Graduate students in the School of Urban & Regional Planning researched the following five greenspace priorities for the City of Sioux City and created recommendations on how best to increase greenspaces downtown: opportunities for adding greenspaces along sidewalks; opportunities and designs for adding a pocket park to the downtown; opportunities for green roofs and rooftop gardens; opportunities for improving soil permeability and restoration in greened areas; and opportunities for linking downtown greenspace to bike trail access points.

Street trees, parks, and other green spaces in urban areas promote many social and environmental benefits, including enhanced walkability, improved stormwater management, enhanced habitat for birds and other wildlife, and increase recreational opportunities. The City of Sioux City seeks to gain such benefits in their downtown by increasing greenspaces throughout the area.