Supporting Community Safety at Coralville Lake
Coralville Lake, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, spans more than 24,000 acres between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. While the lake provides essential flood control and water‑management benefits, it is also one of the region’s most valued recreation areas that offers boating, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, disc golf, birding, the Devonian Fossil Gorge, and six campgrounds with over 450 campsites. Each year, thousands of visitors rely on this space for outdoor enjoyment, connection, and community.
However, the remote nature of our campgrounds creates a critical public‑safety challenge because emergency response times are often dangerously long. In cases of sudden cardiac arrest, every minute without defibrillation reduces survival by 7–10%. With Park Rangers covering large patrol areas and local first responders located miles away, immediate help is not always available when seconds matter most.
Your support directly addresses this gap
We are raising funds to install publicly accessible, outdoor Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) throughout our campgrounds. These secure, weather‑protected AED stations remain available 24/7, with access codes provided through 911 dispatch to prevent theft while ensuring rapid use during emergencies.
By placing AEDs in strategic, visible locations, we empower bystanders to act immediately and have the ability to provide life‑saving intervention before professional help arrives. Modern AEDs guide users step‑by‑step, allowing anyone, regardless of training, to confidently assist in a crisis. This project strengthens the safety and resilience of our entire recreation community.
Recent staffing shortages and a hiring freeze have further reduced on‑site Ranger presence, making stationary AED access more essential than ever. While Rangers receive annual CPR/AED training, their patrol‑based duties mean they cannot be everywhere at once. Volunteer campground attendants, who are on-site daily, currently do not receive medical‑response training which makes publicly accessible AEDs a vital layer of protection.
Your Contribution Truly Matters
The Friends of Coralville Lake organization is dedicated to supporting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in preserving, enhancing, and protecting one of Iowa’s most treasured outdoor destinations.
As visitation grows, so does our responsibility to ensure that every person who enjoys this space can do so safely. One of the most urgent needs in our recreation areas is rapid access to lifesaving equipment during medical emergencies in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, where every minute matters.
Why We Need Your Support
Our campgrounds are remote, and every minute without defibrillation adds up quickly in rural settings like ours. Your donation will help us install publicly accessible, outdoor Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) throughout Coralville Lake’s campgrounds.
How Your Gift Makes an Impact
Saves lives by enabling immediate defibrillation before first responders arrive
Empowers bystanders with easy‑to‑use devices that provide step‑by‑step voice instructions
Strengthens community resilience in areas where professional help may be far away
Supports visitor safety during a time of reduced on‑site staffing and hiring freezes
Provides protection for volunteers and campground attendants who may not have medical training
This project fills a critical safety gap and reflects our commitment to caring for the people who enjoy Coralville Lake as much as we do. By helping us place AEDs in strategic, visible locations, you are directly contributing to a safer environment for every camper, disc golfer, hiker, angler, cyclist, and family who visits our parks.
Your Contribution Truly Matters
Every donation, no matter how large or small, helps bring lifesaving equipment closer to the people who need it. Together, we can ensure that Coralville Lake remains not only a beautiful place to explore, but a safe one as well.
