Cedar Rapids Rollin’ Recmobile Program Will Keep Going This Winter

Recreational programs successfully rolled through city neighborhoods in a new van for the first time this summer with the launch of the city of Cedar Rapids’ Rollin’ Recmobile program.The vehicle — full of sports and recreational equipment, games and books — began venturing into neighborhood parks in June to entertain youth and bring the fun to them.Many of the Parks and Recreation summer programs were canceled because of COVID-19, and new van filled some gaps.Parks and Recreation Director Scott Hock said the van’s stops were aimed at children who were home for the summer, staying with older siblings or at home alone while their parents work, and without access to transportation.Cedar Rapids Mayor Brad Hart said he brought the idea back from the Mayors’ Institute on City Design, a conference of mayors and other experts in urban planning, economic development and other issues, that met in Charleston, S.C.