Future Projects

In 2017, Dyersville community-wide planning efforts identified citizens’ concerns centered around flooding, water quality and recreational opportunities along Bear Creek and the North Fork Maquoketa River. As part of the “One Water” Watershed Vision Plan and to build on the recent successes of the Bear Creek Restoration Project and Stormwater Wetland #1, future development of a unique, nature-based amenity has been proposed. The Dyersville Downtown Driftless Float Park is planned for the North Fork Maquoketa River and could include a family-friendly lazy river float park, a natural play area within the stream, manicured flower beds in the shape of a tractor that ties to the community’s farm toy manufacturing and agricultural heritage and would connect users to downtown through informational kiosks and access points. 

Recent redevelopment efforts restored a portion of the downtown riverfront which embraces the river, allowing people to reconnect to the water and added an aesthetic appeal to the area. Realizing that the local streams can be a resource to this community, the project will work to capitalize on these recent redevelopment efforts and through stream restoration measures work to achieve the local mantra “If you clean the water, they will come”!  The overall vision for this project would be to develop a nature-based amenity that will provide economic benefits, water quality improvements, connect community to nature, retain young professionals and families, and keep visitors coming to Dyersville.

Proposed Timeline

• Design 6 months, Permitting 5 months, Construction 1 year, Plantings 3 months
• Some overlap in phases, but about 2 years start to finish

Potential Location

• Along the North Fork of the Maquoketa River between the Canadian Nation Railway Bridge, just downstream of Beltline Road, to the new Pedestrian Bridge at Westside Park.