Community Visioning - Elkader, IA

JBC Landscape Architects guided Elkader through a community visioning process focused on enhancing transportation corridors, strengthening community identity, and improving pedestrian, trail, and recreational connectivity. Working with Trees Forever field staff and Iowa State University partners, the team engaged residents and stakeholders through surveys, focus groups, and assessments of streets, trails, parks, and water access points to identify opportunities for safer, more connected, and year-round recreation.

The steering committee highlighted several priorities: improving street and trail connections across the Turkey River, enhancing water recreation amenities, updating wayfinding and community entry signage, and expanding recreational opportunities throughout the city. These goals informed a coordinated set of concept plans addressing trail networks, pedestrian safety, park improvements, water access, and signage strategies.

The resulting vision provides Elkader with a clear, actionable roadmap for phased implementation, supporting connectivity, recreation, and community identity while reinforcing the city’s natural and cultural assets.