Redmond Park

Redmond Park is a historic public space located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Developed in the late 1800s as part of the city's early expansion, it was originally named Bever Park after the Bever family who developed the area. The park was later renamed after Mayor John C. Redmond when the present-day Bever Park was gifted to the City by the Bever family.

Situated in the Wellington Heights neighborhood, Redmond Park has long served as a gathering space for the community. In its early days, the park hosted evening parties under electrified lighting and was adorned with beautiful flowers. It was also home to local football and baseball teams, highlighting its importance in community recreation.

A notable feature of the park is the Soutter Fountain, an ornate water trough placed in the park by the Soutter family in the 20th century. Although temporarily moved to the Water Works building, the fountain was returned to the park following neighborhood organization efforts. Today, the garden surrounding the fountain is maintained by neighborhood volunteers, exemplifying the community's ongoing involvement in the park's upkeep.

In recent years, Redmond Park has undergone several improvements to enhance its accessibility and appeal. In 2021, plans were announced for a new playground structure, designed to be more inclusive and accessible. This upgrade includes features such as two bay swings with various seat options, a net climber, and a seesaw, aiming to provide more diverse play opportunities for children of all abilities.

The park is part of Cedar Rapids' larger park system, which includes over 4,000 acres of parkland across the city. Like other city parks, Redmond Park operates from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, with full services typically available from early May through late September.