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Parks update: new playgrounds and dog-park mobile pilot, $238,000 in vandalism repairs and plan to weld riverfront light poles
Summary
Parks staff reported completed and upcoming projects at Davenport parks, introduced a mobile dog-park pilot and fundraising plans, and said vandalism has cost the city an estimated $238,000 since February 2024; staff plans to weld access panels and eventually replace riverfront lights with solar fixtures.
Parks staff briefed the Referral Improvement Commission on multiple projects across Davenport parks, a proposed Credit Island master plan, and extensive vandalism to riverfront lighting that staff estimates has cost the city $238,000 since February 2024.
Park operations head Billy Fisher told commissioners the Credit Island Nature Play area is complete and popular. Centennial Park's splash pad equipment will be replaced after the storage building that housed the original equipment burned last year; staff said the new splash-pad equipment will have a slightly different theme. The skate park has received maintenance and a new beginner area.
Staff described a new Centennial Park dog-park flex area to allow maintenance on the main dog park without closing facilities. Parks staff also described a pilot "Paw Pup Mobile Dog Park," a traveling portable dog-park setup planned to move among city parks, though details are still being developed.
In less positive news, staff said vandalism has been extensive along the riverfront. Parks staff estimated that, since February 2024, vandalism repairs and related costs total about $238,000. Of 384 riverfront light poles, 143 have been vandalized, frequently involving copper theft. Staff said they will weld steel access panels onto light poles to make access harder and are considering replacing poles with solar lights as a longer-term solution.
Commissioners also heard that the parks department is exploring a Credit Island master plan and may engage a consultant; several commissioners asked that the commission be formally notified and involved if a master-plan process proceeds. Staff said no RFQs/RFPs have been issued yet and that the process remains at a staff-discussion phase.
