Dubuque Forward Announces Ribbon Cutting for New “Pocket Park”

Dubuque Forward is excited to announce the ribbon-cutting ceremony for 897 Central Park Pocket Park, an innovative green space located at Ninth Street and Central Avenue in downtown Dubuque. The event will take place on Thursday, September 12th, 2024, from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM, marking the official opening of this new community park.

Once the site of a former gas station, 897 Central Park has been reimagined as a vibrant, nature-infused public space designed by Stickley Morton Architects. The park features a Mississippi River-inspired layout, including the city’s first "micro forest," a meandering sidewalk designed to resemble the flow of the river, and artistic fish sculptures nestled in native grass berms. These features symbolize fish swimming through the river, creating a unique blend of art and nature that offers a serene spot for relaxation and recreation.

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Located on the pilot bike path route launched this summer by Dubuque Forward and the City of Dubuque, 897 Central Park aims to enhance connectivity and community engagement in the downtown area. The park also offers a dedicated space for food trucks, low-maintenance super-dense planting areas to promote urban biodiversity, and creative installations that celebrate local heritage while promoting environmental education. A special area in the park is dedicated to honoring first responders.

The park represents a major collaborative effort between local businesses, the City of Dubuque, and community volunteers. Many businesses contributed in-kind labor, materials, and financial support, while the City provided critical features and ongoing maintenance. This cross-sector collaboration showcases the work Dubuque Forward is doing to revitalize downtown and make Dubuque a more inspiring place to live, work, and play.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature remarks from key project leaders and a ribbon cutting by the Dubuque Chamber. Attendees are invited to explore the park, enjoy ice cream from Vesperman Farm, and learn more about the community-driven efforts that brought this project to life.

Dubuque Forward, the organization behind this initiative, is a non-profit dedicated to fostering economic development and enhancing the quality of life in Dubuque. By partnering with various stakeholders, the organization leads projects that promote a thriving and sustainable future for the city.