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PO Box 781
Cascade, Ia 52033

Chairperson:
Randy Lyons
563.852.7595

Cascade Community Enhancement Organization

Agricultural Interpretive Center

The Cascade Community Enhancement Corporation was formed in 2001 when the US Highway 151 by-pass was under construction. While we looked forward to the opportunity that the four lane highway would bring to Cascade, it was felt that the 151 by-pass would slow down the economy of many businesses in our community. Therefore we began to formulate solutions that would help bring in more visitors, residents, and businesses through historical, recreational and cultural enhancement projects that would make our community more attractive, increase the quality of life for many, and keep the economic engine running in our community.

The Cascade Community Enhancement Corporation was founded by and is run by volunteers. This allows us to get the most out of every dollar spent and gives us the opportunity to do bigger and better projects. They are solely developed and implemented by our volunteers. Volunteers also spend much time at the historic sites during the summer as interpretive docents when holidays or special events bring more people into our community.

Some examples of our group’s past projects include:

1. The restoration of the old historic limestone three-room jailhouse that now serves as an information center for visitors located on Lincoln Street NW behind City Hall.

2. Our organization also hosted an event called (C.H.I.N.) Cascade Helping It’s Neighbors, which was a fundraiser for flood relief that benefited the Olin Youth League, Boys & Girls Club of Cedar Rapids, and five Cedar Rapids parishes hit hard by the devastating floods of 2008. In that same year we took a busload of volunteers up to New Hartford, Iowa to aid in the recovery from the F5 tornado that devastated their community.

3. The Cascade Historic Limestone Silo & Agricultural Interpretive Center located on 215 Pierce St. SW. south of the River View Park is our most recent project. This unique outdoor exhibit highlights the contribution that agriculture has made to our community.

Current projects that are ongoing include working to become a partner site with Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area.

Enhancing the Don Coohey Riverview Trail System and adding in the south end of the trail is currently our most recent project. Developing a river access point along the Maquoketa River incorporates not only the Riverview Trail, but the Interpretive Center as well.

These projects have brought people to Cascade, improved the quality of life for its residents, and displayed the passion of Cascade’s residents. We believe in utilizing not only the potential of its residents, but our local natural resources as well. These projects have given many an incredible sense of community pride and appreciation of their community’s history that at the same time help to offset any economic loss experienced after Highway 151 ceased to travel through the heart of our community.