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Parks staff outline master‑plan progress, Forest Grove feasibility and new projects
Summary
Parks and Recreation staff reported progress implementing the 5‑ to 10‑year master plan, presented priorities including a feasibility study for 100‑acre Forest Grove Park, a proposed pump track and second splash pad, and upgrades to indoor facilities.
Parks and Recreation leaders updated the Bettendorf City Council on Monday about implementation of the department’s master plan, upcoming capital priorities and a proposed feasibility study for Forest Grove Park.
John Burns, parks and recreation director, summarized near‑term accomplishments tied to the master plan and said the department is tracking recommendations for each park. Burns said a post‑installation comparison at Ed Sheck Park showed unique park visits for a comparable month had “doubled,” with overall park visits up more than 75 percent after the playground and amenities were installed.
Nut graf: Staff framed the update as both a status report on completed master‑plan recommendations and a request for council to consider feasibility and planning work to define long‑term, phased development at Forest Grove — a 100‑acre city‑owned tract the department describes as a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity.
Priority items presented - Forest Grove Park feasibility study: Burns said staff completed an RFQ/RFP and recommend a consultant for a feasibility and stakeholder engagement process that would include council interviews and public input; the study would define phases and long‑term operating costs. - Community/recreation facility: Staff noted the existing Bettendorf Community Center’s age and that survey work and the 2024 strategic plan rated an indoor community center as a high‑importance, low‑quality facility; no funding request was made at the meeting but staff flagged it for goal‑setting discussion. - New amenities: a proposed pump track/bicycle playground (private fundraising and location identified), a second splash pad (to address demand), and targeted baseball field upgrades to concentrate investment and reduce maintenance subsidy. - Kiwanis Park playground replacement scheduled as the next playground renovation.
Council discussion Councilmember Frank asked about timing for CIP funding for Forest Grove; Burns said the feasibility study would guide phasing and that staff aim to be strategic rather than commit ad hoc funding. Councilmember Greg Adamson encouraged including council members with parks backgrounds in stakeholder meetings. Burns confirmed deliverables would include multiple stakeholder meetings and cost/run‑rate analysis so council can weigh phases and partnerships.
Ending: Council thanked staff and advisory board members and directed that feasibility outcomes and proposed capital priorities be part of upcoming goal‑setting materials.
