FAQ's

To support and promote diversity and inclusiveness through the provision of a wide variety of high quality leisure programs and services that aim to serve the recreational needs of the Hiawatha community in an enjoyable, healthy and safe environment.

All fees are payable at the time of registration. Checks should be made payable to the City of Hiawatha. Partial refunds are given if notified prior to the first class or if the program is canceled by the Recreation Department. No Refunds are given once classes begin. Refunds are based on the discretion of the Parks and Recreation Director. Refunds are processed through City Hall and will be mailed to you. Please allow 3-4 weeks.

Unfortunately, acts of vandalism occur each year to our park facilities and equipment. If you see anyone vandalizing city parks, please phone the Hiawatha Police at 319-393-1212. Together we can keep our parks looking great!

The Community Center can be rented online. The Community Center can also be rented in person at Hiawatha City Hall during regular business hours. Rentals CANNOT be reserved over the phone.

Park pavilions usually open around the 15th of April and close the 15th of October. Splashpads usually open Memorial Day Weekend in May, and close Labor Day Weekend in September, weather permitting. Splash Pads are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Fay M. Clark Memorial Park - .7 miles
  • Tucker Park - .3 miles
  • Guthridge Park - .8 miles for complete outer loop.
  • Turtle Creek Park - .5 miles
  • There are 4 different time slots for rentals:
  • Monday through Friday: 4:00 – 11:00 p.m.
  • Weekends 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m

Resident: Monday – Friday 4:00pm to 11:00pm $200.00. Saturday/Sunday 7:00am to 11:00pm $275.00

Non Resident Monday – Friday 4:00pm to 11:00pm $225.00. Saturday/Sunday 7:00am to 11:00pm $300.00

All rentals require a $300 damage deposit, in the form of a check, in addition to the rental fee.

  • The center is approximately 2200 square feet, holds 168 people seated, 250 unseated people. An insurance policy number is required if serving alcohol.
  • * 21 tables, 168 chairs available for the renter's use.
  • * Wireless internet.
  • * Audio Video equipment available for rental fee of $40.
  • * The kitchen has a stove, microwave, refrigerator and steam table.

Concert rentals after 5:00 pm will have a City of Hiawatha Police Officer present at the expense of the renter at a rate of $65.00 per hour in cash.

Refunds and Cancellations: $50.00 fee for cancellations.

No refund if canceled within 72 hours of function.

Guthridge Park has 3 pavilions available for rent. Tucker Park has two pavilions for rent, plus one pavilion at Fay M. Clark Memorial Park. These pavilions have a 15 amp breaker for electricity use. This is equal to 4 crock pots or 2 roasters. Over use may cause electrical fuse to blow.

Park Time Slot Rental:

  • 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
  • 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Resident Fee: $45 per time slot or $90 for the whole day.

Non Resident Fee: $55 per time slot or $110 for the whole day.

If you are interested in renting the entire park, a refundable $1,000 damage deposit is required.

Motorized vehicles are restricted to established roadways and parking areas.

All pets must be on leash and all droppings must be immediately cleaned up and disposed of in a proper manner.

Hitting golf balls and the use of any dangerous instruments such as firearms, B.B. guns, and bows and arrows are strictly prohibited.

Alcoholic beverage use restrictions: no person shall bring, use, consume, or have in his or her possession, in a city park, beer in a keg or any other container larger than one quart, except beer permit holders and suppliers or vendors authorized by the City Council. No person shall bring, use, or consume beer in or within any playing area, fields, or courts. All other types of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in city parks.

Carry out what you brought in. Trash Free Parks.

Fires restricted to grills.

The Hiawatha Parks and Recreation Department welcomes tree lovers to donate a tree for the community's parks. A parent or grandparent could plant a tree recognizing a birth, a retirement, an anniversary, as a memorial in remembrance of someone special or for any other civic-minded purpose. Due to these special requests, we have set up guidelines for persons wishing to plant a tree in any of the city parks in Hiawatha. Please contact Kelly Willadsen, Parks and Recreation Director for these guidelines, 319-393-1515.

The Park and Recreation Commission meets on the second Tuesday of every month in the Hiawatha Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m. All meetings are open to the public. If you have anything you would like discussed by the Hiawatha Park and Recreation Commission, please phone the Park and Recreation Director, Kelly Willadsen, 319-393-1515 X 251 in advance of the meeting.

Hiawatha Park and Recreation Commission is continuing the Adopt A Flower Bed Program. This Program is in response to citizens requests to be more involved in the beautification and care of our public areas. The concept centers on individuals, families, community groups and businesses who want to show their pride in our community by assisting City staff with maintenance of a park, trail, flower bed or street median.

Who can participate?

Individuals, Families, Neighborhood Organizations, Churches, Schools, Youth/Civic Groups, Businesses

What is the benefit?

Pride in the community and team building for your Organization; Visibility with signage at adopted site; Setting a positive example for other to join the program.

What's Involved?

Adoption for a minimum of one year, Cultivating flower and shrub beds (for flowerbed adoption), Planting, weeding and watering flowers, Picking up litter, "Watching over" the adopted area, Purching the "Sponsored By" sign.

Youth Soccer prepares players for organized soccer in a fun, non-competitive environment. Teaches a variety of soccer skills: dribbling, kicking, passing, tapping, throw line and agility. Coaches Needed!

Blastball is a fast paced action game for kids that has all the excitement that t-ball lacks. Teaches baseball/softball fundamentals: hitting, throwing and fielding. They will also learn teamwork and sportsmanship. It is a lot of fun for players as well as parents. Coaches Needed!

Hiawatha is offering tennis lessons through Westfield Tennis Club. Sessions will be held at the tennis courts located in Guthridge. Please register at Hiawatha City Hall.

The Hiawatha Playground, and Programs are an exciting way for children to spend their summer. The Programs are used as a tool for children to make new friends, use their creativity in crafts and games, and be educated by local field trips. They will also learn how to work together on a community citizenship project. This is not meant to be a babysitting service but an opportunity for your child’s enrichment.

Hiawatha continues to offer a variety of youth programs and events throughout the year.

Hiawatha has 4 trails. Fay M. Clark Memorial Park - .7 miles; Tucker Park - .3 miles; Guthridge Park - .8 miles, and Turtle Creek Park .5 miles for complete outer loop. You can also access the Cedar Valley Trail at Kainz Drive and Boyson Road.

No. However you may want to look into the following program:

Horizons Meals On Wheels

Horizons Meals On Wheels has been delivering meals to folks throughout the Linn County area for over 30 years. They realize the need to serve and provide a nutritionally balanced meal to seniors homes in order to maintain their independence and good health. If you, or someone you know, needs a "just like home cookin' meal", call Horizons Meals on Wheels to arrange for home delivery at (319) 398-3574.

Volunteer drivers are always needed and appreciated! Please call Meals On Wheels (319) 398-3574 for more information or to take a test drive.

Volunteer support and assistance is needed to continue to make Hiawatha's programs successful. You do not need to be a family member or a participant to volunteer. If you are interested in coaching or helping with a program, please contact Kelly Willadsen at (319) 393-1515 X 251.

The Hiawatha Community Center is located inside of Hiawatha City Hall. Guthridge Park offers three pavilions: Red, Green and Brown. Tucker Park offers two pavilions: Blue and Yellow. Fay M. Clark Memorial Park offers one pavilion: Teal. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance online.

There are two ways to register for our programs. In person at Hiawatha City Hall, 101 Emmons Street during regular office hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or online.