State Capitol 10-acre terrace unveiled

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By Charlotte Eby | Saturday, July 19, 2008 8:26 PM CDT | () comments

Visitors walk through the West Capitol Terrace at the Iowa Statehouse Friday. Workers are putting the finishing touches on the second phase of the $5.2 million project. (Photo by Charlotte Eby) Buy this Photo

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DES MOINES — Visitors to Iowa’s State Capitol now will have a chance to stroll through a lush, 10-acre park at the foot of the Capitol complex.

What once was unsightly parking lot has been transformed into a new landscaped terrace, part of a $5.2 million project to beautify the Capitol grounds.

A new stage provides public space for rallies and events. Benches are scattered throughout the park, along with native Iowa plants and flowers.

“It’s a celebration of the natural beauty of the state,” said Mollie Anderson, director of the Department of Administrative Services, which oversaw the project.

Supporters of the Capitol Terrace argued the parking lot that previously sat there did not provide the appropriate setting for the grand architecture of the State Capitol or a good photo opportunity for visitors.

They also said it led to a disjointed feel with the revitalized East Village neighborhood at the foot of the Capitol.

Developers wanted an environmentally friendly plaza that would create a lasting impression with the close to 100,000 Capitol visitors each year.

Construction began in July 2006, and workers are putting the finishing touches on the second phase.

Benches commemorating 40 Iowa governors are located throughout the terrace, and smaller trees were donated by schoolchildren across the state or by families who wanted to commemorate a loved one.

The terracing project has been a massive landscaping effort, including the planting of 111 trees, 5,098 perennial plants, 939 deciduous shrubs and 2,816 ornamental plants.

A granite map of Iowa depicting all 99 counties sits at the base of the terrace. It’s a popular attraction for in-state visitors, who can be seen walking over the map to find their home county.

Anderson said the map helps emphasize the point that the Capitol isn’t the Des Moines capitol — it belongs to the whole state of Iowa.

The terrace has hosted huge crowds for the Yankee Doodle Pops Fourth of July celebration that draws thousands to the Capitol every year and served as the finish line for the Hy-Vee Triathlon.

With its picturesque views, the terrace is now becoming a backdrop for weddings.

“It’s a big park with a lot of small areas to celebrate in,” Anderson said.

A third phase of the terracing project will include the construction of more walkways throughout the park and the planting of more trees.

A fountain is also planned for the terrace’s central plaza.

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver encouraged visitors to see the “people’s park,” which he said serves as a living monument to the state.

“The West Capitol Terrace is a place where families and all Iowans can come to enjoy Iowa’s green spaces in the shadow of our magnificent State Capitol, and it’s a beautiful place to learn the story of Iowa,” Culver said in a statement.

Charlotte Eby can be contacted at (515) 243-0138 or chareby@aol.com.