Thirty-six landscape architecture students from Iowa State University’s College of Design spent the fall 2025 semester collaborating with the Boone City Park Commission on long-term planning for the community’s parks and recreation spaces. Under professors Tom Neppl and Adina Cox, the students developed design concepts for trails, conservation areas, gardens and art installations. Their work included community engagement sessions, school visits and a public presentation at McHose Park. The class also traveled to Chicago to study notable landscapes and visit Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects, where they learned about professional design practices. Boone Parks superintendent Mike Cornelis said the partnership allowed the department to explore forward-thinking ideas more efficiently, while students gained practical experience shaping real public spaces.