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RIBBON CUTTING: Downtown Riverwalk
MC Riverwalk District Grand Opening Set for 10 a.m. Thursday, June 19, 2025
Directions:
Southeast of the Mason City Arena, 111 S. Washington Ave.
Contact:
Mayor Bill Schickel
Email: mayor@masoncity.net
City Administrator Aaron Burnett
Email: aburnett@masoncity.net
MASON CITY, IA—A long-held dream of Mason City, celebrated as "River City" in The Music Man, will come to life at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, with the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of the Riverwalk District and Waterfront Plaza. The community is warmly invited to join in the festivities.
The new riverwalk fulfills a vision to connect more than 20 miles and 600 acres of trails and parks, also featuring the newly constructed High Line Trail and the Destination Iowa Bike Park near Lime Creek Nature Center.
Situated along the Willow Creek waterfront, near the confluence of the Winnebago River, the riverwalk points to the importance of the city's rivers while integrating them into the downtown landscape.
Visitors will encounter the stunning “Harmony in Light” sculpture, along with a variety of local artworks and landscaped areas that reflect Mason City's rich legacy in music, architecture, and outdoor recreation.
The plaza showcases textured concrete that highlights the vertical design of the main sculpture and includes an adjacent playground. These features create a visible and inviting entrance to Mason City for those traveling north on Highway 65. The iconic “Spiral Dance Sculpture,” part of Mason City’s popular Sculptures on Parade, guides visitors to the riverwalk. Additionally, there is an entrance sculpture representing a mythical Greek craftsman, sponsored by riverwalk architects Bergland + Cram.
Landscaping features prairie grasses, native perennials, willows, and ginkgo trees, all selected for their beauty and ecological benefits. Willows are indigenous to Willow Creek, while ginkgo trees have historical ties to famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Ginkgo trees already line the downtown plaza adjacent to the Historic Park Inn, situated north of the riverwalk.
The cylindrical “Harmony in Light” gateway sculpture, crafted from laser-cut stainless steel, draws inspiration from classic Prairie School designs with a modern flair. Its intricate patterns cast dynamic shadows on the surrounding area.
The sculpture is the work of the renowned HYBYCOZO Studios, known for creating permanent public art installations from the riverfront in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to the US Embassy in Ankara, Turkey. Their works have been exhibited at venues ranging from the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., to Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, Arkansas.
“The goal of our artwork is to foster welcoming and meaningful gathering spaces for the community,” says sculptor Serge Veaulieu, who will be present in Mason City for the installation.
The public is also invited to experience the beautiful riverwalk nighttime lighting. A west entrance on Washington Avenue will feature a series of vertical lights and plantings, inviting visitors to reflect on the connections between nature, music, and architecture. An east-side pathway beneath the Highway 65 bridge will enhance access to Interstate Park with subtle lighting, creating a safe and unique environment, complemented by a locally produced “River City” mural. The pavers in this area will showcase an interpreted prairie motif.
This project is funded by a $4.5 million Destination Iowa grant, local option sales tax, and donations, forming part of the city’s annual capital improvement budget.
The Riverwalk is designed by Bergland + Cram architects, with engineering services provided by WHKS.
Join us as we celebrate this momentous occasion in Mason City!
Date and Time
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM CDT
Location
100 S Federal Ave
Mason City
