clinton, Coon Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Decorah, Dubuque, Fairfield, Guttenberg, Jackson County, Mason City, Marquette-McGregor, Perry, Sioux City, Spencer, Valley Junction, Warren County and West Union.

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