Greene Square honored with landscape award
The restoration of Greene Square has been honored by the American Society of Landscape Architects Iowa chapter with a Merit Award. Greene Square was one of several projects recognized at this year’s spring ASLA Iowa chapter conference.
The revitalization of the historic park brought new life to Cedar Rapids’ only downtown green space. Post renovation, response to the new flexible green space — with pathways and seating, a major art installation, and an interactive water feature — has been overwhelmingly positive. Reinforcing the value of green space in an urban core, the square is part of a broader narrative of economic development. Surrounding institutions — churches, daycares, businesses, library, and museum — have used the park for services, outdoor play, recruitment, art displays, and programming. It has provided a backdrop for proposals and weddings, Food Truck Fridays, farmers markets, holiday parades, and thousands of other planned and impromptu events and gatherings.