The Linn County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on January 17, 2014, to sign an offer to purchase 71.36 acres of land adjacent to Morgan Creek County Park that will be used to expand the park’s recreation area. The addition of this land will increase the size of Morgan Creek County Park, located in southwest Linn County, to a total of 300 acres.
“This is a historic day for Linn County,” said Linn County Supervisor Brent Oleson. “We are really creating something special here. There will be so many opportunities for people and families to recreate and take “staycations” in the park. I’m excited that we are using our natural resources to enhance recreation opportunities for residents and to attract visitors.”
“I am just thrilled with the amount of public support we have for this park expansion,” said Linn County Supervisor Chairwoman and former Linn County Conservation Board member Lu Barron. “This addition of green space to the Linn County park system will have a lasting impact on residents and future generations.”
Linn County anticipates an expanded arboretum, trails and camping features as well as future educational partnerships with the Cedar Rapids School District, which owns land adjacent to the park. The county also plans to plant thousands of trees as part of its long-range plan for the park.
The land being purchased by Linn County is near the Highway 100 extension that is scheduled for construction by the Iowa Department of Transportation. An expanded Morgan Creek County Park will provide a buffer to the highway and future development that is expected as a result of the extension.
During the public hearing for the purchase offer on January 15, the 14 members of the public who spoke during the hearing all were in favor of the purchase. The purchase price of the land is $1,735,000 from H.A.M. Investments, Inc.
For more information on the Linn County park system, visit www.linncountyparks.com.