The Week in Social rounds up the best of Iowa’s uplifting stories, exciting initiatives and fun events from all 99 counties discovered through social media. In a time where every bit of good news is cherished, this series is devoted to being a fun, lighthearted way to stay informed about Iowa’s good news.
Looking to spend more time outdoors? The Iowa State Park Passport is your ticket to exploring and supporting Iowa's state parks. With free and easy sign up, your outdoor adventure can start right now. #ThisIsIowa https://t.co/Y1aPTRKc78 pic.twitter.com/medVGvlD2f
— Travel Iowa (@Travel_Iowa) May 27, 2021
Get excited, the Iowa State Park Passport is making a big comeback just in time for summer! The passport is free, easy and gives you an opportunity to earn extravagant prizes including a camping tent and accessories, a Fitbit, a Yeti Cooler set, a $500 Bass Pro Shops gift card and more. So, what are you waiting for? You’re a road trip away from adventure. Sign up today.
"One of the big goals of our Parks and Recreation department is to get kids outdoors and learn how to bike safely." said Brad Barker recreational superintendent.https://t.co/oqnucVZsD1
— Iowa's News Now (@iowasnewsnow) May 24, 2021
Iowa City’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a series of events called “Pedal Power” designed to teach bicyclists the skills necessary to be courteous riders on community trails and roads – all in a way that’s fun for the whole family.
The first session of the summer was held at the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, where bikers went through skill stations, balance and helmet fits, as well as extra activities for more experienced bikers such as curb jumping and learning how to ride a unicycle.
Iowa City’s Parks and Recreation Department will be bringing a mobile unit to a different park each Tuesday over the next several months. With Iowa’s 1,800+ miles of bike trails, getting your kids trained on the biking basics is a must this summer.
We have exciting news!
— Iowa EdTech Collaborative (@EdTechIowa) May 26, 2021
For the first time ever, @SWIowaCity is hosting a Startup Weekend focused on building Education + #EdTech startups!
Whether you're an educator with an idea or an entrepreneur who loves building companies, we hope you'll join us! https://t.co/iXLuJfW3xp pic.twitter.com/xxeY1hqvPY
Techstars Startup Weekend is an action-packed three days that helps participants learn how to think, work and build like a startup. From June 16-18, Startup Weekend Education: Iowa City will focus on education startups. Over the course of the program’s 54 hours, you’ll meet the best mentors, investors, co-founders and sponsors to show you how to get more done faster – and maybe even start that business. Interested? Get your tickets for the weekend.
The wait is over: @AdventurelandIA will debut its third new roller coaster in five years — the Dragon Slayer — this weekend https://t.co/8S1KY9mHeq @Travel_Iowa @DSMpartnership @catchdesmoines @AltoonaNow #DSMUSA #catchdsm
— Jay Byers (@jaybyers) May 27, 2021
Adventureland debuted its newest roller coaster, the Dragon Slayer, over the weekend. The ride is the amusement park’s third new roller coaster in the past five years, coming after the installation of the Monster and the Phoenix in 2016 and 2018, respectively. Adventureland will be open seven days a week until August 22, when the park will move to weekend-only operational hours. Visit Adventureland’s website for ticket and ride details.
Guess what exhibit recently reopened for the summer? It's the Makers Studio!
— Science Center of IA (@SCIOWA) May 22, 2021
Create electrical connections, design your own stop-motion movie, build a flying machine and use real tools in this interactive makerspace. #MakeSomething #DSMUSA #CATCHdsm #ThisIsIowa pic.twitter.com/KN9VZVhEO3
The Makers Studio is one of the most popular exhibits at the Science Center of Iowa. It recently reopened making it a must-stop for families this summer.
Focused on the five phases of the making mindset (create, design, build, test and improve), kids can experience “hands on, brain on learning” in this interactive exhibit space. Experiments with circuits, stop-motion animation, real tools, flying machines and more are all real possibilities for your children. The Makers Studio is included with a general admission ticket.
