Founders’ Park is the newest park in Elkader, dedicated in June 2014. The nearly 11 acres were developed from a post 2008 flood buy-out area after a community visioning process. Founders’ Park was named to honor the founders of the community.
Founders’ Park includes a playground area with a three-level play structure, a toddler playground piece, spring animals, swings, a maypole, a multi-pondo, and climbing/balancing rocks and logs.
Complimenting the playground area is a small parking area, picnic shelter and adjacent passive recreation area. The passive recreation area is used as soccer fields in the fall.
The park has a recreational trail throughout, benches and picnic tables and a performance shelter on the north side of the park. It also includes a butterfly garden, built and maintained by local Girl Scouts, a labyrinth and a chimney-swift bird tower.
Parking areas are located on the north side of the park and on the southwest corner just off of First Street/Hwy 56. Founders’ Park is adjacent to the river access and whitewater park which makes it a great destination for the whole family.
The Main Street Elkader Rhythm on the River takes place in the performance shelter, and this park is the location for Art in the Park in August and Sweet Corns Days in July.
