The Shakespeare Garden at Ellis Park Revitalized

The beloved historic garden, founded in 1926, was heavily damaged by the floods of 2008 and the derecho of 2020, which devastated the garden’s plants and structures. Over multiple years, with the support of many generous partners, our goal of restoring the garden to its former glory while looking toward the future became a reality. We are dedicated to continuing to enhance the beauty and tranquility of this storied space while providing a new framework for historic, environmental, cultural, and educational events for the public.

If you’re interested in volunteering in the garden, please email friendsofshakespearegarden@gmail.com.

Donate to Future Improvements

The Friends of Shakespeare Garden (FOSG) worked with local landscape architect Natalie Ross of Ross Land Studio to develop a plan that met the goals of the group and community collaborators. The Cedar Rapids Parks Department also provided invaluable feedback from a design and maintenance perspective, and they partnered with FOSG to carry out a public feedback campaign that helped to inform the design.

Our design included opportunities for people to use the garden in many different ways - for large groups and individuals. Ultimately, we would like to respect the spirit and aesthetic of the original Shakespeare Garden while following updated design principles. We want this garden to be welcoming, beautiful, resilient, and active; we want it to speak to the past and to the future.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

Northwest Neighbors Neighborhood Association, Wednesday Shakespeare Club, C.R. Garden Club, Linn County Master Gardeners, City of Cedar Rapids Parks Department, community members and volunteers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Most of the permanent structures such as the stone wall, Shakespeare’s bust, and benches have survived the previous floods. However, as an extra precaution we are using fill to raise permanent structures outside the 100 year flood level, following FEMA approved fill procedures. It is impossible to prevent floodwaters from reaching the site, but the lowest lying areas will be planted with native and adaptive species that are deep rooted and can handle water inundation as well as drought conditions.

  • The flood wall will re-route Ellis Blvd. to the east of our site, but will still have the same connectivity to the Time Check neighborhood and downtown. Our site will still have direct views of the river without berms or walls.

  • The lawn is 9250 sf. This space can accommodate a standing event with 1500 people, a sitting event with 400 people, or 200 people at dining tables.

  • There are two ADA parking spots directly next to the park and 20 additional very close spots.

    Overflow parking can locate along Ellis Park Rd. There is a permanent park bathroom facility adjacent to our site, and events can bring in portable bathrooms for larger groups.

  • The Parks Department mows the lawn and provides mulch. The Friends of The Shakespeare Garden will do regular maintenance on gardens, and will also have volunteer clean up events.

  • Residents can schedule use of the garden through the parks department website, and can also find scheduled classes through their recreation listings.