08 Nov 2011

Davenport Parks and Recreation Earns National NRPA Accreditation

By Ron Summers
Davenport. Iowa, November 4, 2011 - The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) announced today that Davenport Parks and Recreation became one of only 104 park and recreation agencies accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). This distinguished accomplishment was announced during the NRPA 2011 Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

National accreditation through CAPRA is an extensive multi-year process, which includes the completion of an application and detailed self-assessment report, a site visit by a committee of experienced park and recreation professionals, and a final assessment completed by the agency and the Commission. Accreditation requires agencies to respond to 144 standards representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations. To become accredited, agencies must fully meet 36 standards deemed fundamental to a quality agency and at least 92 of the remaining standards.

CAPRA accreditation is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies, and is a measure of an agency's overall quality of operation, management and service to the community. Accreditation is valid for a period of five years, renewed thereon for 5 years terms.

The Commission is comprised of representatives from NRPA, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, the International City/County Management Association, the American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation, the Armed Forces Recreation Society and the Council of State Executive Directors.

"I'm proud of the hard work and dedication from the department staff to achieve this recognition," said Seve Ghose, Director of Parks and Recreation. "The City can also be proud knowing that their Parks and Recreation department has been recognized for excellence in service and operations." "By successfully completing the CAPRA accreditation process, these agencies have proven their ability to provide the highest level services and programs. NRPA truly commends our 2011 accredited agencies for their overall excellence in serving their communities and contributing to the health and vitality of America" said Barbara Tulipane, CEO of NRPA.

Parks and Recreation joins Davenport Police, Fire and Public Works in achieving national accreditation status. With formal presentation to Parks and Recreation of accreditation status, Davenport is now the first city in the United States to achieve national CALEA, CFAI, APWA and CAPRA accreditation status, while operating libraries accredited at the state level.

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08 Nov 2011

SENIOR COFFEE AT VANDER VEER

By Ron Summers
Are you looking for a beautiful way to spend a Wednesday morning? Join Davenport Parks and Recreation at the Conservatory in Vander Veer Botanical park for our Senior Coffee. This informal program is designed to encourage senior citizens to visit the warmth of
the conservatory during the colder months and enjoy the color and fragrance of beautiful flowers.

On November 9th, participants will be able to enjoy the Traditional Chrysanthemum Display from 10 am - Noon. The cost for the program is $1 and each participant will have the opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and fragrances of the colorful and vibrant Chrysanthemums as well as enjoy refreshments. Davenport Parks and Recreation's Environmental Education staff will present a program on Turkeys at 10:30 am.

Preregistration is not required, for further information, please call, 326-7812.
08 Nov 2011

Parks and Recreation November 2011 Newsletter

By Ron Summers

 

RECREATION:

For all events and activities, go online at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks to register or call 328-PARK (7275) for more information. Fall/Winter catalogs are now available. Please check our website for classes on performing arts, sports leagues, volleyball camps and clinics, Japanese, tumbling, martial arts, adaptive and inclusive programs and more!

  • Vander Veer Chrysanthemum Show - Come enjoy the beautiful colors of our Vander Veer Botanical Center.  Our chrysanthemum show is on display until the middle of November.  Our always popular Poinsettia and Lights Holiday Show will begin early December.  The botanical center is open six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm.  Admission fee is $1.00 per person, free admission on Tuesdays.
  • Friday Nature Family Fun Nights - Pumpkin Leftovers - Come Join Davenport Parks and Recreation from 6 - 9 pm at Duck Creek Lodge to find out what to do with your left over jack-o-lanterns.  Create different autumn ideas after Halloween.  Fee includes two slices of pizza and lemonade.

Course code:  FALL20020                      Fee:  $2.50

Friday, November 4, 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Duck Creek Park Lodge, 3300 E Locust Street

  • Family Movie Night - Scooby Doo - Davenport Junior Theatre is thrilled to host movie nights on the second Friday of each month.  Your family can join us for only $2.50 per person if pre-registered, $4.00 at the door.  Price includes 2 slices of pizza and lemonade.

Friday, November 11, Doors open at 6:00 pm, Movie begins at 6:15 pm

  • Little Elves Workshop - Black Friday - Are you a crazy shopper who wants to have fun partaking in BLACK FRIDAY?  Bring your children to Duck Creek Lodge to have some holiday fun of their own.  Kids will make treats, homemade presents, and play games and watch holiday movies while parents are able to get their holiday shopping done.

Course code:  SANTA1                  Fee:  $25

Friday, November 25, 8:00 am - Noon

Duck Creek Park Lodge, 3300 E Locust Street

  • Senior Coffee - Join us Wednesday, November 9 and enjoy the sights, sounds, and fragrance of the Conservatory at Vander Veer Botanical Park.  Your $1.00 admission fee includes entertainment and refreshments.  Entertainment begins at 10:30 am.  Coffee served 10:00 am - Noon.  No registration is required.
  • The Y Turkey Trot - Davenport Parks and Recreation is pleased to partner with the Y to have this annual family event traverse through our scenic Vander Veer Park.  See our website for a link to the Y Turkey Trot page.
  • Falling for Davenport - PHOTO CONTEST - Calling all Photographers, little or big!  We are challenging you to our photo contest - Falling for Davenport.  We want to encourage you to get outside and take pictures of our local Davenport parks, classes, events and send in your best shots (three per contestant).  There will be three select winners whose work will be published in the next Davenport Parks and Recreation program guide. *Note: All photos submitted become property of Davenport Parks and Recreation.  Submit photos via disk to The River's Edge, 700 W River Drive by December 31, 2011.
  • Basic Wreath Making - Join us November 17th, 7-8:30 pm at Vander Veer Botanical Park.  Learn the basics of creating a fresh holiday wreath. The 14 inch round fresh evergreen wreath with a red bow is the perfect size for greeting visitors at your front door. Bring Pruners and gloves. All other supplies will be provided.  Fee: $25
  • Kindernature - Track Tricksters - Join us November 8th, 10 am - 11 am at Vander Veer Botanical Park.  Discover more about how to tell a rabbit track from a squirrel track. This class will show how to read tracks and weather permitting find tracks outside.  Fee: $6

RIVER'S EDGE- Located at 700 W. River Drive (Across from Modern Woodmen Park)

  • Turkey Bowling at The River's Edge! - Come for Public Skate and Turkey Bowling on Ice!

Only $1 extra during Public Skate

Date/Time: Sunday, November 20th from 4:00pm-6:00pm

  • Celebrate your birthday party at The River's Edge with an ice skating or indoor soccer party!  All ages welcome!

Packages available for 6 ($120), 10 ($170) or 15 ($220) Guests.  $10/person for additional guests

Packages include :  Private Party Room (1.5 Hrs.); Party Host; Happy Joe's Pizza; Pepsi Products; Goodie Bags; Plates; Cups; Napkins; skating (including skates) or soccer!
Book your party now:  563-328-PARK (7275)

  • Thomas Turkey Hockey Tournament:  November 25 - 27, 2011

Cross-Ice Jamboree Style tournament for Mites (Ages 5 - 6) and Termites (Ages 7 - 8)

Fee:  $240/Team (Minimum 4 Games Guaranteed)

Swimming Pool and Pizza Party:  Nov. 26th:  6 - 8:00 PM
Post-Game Recognitions; T-shirts; and Off-Ice Activities!

Register Today:  563-328-PARK (7275)

  • Family Skate Special! - For just $20, your whole family can come skating together on November 6 from 2:15 - 4:15 PM.  Price includes rental skates!! 
  • River's Edge School Out Days! Spend the day at The River's Edge and have fun participating in all kinds of activities! Activities include :  Ice Skating; Games; Turf Sports such as soccer and dodge ball; climbing wall and more!

Fee:  $30.00

Dates:  11/11 and 11/23

Register Today:  563-328-PARK (7275)

 

  • Coffee Club

Intended for those 50 - 65 of greater, participants will socialize, receive a 15 minute ice skating lesson and enjoy a cup of hot coffee. Classes meet at The River's Edge every Monday from 10:30 - 11:00 AM followed by the 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM public skate session.

Fee:  $36/4 Weeks  Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 28

  • Jamm'in At The Edge! - Especially For Teens! - Come on out and skate while you enjoy live local bands and DJ's. All ages welcome!  Admission:  $10/Person, $3/Skate Rental, Date:  November 19 from 9:00 - 11:00 PM
  • Attention Couples!Enjoy the company of a loved one and meet other couples while enjoying a buffet-style dinner followed by public skate! Seating is limited so register at least 7 days in advance.

Date:  November 18 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Dinner served from 5:30 - 6:30 PM

Fee:  $17/person for dinner, skating and rental skates

 

  • Skate with Todd Eldredge! 1996 World Champion skater Todd Eldredge will attend a "Skate with Todd Eldredge" event at the River's Edge on Friday, November 18, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The public is invited to skate with this Olympic ice skater during Public Skate at the River' Edge. Admission cost is $10, and includes 2 hours of ice skating, an opportunity to meet Todd Eldredge, hot chocolate and holiday cookies.

 

GOLF:

  • All city courses - Twilight rates are now effective daily at 2pm until end of 2011 season.
  • Red Hawk Lodge - This café/clubhouse space is now available for rental for your holiday parties!.  Call 563-328-PARK (7275) for availability and prices.
  • Golf Gift Certificates - The perfect Christmas gift for the golf enthusiast in your family!  Purchase at any golf course or at the River's Edge.  Available in any denomination in multiples of $5.

PARKS:

Credit Island Lodge is available again for rental!  Our newly remodeled lodge has a brand new kitchen and is available for $250 for 8 hours.  Call 563-328-PARK (7275) for availability.
03 Nov 2011

Iowa Natural Resource Educators Attend National Conference in St. Paul Davenport, Iowa

By Ron Summers

Environmental educators, naturalists and park interpreters from across the country gathered in St. Paul, Minnesota, November 8-12 for the National Association of Interpretation Workshop. 

Greg Wolf with Davenport Parks and Recreation was one of 56 members of the Iowa Association of Naturalists who received scholarships to attend the workshop in St. Paul.

Presenters and attendees shared new ideas, talents, and examples of actions to enhance existing programs and develop new methods to engage families, schools, and other groups in natural resource education and recreation. 

Concurrent session topics ranged from how to utilize "apps" to promote recreation opportunities by iPhone users to nature-based activities for pre-schoolers. "I was able to attend a number of sessions during the workshop," noted Mr Wolf. "Thanks to a REAP Conservation Education Program/Iowa Association of Naturalists Scholarship, I was able to benefit from experiences and ideas of the presenters and other workshop attendees from across the U.S. and Canada.

These sessions will help me improve the outdoor education and recreation opportunities we provide for area residents and visitors."

Iowa's Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP) provides funding to public and private partners for natural and cultural resource projects, including water quality, wildlife habitat, soil conservation, parks, trails, historic preservation, and more. The Iowa Association of Naturalists promotes education about natural and cultural environments.

For more information about the environmental education opportunities in Davenport, contact Greg Wolf at 563-326-PARKS. For more information about the REAP program, contact Tammie Krausman, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Wallace State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319 (Tammie.Krausman@dnr.iowa.gov ).

11 Oct 2011

Senior Coffee to be held at Vander Veer Botanical Park

By Ron Summers

Are you looking for a beautiful way to spend a Wednesday morning? Join Davenport Parks and Recreation at the Conservatory in Vander Veer Botanical park for our Senior Coffee. This informal program is designed to encourage senior citizens to visit the warmth of the conservatory during the colder months and enjoy the color and fragrance of beautiful flowers.

On October 12, participants will be able to enjoy the Fall Color Show from 10 am - Noon. The cost for the program is $1 and each participant will have the opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and fragrances of the colorful and vibrant plants.

Preregistration is not required, for further information, please call, 326-7812.

11 Oct 2011

Halloween Costume Contest

By Ron Summers

Halloween Costume Contest at the River's Edge.

Sunday, October 30th. Free trick-or-treating: 2:15pm until 4:15pm. Ice Skating from 3:15pm until 4:15pm. Public skate fees apply. Come for the public skate in your costume and treat-or-treat throughout the facility.

Prizes awareded for custest, most creative, and scariest costumes for children ages 4 through 10.

The River's Edge, part of the City of Davenport's Parks and Recreation Department, is located at 700 West River Drive (across from Modern Woodmen Park). For questions, please call 563-328-PARK (7275).

15 Sep 2011

6th Annual City of Davenport Urban Deer Hunt

By Ron Summers

The fifth annual urban deer hunt will begin in Davenport on September 10, 2011 and continue through January 29th 2012. This year the special deer management zone will include all areas of three acres or more inside Davenport city limits. Landowner permission is required to hunt on private or public property. The only legal deer license recognized within the Davenport city limits will be a special deer management zone permit. The hunt will be coordinated by Parks and Recreation employee, Mike Reis, who can be contacted at: 563-320-2315.

The City of Davenport has created a special antlerless management zone, for the purpose of controlling the deer population within the City of Davenport. This zone will include all public and private property with a minimum of three acres or more, within Davenport City Limits. To legally hunt deer within this management zone, a special deer management tag must be obtained.

To participate in this deer management zone hunt each hunter must have completed a DNR Hunter Education Course. For information concerning the time and date of this course, please contact: B & B Shooting Supplies, 2152 State Street, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722, Phone: (563) 355-4867. A yearly proficiency test will be required to purchase a deer management zone tag.  This test will be offered through B & B Shooting Supplies.

Deer tags may be purchased from:

  • B & B Shooting Supplies 2152 State Street, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722
  • Farm and Fleet of Davenport 8535 Northwest Boulevard Davenport, Iowa
  • Gander Mountain 3940 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, Iowa

Rules and regulations that apply to the Deer Hunt are as follows:

  • To reduce arrow flight, it is mandatory that all shots are taken from an elevated position.
  • Portable tree stands (provided by the hunter) may be used.
  • Care must be taken to minimize damage to trees.
  • Harvested animals must be removed intact from the site.
  • Hunters agree to maintain a distance of 150 feet away from any occupied building, street, or paved trails.
  • To maximize safety, hunters are encouraged to take shots of 75 feet or less.
  • No baiting, driving, or stalking of deer is allowed.
  • Hunters will observe all regulations of Iowa DNR as pertaining to deer bow hunting.

More information can be found at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks.  Within 24 hours of harvest, hunters filling a special deer management tag must contact:

Hunt Coordinator:
Mike Reis
Parks & Recreation Department,
Red Hawk Golf Course
6364 Northwest Blvd
Phone: (563) 320-2315

15 Aug 2011

EMEIS GOLF COURSE MARKS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

By Ron Summers

It was 50 years ago that Arnold Palmer and Gary Player opened Davenport's Emeis Golf Course with an epic exhibition match.  That match may seem long ago to those who were lucky enough to see it.  But in those last 50 years, Emeis has developed into the City of Davenport's premier golf course, with a layout to challenge even the most experienced golfer of today.  

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this historic match, you can play Emeis golf course for the same price as the day it opened in 1961.  On Friday, August 19th only, you can play 18 holes at Emeis for $1.50!  That's right, 18 holes at Emeis for the 1961 price of just $1.50. 

Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  Call Emeis Golf Course now at 326-7825 to book your tee time.  Times will fill up fast, so call today and mention the $1.50 green fees for Friday, August 19th. 

What :  Emeis Anniversary 
When:  August 19, 2011 
Where: Emeis Golf Course   4500 W Central Park   Davenport IA

06 Jun 2011

Parks and Recreation June 2011 Newsletter

By Ron Summers

RECREATION:

For all June 2011 events, go online at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks to register or call 326-7812 for more information.  Look this month to sign up for our summer session of classes, camps and special events.  Summer session begins June 13th.  Camps run throughout the entire summer! Please check our website for classes on performing arts, sports leagues, volleyball camps and clinics, Japanese, tumbling, martial arts, adaptive and inclusive programs and more!

 

  • Various camps run beginning May 31st-Aug 12th: whether your interest is sports, drama, dance, nature, or just having fun-we have a camp for you!

 

  • Summer Basketball Jamboree for Reece Morgan Basketball League- Sat June 4th 1:00pm-4:00pm- Free Centennial Park Basketball Courts ($10.00 for league participation, prefer pre-registration ages 11-14 but all members welcome to Jamboree)

 

  • Wheelchair Softball Clinic-Mon June 6th 5-6:30pm, FREE, Modern Woodman Parking Lot

 

  • My Little Wheelbarrow Program begins June 8th-July 20th -Every Wed 10-11:00am at Vander Veer Botanical Park Playground.  Free for ages 2-6years. (parents/Guardian need to accompany children.)

 

  • Cream of the Crop Tour-Tuftee's Garden- Sat. June 11th 10-12 Farm Site. Fee 15.00 Come visit a family owned site.  Tour the garden, specialty culinary herbs and learn tricks to stunning containers of all types.

 

  • Summer Class Session Begins June 13th-REGISTER NOW-classes filling up quickly; Japanese, Clowning, Theatre, Dance, Yoga, Tae Kwon Do, Tumbling, Zumba, and more!

 

  • JUNETEENTH! Sat June 18th 10am-9:00pm (Kid's activities 10-5:00pm)Come celebrate at LeClaire Park the real end of slavery in our country!  Cultural performances, games, activities, and celebration.

 

  • Kindernature: Slithering Snakes Tues June 21st 10-11am at Vander Veer Botanical Park Conservatory.  Cost 6.00, parent attends with child.

 

  • Performing Arts Camp 1: Ancient Greece Mon-Fri June 20-24th 150.00 for ages 6-13, 8:30-4:30 (early/late available for extra charge) at Junior Theatre.

 

  • Special Olympics Unified Golf Tournament Sat June 25th 9:00am-2:00PM at Red Hawk Golf Course-free, t-shirts, lunch and prizes to those who participate.

 

  • All Aquatic Complexes will be open

River's Edge- Located at 700 W. River Drive (Across from Modern Woodmen Park)

·         Stanley Cup Showing: We will show the NHL Final showdown right here at the Rivers Edge on a MONSTER Screen. Bring the family, lawn chairs and your favorite teams gear.

·         Women's USA World Cup Showing:  Games starting June 28th!! The games are also showing on the Giant screen so come support the USA!

·         Rivers Edge Community Flea Market: On June 25th from 9am until 4pm. Admission is FREE, Vendors keep 100% of their proceeds!! A table section is only $25 for vendors. Please call asap to get your spot as a vendor.

·         Volleyball "Grass" Tournament June 11th. Coed Sixes play round robin and into a championship bracket. Games start at 3pm.

·         River Bandit Al1-start days June 20 and 21.

·         The turf is for rent anytime available, and is open to a variety of activities including baseball, volleyball, badminton, Lacrosse and more. Give us a call today.

·         Zumba continues on the Turf every Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 6pm!

 

GOLF:

 

· PowerPlayGolf Tournament at Red Hawk Golf and Learning Center - This PowerPlayGolf event will be held on Saturday June 11th, from 1 to 4pm at Red hawk Golf Corse for anyone age 8 and up! Participants may pre-register online, at Vander Veer Park, or at the River's Edge for $25.Pre-registrants will receive a gift certificate to Red Hawk Golf Course ($50 value), and 5 lead points towards event prizes! On site registration will also be available, but they won't receive the lead points. For more information at www.powerplay-golf.com.

 

·Family Friday Nights at Red Hawk Golf and Learning Center - Start a new activity this summer fit for the whole family. (Must be 8 years of age to use the Driving Range Area) Golf clubs sets are available upon request. Age - Children K and up accompanied by an adult. $10 - per family of Four, $2 each additional person, 6pm - 9pm June 3d - Aug 5th (10 Fridays)

 

Price includes:

 

- Unlimited Use of Short Course (Par 3 course)

 

- Medium Bucket of range balls - one per family

 

- Putting Green Activities - putting course etc.

 

- Clubhouse Host with Pizza and Beverage provided. 7:30-9pm

 

 

· Golf Gift Cards - great for Fathers Day or any occasion, are always available at Davenport golf shops, Parks and Recreation desk at Rivers Edge, and now at Vander Veer Park Store.

 

· Visit www.golfdavenport.com for the 2011 Golf fees, latest updates and information.

24 May 2011

Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan

By Ron Summers

Davenport Parks and Recreation is in the process of updating their Strategic Plan for 2020.  The Strategic Plan 2020 summarizes key areas of the Parks and Recreation Department and the related measurements and benchmarks that will help it realize the expectations of the community.

 

In April 2010, the Parks and Recreation staff adopted the current Strategic Plan 2020, with the intention of updating it annually.  A copy of the current Strategic Plan is available on our website at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks.

 

There will be a series of three meetings in which the public can meet the Parks and Recreation management staff, and give their input on recreational programs, facility management and development, service delivery, and other areas of the Parks and Recreation Department. The public is welcome to attend any one of the following three meetings:

 

  • Thursday, May 26, 2011, 6pm at Red Hawk Event Center, 6364 Northwest Blvd
  • Thursday, June 2, 2011, 6pm at The River's Edge, 700 W River Dr
  • Tuesday, June 7, 2011, 6pm at Duck Creek Lodge, 3000 E Locust St

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