Davenport parks operations outlines staffing, mowing cycle, playground replacements and pool upgrades

Billy Fisher, senior park operations manager for the City of Davenport Parks and Recreation, gave the advisory board a comprehensive update on park operations, including staffing, turf maintenance, playground projects, aquatics work and trail expansions.

Fisher said the park system covers more than 2,000 acres, of which about 700 acres are maintained turf. Parks operates on a 10-day mowing cycle in spring, served by a crew of 13 mowing staff (two year-round employees and 11 seasonal employees) using three large area mowers and eight zero-turn mowers. Fisher said that equates to roughly 40 acres of turf per mowing-person and that the department treats 42 named parks as about 81 distinct maintenance locations.

Playgrounds: The city maintains 44 playgrounds. Fisher said two playgrounds—Slattery Park and Green Acres—are slated for replacement this year, with an RFP for consultant design and public input to be issued in the next month. He described a public-engagement process used previously (storyboards and student feedback) and said a new playground at Emice is under construction with an expected June completion date, weather permitting. Fisher listed recent playground additions in 2022–24 and said the overall condition of playgrounds averages a C grade, with 11 playgrounds older than 15 years.

Aquatics: Fisher said commercial pool lifespans are typically eight to 12 years and identified two facilities nearing or past useful life: Annie Whitmire (built 2012) and February Pool. He said circulation pumps—the mechanical heart of each pool—are being replaced this year; pumps have been ordered and were expected in about two weeks from the meeting date to allow installation before seasonal openings. Fisher noted each pool holds about 180,000 gallons, which requires significant time to fill and balance chemically.

Trails and courts: The department oversees roughly 30 miles of recreational trails and is moving forward with several projects: a West Side loop that will connect the Duck Creek Rec Trail to areas near Emice Park, a Tremont-area extension toward Eastern Avenue Park, and a Wayland Park walking trail with construction starting imminently. Fisher also summarized court improvements: Northwest Park pickleball courts will be repainted and sealed; Duck Creek Park will receive a bid this summer to renovate three tennis courts and convert three to pickleball, with fall installation expected.

Facility rentals: The department launched Rec Desk in March 2024; since then Fisher reported 1,143 rentals through the system. He noted Fairmount Community Center has regular open gym hours and heavy weekend rentals; shelters also are becoming busier as rental season begins.

Fisher said the department follows playground safety protocols (monthly detailed inspections and weekly drive-by checks) and is planning RFPs and public outreach for forthcoming playground replacements. He closed by inviting board input on priorities and reminding the board of upcoming park projects and summer programs.