The CR Parks Foundation is a grass roots volunteer citizens’ organization founded by members of the Cedar Rapids community who recognized a need to raise private funds for the Cedar Rapids park system for expansion and improvements. Members of the City’s Parks, Recreation and Waterway commission; Parks Department and City Manager’s office were simultaneously looking for a solution to funding problems. The Foundation rose out of these discussions and a desire to implement pieces of the city’s Master Plan and Greenway plans, as well as other projects.