For today, here are some images from July 3rd in the QC.
Most of these are from yesterday's grand opening of Schwiebert Riverfront Park in Rock Island, which replaces the former site of Casino Rock Island, and the site of the now-demolished Rock Island Armory. While I feel that Davenport's riverfront as a whole is better and much bigger, I will say that Rock Island's first real downtown riverfront park is densely packed with great features. There's more neat stuff per square foot than probably any park in the QC.
As soon as the ribbon was cut, the entire park was flooded with people.
The Midwest's first "electronic playground" which has stuff like buttons that light up different colors so kids can play a version of capture the flag by trying to light up all the other team's buttons while defending theirs, and a bunch more games that nobody could figure out. I wish they had this kind of stuff when I was a kid, and I'm especially glad to see cities putting real playgrounds in again instead of some of the junk they built in the 90's.
Rock Island has realized that it makes no sense to block off all view of the river 100% of the time when it only floods about 1% of the time. Removable gates can be dropped into place between the pillars to create a flood wall only when needed.
There were of course, a lot of speeches. The riverfront promenade offers views that haven't been seen by anyone in all the decades that the armory occupied the space. Now if only we could get the casino off OUR riverfront...
Speaking of Davenport's riverfront, we also attended Red, White and Boom, which was hugely popular due to the good marketing, beautiful evening, and Saturday night timing. I'm sure this blew through all records that the Blues Fest had ever set before, and I'd bet that they made up all the money they lost on admission fees in concession sales. The lines were 20-30 minutes long, so clearly they needed even more vendors (and bathrooms).
The fireworks were great too, but my camera doesn't do them justice whatsoever, so you'll have to use your imagination. Or Flickr. Also, thanks to all loyal QCI-readers that still check on this blog despite its long hiatus.
10 comments:
QCI,
I've been reading your blog since the summer of 2007 when I decided to move from the DC area in Virginia back to my hometown of Davenport. I enjoy the insight you provide into the happenings of all the Quad Cities, especially Davenport.
If you were to put this blog out to pasture, I certainly would understand considering the time and effort it must take.
Like I said, I moved back a few years ago and I've been living in downtown Davenport ever since, which was the best decision I've made in quite some time. I've got a terrific job in Iowa City where I happily commute back and forth and I can honestly say that the only problem I have is that I still can't afford an apartment in the very-soon-to-be Hotel Blackhawk's 11th floor (maybe in a few years I'll be ready!)...
This blog, even if new posts are only occasionaly posted, is still a very interesting resource.
Whether you get back into blogging as before or only do an occasional post every so often, you deserve a big "thank you"...
And whenever you do decide to hang it up, because afterall all good things do eventually come to an end, you definitely had quite a run...
Thank you.
Ooooh, that park looks fun! My kids are too little to take to big events like the Blues fest or Red, White and Boom. I mean, I COULD take them but at 4 and 2, it would be more work than fun - for everyone.
They won't be little forever.
I can't wait to check out the new park!
This new park--and the accompanying gorgeous view--are a long time in coming! Thank you so much for sharing with those of us who moved away but always have a soft spot for the QCA.
Welcome back, QCI. I can't wait for the "look at Rock Island, why can't Davenport do stuff like that" posts. Look around. All the QC's are investing big time into their downtowns. The tide has turned in a big way.
Have been waiting patiently and am excited to see a new post. :) Looking forward to some more.
Hey QCI, welcome back!
I was a little disappointed more credit and thanks was not given to the Mississippi Valley Blues Society for putting on easily the most entertaining and consistent festival of the summer (not including Bix Fest witch is basically an annual high school reunion in the streets with nothing much to do). Once the symphony folks had the mic, all I heard was self congratulating and plans for the following years to come.
Rock Island leads the Quad Cities in Police and Fire protection, they have a first class Public Works Department that responds to requests almost immediately, and now they have the best public park around.
Sounds like somebody has the hots for you Image. Maybe between the two it will get you out of the basement into the Blackhawk. Who lives in Davenport and works in Iowa City though? Better take it slow and easy.Keep us informed.
Witty remarks from someone who thinks meyer's one no vote actually stops the wishes of the other members.
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