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Eye 380 enhances the appearance of the Cedar Rapids-Hiawatha-Marion metropolitan area by establishing and maintaining colorful landscape plantings at Interstate Highway interchange sites. Eye 380 works in partnership with community agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations and the Iowa Department of Transportation to promote pride in our metropolitan community.
(We meet on the first Wednesday, 4 p.m., Trees Forever, 770 7th Ave., Marion) |
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The mission of the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce is to be the catalyst to promote economic vitality and quality of life in Linn County. The Chamber recognizes the need to have an aesthetically pleasing community in order to promote economic and community development. The Chamber encourages organizations interested in supporting these efforts through volunteer work, grant application and more. The Chamber was supportive of the Eye-380 project in Hiawatha and commends the organization’s success upon its completion of the project. The Cedar Rapids Area Chamber hopes the organization will continue to be successful in future endeavors such as the project proposed at the Hwy 30/Kirkwood Blvd interchange. --Sincerely, Kari Stillman VP Marketing and Communications, Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce |
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Our Beautification Project
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It takes a lot of time, planning, processes and resources to beautify parts of our community. Please peruse this article to see some of the pictures and details of what we do. Click on the Photo Album above for a full tour of our pilot project.
Planted in 2008 with a grant from Iowa Department of Transportation, this design offers a cheerful Linn County greeting to drivers as they pass Boyson Road in Hiawatha. Eric Shepley of Midwest Lawn & Landscape designed the project based on concepts from Kirkwood Community College horticulture students. Easily seen when heading north or south, the planting of hardy landscape plantings was completed for $37,000, including two years of maintenance.
Once plants become established, upkeep becomes the responsibility of Eye 380. Advisers tell us that annual maintenance per site could run as high as $3,000, depending on weather conditions. We need community financial support to fulfill our obligations. We depend upon people like you to join in the beautification of Cedar Rapids. Interstate 380 is the first impression of our community for many visitors. And a pleasant I-380 environment will enhance our trips, too.
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I-380 Kirkwood/Rt. 30 Exit |
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Our Beautification Project
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Our plantings at the Kirkwood/Highway 30 exit are completed. We envision it as a “bookend” to the project in Hiawatha, as well as a welcome to Cedar Rapids. Former Kirkwood landscape design student Diane Hoefer created the Kirkwood layout as an honors project. Native plant species were selected to be low-mow, salt tolerant and not interfere with sightlines. She incorporated the burr oak, Iowa’s state tree, into the concept.
With completion of the Kirkwood site, Eye 380 has been challenged to create a master plan for other plantings along the interstate in the metro area. In conjunction with the new "Grant Wood" rest stop south of Cedar Rapids, we may include a similar art theme where feasible. Our goal is to proceed carefully and within the bounds of fiscal obligations.
Under requirements of the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT), application for grants must be made by a public body. For the Boyson project, the application was made by the City of Hiawatha. On Oct. 12, 2010, the Cedar Rapids City Council formally approved the Kirkwood exit planning and application.
This program is a wonderful example of public/private partnershiip. Future maintenance costs will be the responsibility of Eye 380 supporters. There are roadside improvement programs in Iowa for both small and large communities. Grants come from a fund designated for these specific uses.
 Shows the beautification site.
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Eye 380 Committee Volunteers
