Community Visioning - Mapleton, IA

On April 9, 2011 an EF3 tornado touched down and leveled a majority of Mapleton’s west side. With approximately 1500 trees destroyed and many homes gone, Mapleton was looking at long-term recovery. Since then, JBC has been continually involved with the community to help brainstorm and implement integrated stormwater management practices, green street development and ecological systems design.

To date, JBC has assisted Mapleton with the completion of a comprehensive trail and recreation area along the Mapleton River. In conjunction with the trail, JBC designed trailhead at each end with several seating nodes with educational signage along the way. The northern trailhead serves as a stormwater BMP park which includes a series of bioswales with two walking bridges. JBC also worked closely with Dr. Tom Rosburg to complete a comprehensive 4-acre prairie restoration.

Collaborators 

  • Mapleton Community Development Corporation

  • City of Mapleton | Mapleton, IA

  • Iowa Economic Development Authority | Des Moines, IA

  • Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship | Des Moines, IA

Site Features 

  • ADA accessibility + safe routes to school

  • Arthur Carhart trail

  • Maple River prairie restoration

  • Arthur Carhart trailhead and bioswale

  • Disaster recovery planning

  • Social justice in design

Gallery