Community Visioning - Monona, IA

JBC Landscape Architects guided Monona through a community visioning process focused on enhancing transportation corridors, strengthening community identity, and improving pedestrian and recreational connectivity. Working with a local steering committee and ISU research staff, the team conducted visual assessments, focus groups, and an inventory of circulation patterns, natural resources, parks, and community assets, which informed a cohesive concept plan.

The steering committee identified several focus areas: developing a trail system with formalized trailheads and amenities, enhancing city parks including Gateway Park and Garden View Trail, improving sidewalks and street connectivity, updating signage, and revitalizing the downtown with lighting, street trees, and stormwater management.

The resulting report outlines coordinated improvements across Monona, including trail development, park enhancements, sidewalk and accessibility upgrades, downtown streetscape improvements, and signage updates. Presentation boards documented these recommendations, providing a clear, actionable vision for long-term community connectivity and civic identity.