Iowa City council approves Terrell Mills Roller Park renovation; bids set for December

The Iowa City Council on Nov. 3 approved the project manual and estimate of cost for the Terrell Mills Roller Park renovation on Dubuque Street, near the University of Iowa boathouse, clearing the way for bid letting and spring construction.

Julie Bridal Johnson, director of Parks and Recreation, described the project as a renovation of the existing skate park that will preserve the current advanced‑skater area while adding a beginner‑friendly learning zone and a pump track for bicyclists. She said the city conducted public input in January–February 2024 and that federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant money had been released to allow the city to move forward.

The council was told the bid letting is scheduled for Dec. 2, with construction running from March through November (next construction season). Estimated project cost presented at the meeting was about $1.82 million. Johnson said staff will make renderings available to the public following the council update and that access to the existing skate park will be maintained during construction, though some impediments are possible.

Councilors asked about preserving prairie plantings in the project area and whether the city would offer programming to teach skating/biking skills. Johnson said the prairie is recently established (only a couple years old), not a regulated or endangered prairie, and the design will include plantings to retain some prairie features; programming had been offered historically and could be considered again once the facility is complete.

The council voted to approve the project manual and estimated cost; the motion passed 7–0.

What’s next: bid letting on Dec. 2 and construction March–November; staff to publish renderings and additional project details.