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Seeking Donations for an Exciting New Planting Site at Wilson Ave. |
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Eye 380 volunteers have spent most of 2012 developing a master plan for landscaping sites along the Interstate-380 corridor that passes through Cedar Rapids and Hiawatha. Having completed the master plan we identified two planting sites at the interchange for Wilson Avenue and the interstate. The site plan incorporates colorful plantings that have been designed to echo the stylistic rolling hills and farm fields featured commonly in Grant Wood paintings that are unique to east-central and northeast Iowa. These sites are located on slopes and thus will need the addition of retaining walls to complete the plantings.
We are seeking community donations and actively pursuing grant funding but need your support to help pay for the materials and installation of the retaining walls as grant funding will not likely be able to cover this portion of the project. Please consider donations of any level for this important community project. Together we can all help to beautify our "main street" and build an ever stronger sense of pride for our community. Please contact us with further questions or for instructions on how to proceed with making a donation. Thanks for considering giving your support to this project!
-Eye 380 Committee |
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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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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. Landscaper Eric Shepley 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.
With completion of the Kirkwood site, Eye 380 was challenged to create a master plan for other plantings along Interstate 380 in the metro area. The master plan was completed in 2012. 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
