23-05-2025
UI must invest $14.8M for maintenance of Macbride Nature Recreation Area, report says
The University of Iowa may soon need to invest nearly $15 million if the school hopes to continue operating a popular recreation area.
A UI committee report released May 1 determined that for the school to maintain the Macbride Nature Recreation Area "in a safe and reliable manner," it must commit a one-time investment of roughly $14.8 million to repair and update existing facilities, current technology, as well as the natural landscape.
The 485-acre nature area at 2095 Mehaffey Bridge Road near Solon is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and leased to the University of Iowa. The UI began leasing the land in 1959 for use by researchers, naturalists, and students from kindergarten through college. The Macbride Nature Area is home to Coralville Lake, various hiking and mountain bike trails, a disc golf course, and an archery range. It's open year-round.
The report found that the University of Iowa must invest in annual operational and upkeep costs of roughly $917,000 per year if it plans to continue using the space for research and education purposes.
"There is currently no specific UI or departmental source of funds allocated for these expenses, which are associated with the no-cost lease from the Corps of Engineers," the report says.
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The University of Iowa has leased the land, cost-free, for more than 65 years. The school is responsible for maintaining the landscape, all structures, and the roads.
The report was prepared by a committee that was formed in the summer of 2024. It was delivered to the office of UI President Barbara Wilson, a spokesperson confirmed. The university spokesperson declined to comment further or speculate about a timeline for future decisions.
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The university's current lease for the Macbride Nature Recreation Area expires in the summer of 2029.
The report was compiled by a 10-person committee from the various university departments that use the 485-acre Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MRNA) for educational or research purposes, including UI WILD, the Iowa Raptor Project, Iowa Wildlife Camps and the School of the Wild.
Their feedback was "unbelievably positive," the report said. Students in the College of Education said the MNRA was "transformative for their future classrooms." About 300 elementary education students participate in "practicum experiences" each year.
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Other stakeholders said that the area is "critical" because it offers a "unique," completely natural space for research compared to Iowa City parks such as F.W. Kent Park and Hickory Hill Parks, which have been "regrown" and "altered." Scientists from across the globe flocked to the park to study cicadas last summer, the report said, and it is a "crucial" piece for "teaching fundamental biology principles."
The one-time, $14.8 million estimate for repairs is largely centered around the aging portions of the park, including roads and facilities, which are in need of "urgent repairs," the report said.
The roadways haven't been repaired in more than 65 years, according to the report, and "a significant part" of the roads need repaired, which will cost about $6.6 million.
The report also noted that Macbride Nature Recreation Area has a "lack of reliable cell phone service" throughout the park, creating challenges for students and visitors.
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The report estimates installing better cell service coverage would cost about $800,000, plus a few thousand dollars each year for wireless service in buildings and classrooms.
The report also mentions additional needs, including a severe storm shelter, new restrooms, equipment repairs and tree removal, though no cost estimate was included.
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The UI committee also assessed the possibility of collaborating with "community partners" that included complete or partial, shared financial responsibility. The unnamed community organizations "declined the opportunity," the report said.
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If the university does decide to end its lease, the land will be given back to the Army Corps of Engineers. The UI may be on the hook for building demolition at an approximate cost of $500,000, the report says.
No firm timeline for a final decision was outlined in the report.
Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@ or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Report says UI needs to invest $15M for Macbride nature area facelift
