Community Notes: The CIA helps maintain nine Charles City parks

By Theresa K. Cherry, City Improvement Association Public Relations

On May 1, 2024, the non-profit City Improvement Association (CIA) will observe its 121st anniversary.

On May Day, 1903, 45 women established the City Improvement Association. Its mission was – and continues to be – “to enrich the lifestyle of Charles City citizens and visitors by developing areas of natural beauty for their enjoyment.”

The CIA owns nine parks and has 68 women dedicated to developing the natural beauty of those parks. Each park has a committee of CIA women responsible for its maintenance and development.

Funding is vital to the CIA’s mission. In 1903, the women raised funds through 25 cent donations from Charles City businesses and individuals. Today, funds come primarily from two Andres Trusts and from investments.

Riverside Park is both the oldest and the newest park, the first section gifted in 1911 and the last section gifted in 1993. From the alley behind the Pub to past the pedestrian bridge are three of the five CIA Cedar River parks.

Riverside Park, Kate McLeod Park and Sunset Park offer great views of the river and the walking path draws citizens and visitors. Kate McLeod Park features a sculpture created by Chris Wubbena. Sunset Park has seen many weddings. These parks may be the most used.

Bayou Bend, on the river at Court and Illinois, was purchased and park-ready by 1948. A multitude of benches and tables offer great river views, making it a popular lunchtime spot. One of two handicapped-accessible tables is scheduled to be completed this fall.

From the devastation of the 1968 tornado, four CIA parks and one city-owned park were created.

Andres Park occupies the city block across from the Floyd County Museum. It had been the home of McKinley School, a casualty of the tornado. Gifted by Matilda Andres in 1973, the park boasts a bell tower and benches made from McKinley School limestone. The gazebo is a favorite for gatherings and weddings.

Grace Larson Park, at the south end of Main Street Bridge, was moved to this location in 1973. A sculpture by Molly Barrett is displayed.

At the north end of the bridge is Mill Race Park, created by the city in 1972. The CIA installed benches and planters and now maintain them. The CIA owns the Mill Wheel and the Sundial.

Memorial Park and City Improvement Park, purchased in 1985, are both located at Clark and Brantingham. The fountain in Memorial Park is popular on May 15 when it’s turned on for the season. Across the street, City Improvement Park displays a boy and his dog sculpture created by Chris Bennett.

Merten J. Klaus Park, at the end of Maple Street, was presented by Pauline Klaus in 1987. Its features include a gazebo and steps down to the Cedar River.

CIA has also placed a replica of the “old city clock” in Central Park, dedicated the Library Sculptures by Dale Merrill, and initiated “Yard of the Month.”

To learn about becoming a member or if you want more information about the CIA, contact Theresa Cherry at 507-606-2686.