MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine will temporarily close Weed Park starting at 5 a.m. Sunday, May 25, to accommodate the 45th running of the Melon City Criterium / Charlie Harper Memorial. Organized by the Melon City Bike Club and Harper’s Cycling & Fitness, the criterium brings elite cyclists and spectators to Muscatine for one of the region’s most anticipated Memorial Day Weekend sporting events.
“We’re proud to carry on this Muscatine tradition that honors both our love of cycling and the legacy of Charlie Harper,” Greg Harper, owner of Harper’s Cycling & Fitness, said. “It’s a celebration of community, competition, and summertime in Iowa.”
The City of Muscatine is looking forward to welcoming the athletes and visitors for this high-energy holiday weekend event.
“Events like the Melon City Criterium showcase the best of Muscatine – community spirit, active living, and our beautiful public spaces,” Rich Klimes, Parks and Recreation Director, said. “We appreciate everyone’s cooperation with park closures and traffic changes as we welcome athletes and visitors to our city for this unique event.”
The Melon City Criterium is more than a race, it is a celebration of Muscatine’s community spirit, local heritage, and a reminder of how outdoor recreation connects us.
Traffic & Safety Information
To ensure the safety of racers and attendees:
- Weed Park will be inaccessible to vehicles starting at 5:00 a.m. Sunday via the Park Drive and Colorado Street entrance.
- No parking will be allowed on Hillcrest Avenue, Oakland Drive, or in the alley from Hillcrest to Park Drive.
- Weed Park is scheduled to reopen at approximately 6:00 p.m. Sunday.
Safety Reminders for Residents and Spectators
- Please move any parked vehicles in the restricted area to avoid interference with the race.
- For the safety of cyclists, residents are urged to secure pets and caution children to stay clear of the racecourse.
Race Schedule & Course Details
- Racing begins at 8:30 a.m.
- Events include a 4-mile junior race and an 11-mile race on a 1.23-mile loop around the park.
- The start/finish line is near the playground at the Parkington Drive and Park Drive intersection.
Part of a Larger Racing Weekend
The Melon City Criterium is one of four races making up the Iowa Memorial Weekend Cycling Classic, alongside:
- Friday Night Fever (May 23) – Burlington, IA
- Snake Alley Criterium (May 24) – Burlington, IA
- Quad Cities Criterium (May 26) – Village of East Davenport, IA
For more information, visit the Melon City Bike Club’s website or contact the City of Muscatine.