Cone Park, Iowa, USA

Overview

The City of Sioux City established the Cone Park Working Commission for the development of a new park that will offer winter and all-season recreation opportunities not found anywhere else in the region. The Working Commission selected BHA to develop a Master Plan that will improve the public recreational activity opportunities for the large number of young families in the area.

As consultants within a multi-disciplinary team, BHA was part of a collaborative effort to explore the potential for a winter recreational site in Sioux City, Iowa. The Cone Park Winter Recreation Feasibility Study explored the different winter recreation attractions while embracing the City of Sioux City’s vision, and the economic, demographic, and land use realities. BHA was responsible for the development analysis which quantified the physical conditions of the chosen site, highlighting the opportunities and constraints posed by the topography, environmental sensitivities, and climate. Ultimately, the detailed plans for the recreational infrastructure and park amenities drafted by BHA included: detailed ski runs, ski lift alignments, tube park, carpet lift, capacity calculations, grading plans, trail system plan, an ice skating rink, a spray park, parking areas, users circulation, programming for the summer, as well as plans for an all-season, multi-purpose lodge.

A key consideration during this planning exercise was the area’s cold and dry climate, and limited snowfall. To address this, the park will use an artificial snowmaking system to keep the tube park, skiing, and other snow activities in operation throughout the winter. Once complete, Cone Park will give local residents the opportunity to have their first experience with winter sliding sports.