Waterloo, Elkader Named All-Star Communities

Two Northeast Iowa cities are being recognized for revitalization efforts in their communities.

Waterloo and Elkader have each been named a 2015 All-Star Community by the Iowa League of Cities (ILC), a group that provides advocacy, training and guidance to strenghten communities in the state.

The All-Star Community Award is the most-presigious honor given by the ILC to cities. Entries are judge by a panel of former city officials and others familiar with municipal government. Judges determine winners based on innovative efforts in areas such as urban renewal, development, preservation, collaborative efforts or quality of life improvements.

Waterloo garnered recognition for the Cedar Valley SportsPlex, a downtown recreational facility which opened in January 2014. The $27-million state-of-the-art building features a full-size gymnasium, a turfed field, a running track, an indoor playground, a pool with a slide, a golf simulator, child care, specialized classes, personal trainers, locker rooms, and rooms for parties and meetings.

The SportsPlex was built as a cornerstone of Waterloo's Riverfront Renaissance revitalization plan with the hope that it would energize downtown economic development and improvement the health and wellness of Cedar Valley residents.

Elkader also garnered recognition for its riverfront revitalization and Founders’ Park project. The residential buyout of 32 homes after the flood of 2008 created the opportunity for city officials to develop a park, river access with a whitewater feature and more. Volunteers, partnerships with area businesses, the main street community and grants helped make the project possible.

The current park and riverfront redevelopments have allowed Elkader to reconnect with the Turkey River, which runs through the city. The revitalization effort created opportunities for economic development, recreation and tourism.

Of the 945 Iowa cities that are part of the ILC, only three were named 2015 All-Star communities by the group. Sheldon was the third city named, along with Waterloo and Elkader.

All three cities will be recognized at the ILC’s awards banquet during its Annual Conference & Exhibit held in Cedar Rapids from September 23-25, 2015.