Advisory board member solicits donations to replace EMIs Golf Course

A member of the Davenport Park and Recreation Advisory Board distributed a brochure July 17 and asked attendees to help raise funds to replace EMIs Golf Course, saying the city has provided $1 million and First Tee has contributed $300,000 and organizers are seeking additional donations and players for a Sept. 5 fundraiser.

The presenter, identified in the meeting record only as an advisory board member, said the brochure describes EMIs Golf Course as outdated and presents the replacement as a community hub tied to West End development, the city—9s bike path and recreation systems, and health and wellness programming. "The city of Davenport has given us $1 million, and the First Tee has given us $300,000," the board member said, adding that donors can give through a QR code on the brochure that links to the City of Davenport donation page.

The board member asked colleagues to help recruit donors and to promote play at a fundraising event planned for Sept. 5. The presenter offered to provide additional brochures to board members for distribution.

The request was made during the advisory board meeting; no formal motion or vote was recorded on the golf course funding or on accepting donations. The presentation appears to have been informational and fundraising-focused rather than a formal city action. The meeting record also shows the board will use a scheduled trolley visit to inspect parks later the same day.

Organizers, according to the presenter, are soliciting donations (via the brochure and QR code) and participants for the Sept. 5 event; the transcript did not specify how the replacement project will be governed, which departments will manage construction or timelines for design and construction.