Parks & Recreation

The Parks and Recreation Department provides quality services to the entire community with diverse recreational programs for all ages and an integrated, efficient, and safe system of parks, trails, and recreational facilities. The department also plans, develops, and maintains the formal public landscaping and natural areas in and around the City, demonstrating an appreciation for the environment.

Y(Our) Story Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan Logo

Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan

The Parks and Recreation Department has launched the “Y(Our) Story” campaign to develop a new Comprehensive Master Plan. The six-month process will include numerous opportunities for residents to share their ideas and vision for the future! 

The purpose of the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan is to define opportunities, challenges, and recommendations for the next 10 years and beyond. The theme of the plan, Y(Our) Story, is based on the idea that a well-crafted master plan tells the story of a city—where it was, where it is, and where it is going. The City of Dubuque is looking to its residents to help write the story, as community participation is critical to the success of the plan.

Learn how you can get involved! 

Recreation Division

The Recreation Division provides diverse recreational opportunities for all ages! This includes summer, fall, and winter/spring youth and adult programming, adult athletics, after-school sports, before- and after-school childcare, the Miracle League of Dubuque, Bunker Hill Golf Course, Flora and Sutton swimming pools, and more!

Explore City recreation programs and facilities!

Park Division

The City of Dubuque Park Division maintains over 1,200 acres of parkland and over 300 facilities. This includes outdoor recreational areas such as Eagle Point Park, the Bee Branch Creek Greenway, Miller Riverview Park and Campground, the Port of Dubuque Marina, and Bergfeld Pond, as well as small neighborhood parks, the pet park, skate parks, the outdoor ice rink, and more. We also manage park and pavilion rentals.

Whether you’re visiting Dubuque for the first or hundredth time, there is something here for everyone. Parks open every year for the season on the first Saturday of May and close on the fourth Sunday of October.

Explore City parks and recreation areas!

Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights

In November 2025, the City Council voted unanimously to adopt the following Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights, developed by Dubuque Nature Everywhere:

All children in Dubuque have the right to:

  • Safely explore vibrant neighborhoods, parks, and school yards.
  • Play in the mud and sand, and get dirty.
  • Splash in clean creeks and rivers.
  • Climb a tree and scale a rock.
  • Hike or bike a trail.
  • Watch bugs, birds, and other wildlife as they crawl, fly, hop, and transform across all four seasons.
  • Discover native plants and wildlife.
  • Plant a seed and watch it grow.
  • Sit quietly in nature.
  • Catch a fish.

Visit the Dubuque Nature Everywhere website to learn more.

Civic Centers

Five Flags Center

Five Flags Center is a concert and entertainment venue located in downtown Dubuque. Visit the Five Flags Center website.

Grand River Center

Situated along the Mississippi River, adjacent to lodging, gaming, and entertainment venues, and within walking distance of historic downtown Dubuque, the Grand River Center is the ideal setting for any occasion. Visit the Grand River Center website.

Contact

  1. Photo of Matt KalcevichMatthew Kalcevich | email
    Parks & Recreation Director

    Staff Directory

    Parks & Recreation Department
    Ruby Sutton Building
    1157 Central Ave. Dubuque, IA 52001


    Phone: 563-589-4263
    TTY/TRS: 711 or 800-735-2942 (Relay Iowa)

    Hours:
    Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Saturday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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