MOLINE, Ill. (March 21, 2012) - The Quad City Mallards and Club 9 Sports- the Mallards' ownership group- have entered into a 10-year license agreement with the Central Hockey League, making the Mallards a CHL member for the next decade, the Mallards announced today in conjunction with the CHL.

"We are delighted to have entered into this long-term agreement with the CHL.  After years of uncertainty about league affiliation, it is nice for our fans to know we have a long-term home in a well-managed league," said John Prutch, managing partner of Prometheus Capital Partners, parent company of Club 9 Sports.  "We appreciate the support of the i wireless Center, the Quad Cities community and especially the season ticket holders and corporate sponsors who have remained committed to seeing the Mallards survive and revitalize."

The Mallards are closing in on the finish of their second CHL season, competing in the league under the terms of a joint agreement between the CHL and the International Hockey League that was put in place in the summer of 2010 for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.  The Mallards and three other clubs- the Dayton Gems, Fort Wayne Komets and the Evansville IceMen- are currently operating in the CHL under that agreement.

"This is truly exciting news for our fans.  We're happy to be committed to the CHL," said Mallards executive vice president Ryan Simmons.  "It's another exciting development for us as an organization after the successes we've seen on and off the ice this season- attendance has increased by 14 percent and last weekend we reached 3.5 million in all-time attendance for Mallards hockey.  On top of that, of course, is the success the team has enjoyed on the ice this season."

The Mallards already this season have won more games (35) and totaled more standings points (72) than they have in any season since 2006-07.  The Mallards have used an aggressive, attacking style of play to become the second highest scoring team in the league.  The team's high-powered offense has been keyed by Brandon Marino, a finalist for the CHL Most Valuable Player award and a member of the All-CHL Team.  Marino scored in the Mallards' game last night in Dayton to become the first player in the league this season- and the first Mallard since 2006-07- to reach 40 goals.  In addition to leading the league in goals, Marino also ranks second in points (87) and has recorded more points this year than any Mallard has since 2004-05.

"This is a very good day for the Mallards organization, the team's fans and the CHL," said CHL commissioner Duane Lewis.  "The steps taken to reinvigorate the market in the Quad Cities by Club 9 Sports have brought back the excitement of years past for the Mallards and their following.  We are excited for the future of the team and their place within the CHL."

The CHL is nearing the conclusion of its twentieth anniversary season.  The league's regular season ends next Sunday, March 25, with the Ray Miron Presidents' Cup playoffs to follow beginning next week.  Before transitioning to the CHL in 2010, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007 and in the IHL in 2009-10.

The Mallards play their final regular season game Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Bloomington Blaze at the i wireless Center.  The first 1,000 fans through the doors for Saturday's regular season finale will receive free 2011-12 Mallards player card sets.  An auction of game-worn Mallards jerseys will immediately follow Saturday evening's game.

Fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or tickets@myqcmallards.com for more information about tickets for Saturday night's game.

Tickets are also available at the i wireless Center box office, at Ticketmaster outlets, through www.ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.  Individual game tickets are available for $13 in the upper level and $18 in the lower level and $25 for the first row along the glass for adults.  Tickets for kids 12 and under are available for $5 off adult rates.  In addition, tickets are available to military personnel for $2 off the regular adult rate.  

About the Quad City Mallards
The Quad City Mallards are in the midst of their second "AA" Central Hockey League (CHL) season.   This season is the Mallards' first under the leadership of head coach and general manager David Bell.  Bell joined the Mallards after spending seven seasons as an assistant coach in the junior and professional ranks.  Prior to moving behind the bench Bell enjoyed a seven-year pro playing career.  His considerable leadership skills were already evident during his playing days- never more so than when he captained the Greenville Grrrowl to the 2002 ECHL Kelly Cup title.  All Mallards home games are played at the i wireless Center.  The Mallards competed in the United Hockey League (UHL) from 1995 through 2007 and in the International Hockey League (IHL) in 2009-10.  The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record.  In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched.  The Mallards are owned by CLUB 9 SPORTS.  CLUB 9 SPORTS advises, invests and operates in the sports entertainment and media industries.  For more information on the Quad City Mallards or to get tickets for unprecedented family fun at affordable prices, fans should visit www.MyQCMallards.com.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards.  More information on CLUB 9 SPORTS can be found at CLUB9SPORTS.com.

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Red Hawk will opened Friday, March 16 for regular play. The driving range at Red Hawk is also open as well but with mats only. Concessions and the Par 3 course will not open until April 1. Red Hawk is located at 6364 Northwest Blvd and their phone number is 563-386-0348.
This means all 3 courses, Duck Creek, Emeis and Red Hawk will be open for regular play for the season tomorrow. Emeis and Red Hawk ranges will be open as well.
Don't forget for those rainy days we still have an indoor driving range at the River's Edge, 700 W River Drive. It's open 7am - 3pm, Monday through Friday and this Saturday from 7am - 2pm. For other Saturdays, call the River's Edge at 563-328-7275 or see the Turf Schedule at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks for details.


Davenport Parks and Recreation
700 W River Dr
Davenport, Iowa 52803
The driving range at Emeis is now open, and Emeis is open for regular play. Duck Creek Golf course is open for regular play, but the range is not quite ready yet. The course at Red Hawk and the range will open soon.
Duck Creek Golf Course is located at 3000 W Locust Street. Their phone number is 563-326-7824. Emeis Golf Course is located at 4500 W Central Park and their number is 563-326-7825. These clubhouses are open, so call for more information or questions.
Don't forget for those rainy days we still have an indoor driving range at the River's Edge, 700 W River Drive. It's open 7am - 3pm, Monday through Friday and this Saturday from 7am - 2pm. For other Saturdays, call the River's Edge at 563-328-7275 or see the Turf Schedule at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks for details.
Duck Creek and Emeis open for the season!


Both Duck Creek and Emeis golf courses will officially open for the season starting Wednesday, March 14. Carts may be used on both courses, and concessions will also be available.
The best news is that there is no fee increase for 2012. That's right, prices are the same as last year. So get out and enjoy this beautiful summer-like weather and extended daylight.
Duck Creek Golf Course is located at 3000 W Locust Street. Their phone number is 563-326-7824. Emeis Golf Course is located at 4500 W Central Park and their number is 563-326-7825.
Don't forget for those rainy days we still have an indoor driving range at the River's Edge, 700 W River Drive. It's open 7am - 3pm, Monday through Friday and some Saturday mornings. Call the River's Edge at 563-328-7275 or check the Turf Schedule at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks for details. While at the River's Edge, you can also purchase our new Player Card. This re-loadable card is good for green fees, cart fees and range fees at any city owned golf course, and includes a 10% bonus.


Davenport Parks and Recreation
700 W River Dr
Davenport, Iowa 52803

Cedar Rapids, IA- On Thursday, July 26, 2012, the community of Cedar Rapids and the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa™ will host a celebration event to commemorate the 40 years of the oldest, largest and longest touring bicycle ride in the world.

Registered RAGBRAI riders and residents of Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities are invited to attend this special evening, "Celebrating 40 Years of Iowa".

Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett said, "We are honored to host RAGBRAI's 40th Anniversary celebration in Cedar Rapids. As proud Iowans, it is a privilege to show thousands of visitors our Midwestern hospitality and community spirit."

T.J. Juskiewicz, RAGBRAI Director said, "We are excited to celebrate 40 years with Iowans and the communities of Iowa who are the true backbone of this ride. Every year Iowans work to make 10,000 plus people feel at home and understand what life in Iowa is all about. We look forward to the working with the community of Cedar Rapids to host this event on July 26."

Des Moines Register Media owns and produces RAGBRAI, a trek across Iowa that's the world's oldest, largest and longest annual bicycle ride. RAGBRAI riders will overnight in Sioux Center, Cherokee, Lake View, Webster City, Marshalltown, Cedar Rapids, Anamosa and Clinton this year.

Iowa's John Linquist selected to introduce new generation of youth to shooting sports

Sibley, Iowa - March 1, 2012 - Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever announce John Linquist, formerly Pheasants Forever's Regional Representative in western Iowa, as the organization's new FOREVER Shooting Sports National Coordinator. This position, made possible by a generous donation from Larry and Brenda Potterfield, founders of MidwayUSA, is aimed at introducing young people to shooting sports and increasing youth outdoor participation.

In 2011, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever launched its FOREVER Shooting Sports Program, which was made possible by a five-year pledge from the Potterfields. The program's intention is to develop a sustainable comprehensive shooting sports program that works closely with chapters and partners. In year one, the program doubled its initial goal and provided 17,000 youth participants the opportunity to experience the thrill of shooting sports.

Born and raised in Cherokee, Iowa, Linquist has served as Pheasants Forever's Regional Representative in western Iowa since 2006. He's been a shooting instructor for more than 30 years and began teaching hunter education when he was just 16 years old. "Pheasants Forever has always been a strong advocate for youth education, shooting sports and hunter retention," said Linquist, "I am confident we can dramatically increase the number of youth who are currently involved with shooting sports and continue the outdoor heritage that makes this country unique. Forever Shooting Sports programs are designed to instill an affinity with the outdoors and keep our youth excited about conservation well into the future."

"John's experience with the shooting sports and his passion to get kids outdoors makes him the perfect fit for this position," said Cheryl Riley, Pheasants Forever Vice President of Education & Outreach, "John knows our volunteers, and he will build a national network of community shooting programs supported by our chapters. We are so excited to have this opportunity to promote shooting sports as part of our No Child Left Indoors® initiative."

Besides the shooting sports, Linquist enjoys hunting upland and big game, fishing and archery. He lives in Sibley, Iowa, with his wife of 25 years, Darla, their two children Matthew and Suzanne, and Jake the Wonder Dog (his Gordon Setter). "I'm blessed to have my family's support in my career at Pheasants Forever," said Linquist, "Success is so much more obtainable when your family and friends are helping you reach your goals."

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have spent more than $10 million on youth conservation education since 1982. This has allowed the organization to host 45,530 youngsters in its youth mentor hunts, 58,575 in outdoor skills events and another 10,000 in youth conservation camps across the country.

For more information regarding Pheasants Forever's FOREVER Shooting Sports Program, please contact John Linquist, at (712) 754-3221 / Email John. For all other inquiries, please contact Rehan Nana, Pheasants Forever Public Relations Specialist at 651-209-4973 / Email Rehan.

Pheasants Forever, including its quail conservation division, Quail Forever, is the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 130,000 members and 700 local chapters across the United States and Canada. Chapters are empowered to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds are spent, the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure.

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Spring golf is almost here!


Duck Creek Golf Course open during good weather
With our mild winter weather, Duck Creek Golf Course has been open throughout the winter whenever weather has allowed. Generally the course is open if the temperature is above 40 degrees and the ground is dry enough.
Call the clubhouse at 563-326-7824 to find out if the course is open for the day. No tee times are being taken, but golf is on a first come first serve basis. Enjoy the early spring weather and get a few rounds in before the course opens for the season.
New Player Card provides savings on golf fees for everyone!
Player Card
Our new Player Card is a great deal for you! It works like a credit card, only with a 10% bonus! Money added in multiples of $100 to the card is good for green fees and cart fees. Minimum purchase is $100, but you'll get $110 to use on the card. Individuals in your group can each purchase a card and save. Suggest it to everyone in any group you play with.
Purchase at the River's Edge, 700 W River Drive in downtown Davenport during normal business hours.  Hurry though, the 10% bonus may not last forever.
No increase in fees for 2012!
What better news to start the spring golf season than no increase in fees for 2012!  That's right, green fees and cart fees for the upcoming year will be the same as 2011. We've also improved our rain check policy for this season.
Davenport Parks and Recreation is dedicated to constantly improving our three courses and keeping costs down to create the best golfing experience for our customers. We've made some great improvements to our courses, added a Player Card and an indoor golf range. So get those clubs shiny and head out to your favorite course.
Have you seen our indoor golf range yet?
golf range 2
Our new indoor golf range at the River's Edge is great to practice your swing on those not too perfect spring days. Sign up your league, team or group today for our special group rate:
$75 per hour, 6 tee stations, unlimited golf balls!
The indoor range is also available for individual use. A large bucket of balls is $5, and a small bucket is $3.
The indoor range is only available certain days and times of the week. Visit our website and check our "Turf Schedule" for more information.
Give the gift of golf
Giving the gift of golf to a family member, friend, associate, or even yourself is easy at Davenport Parks and Recreation. Traditional Gift Cards are available for purchase at our office at the River's Edge, 700 W River Drive, in downtown Davenport. They are available for purchase anytime during normal business hours at the River's Edge. For more information, call us at 563-328-7275.

Davenport Parks and Recreation
700 W River Dr
Davenport, Iowa 52803
Recreation

Mother Son Dance

Mother Son Formal Dance

Sunday, March 25 -

Take a night to slow down and spend time with your special "guy" at our Mother Son Formal on Sunday, March 25th at The River Centers Mississippi Hall.  This is a wonderful event to have some quality time spent having fun, dressing up, and dancing.  Couples will be treated to a dinner buffet, crafts, dancing, and a chance to win prizes for only $40/couple; $20 each additional child.  A professional photographer will be available to take couple's photos.  Moms can be grandmas, aunts, or step-mothers.  Best of all, mom does not have to clean up the mess!

 

St. Patrick's Dance

Friday, March 16 -

All persons with developmental disabilities are invited to celebrate St. Patrick's Day by putting on the green and "cutting the rug" to music that is bound to get up your Irish.  The dance will be held on Friday, March 16th at the Herbert Goettsch Community Center, Bettendorf from 6-8:30pm.  The $4 admission fee, payable at the door, includes dinner.  This event is sponsored by the Davenport and Bettendorf Parks and Recreation Departments, HDC, New Found Hope, Community Care Inc., New Choices Inc., and Vera French Pine Knoll.

 

Kindernature - Mammal Mayhem

Tuesday, March 13 -

Kindernature is a nature program for young children ages 3 to 5Kindernature Girl which enriches awareness and appreciation for nature. Each class focuses on an environmental theme includes a story, hands-on activity, craft and themed snack. Class fee is $6 per child.  An adult must accompany the child. Registration is required and class size is limited to 20 children. Each class begins at 10am in the Vander Veer Conservatory. During Mammal Mayhem participants will learn about common mammals in our parks and ones not so common through hands-on activities and an interactive lesson on March 13th.

 

March Family Fun Nights

Are you looking for a low cost way to spend QUALITY time with your family?  Davenport Parks and Recreation heard this need and has responded in a way that is sure to appeal to ALL members of the family.  We have developed a rotating schedule of activities at our various facilities to offer families a night full of FUN!  Sept-March you can count on spending the night from 6:00-9:00 and we will take care of everything for $2.50 a person pre-registered (you must register each family member attending over 2yrs old). $4.00 per person at the door.  For Family Friday, parents or guardians need to accompany their kids.

This month's activities are:

  • March 2: Spring Surprise - Come Join Davenport Parks and Recreation from 6 PM- 9 PM at Vander Veer Botanical Park Conservatory to take in the beauty of spring. Plant up a spring plant for additional $3, can pay on site. There will be pizza available for $2.50 a person which will include two slices of pizza and lemonade.
  • March 9: Family Movie Night at Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave Movie is "Space Jam".
  • March 23: Family night at Roosevelt Community Center

 

Junior Theater CampDavenport Junior Theatre's Spring Break Performing Arts Camp

Junior Theatre is proud to offer this unique adventure! Students collaborate on the creation of their very own script, while exploring improvisation, musical theatre, make-up, and the life of a professional actor. Students travel throughout Davenport Junior Theatre, learning about props, costumes, and lights.  Everything ends with a performance for family and friends on Friday afternoon from 4:00 - 5:30 PM. Join us as we provoke your child's imagination like never before!

Camp begins Monday, March 12

Fee: $150.00 ($25.00 Early/Late Pick-Up)

Ages: 6 - 13

  • Students should arrive 10 minutes early
  • Early Drop off 7:30am - 8:30am / Late Pick-Up 4:00pm - 5:30pm: Additional Fees Apply
  • Guardian should come with student on first day to fill out Medical Release Form
  • Students must be signed in and out by guardian
  • Any student missing more than one day may not be included in showcase
  • FREE Showcase will be Friday, March 16 from 4:00pm - 5:15pm (parents & friends welcome)

 

 

river's edge logoThe River's Edge
700 West River Drive
Next to Modern Woodmen Stadium

 

Jamm'in At The Edge! -
Especially For Teens!

Saturday, March 3 -

Come on out and skate while you enjoy live local bands and DJ's. All ages welcome!  Admission:  $10/Person, $3/Skate Rental, Saturday, March 3rd from 9pm-11pm, Band: Surface Tension.

River's Edge School Out Adventure Spring Break Camp

Davenport Parks and Recreation's Adventure Camp and River's Edge Sports Camps are combining to offer camps on ALL School out Days, including In-Service, School Breaks and snow days!  These days will be filled -playing games, doing crafts, taking field trips, and spending time with friends!  We have highly qualified staff that will keep your child active and safe while also providing enriching experiences with a focus on all sorts of sports on our turf and ice skating.

School Out Days run March 8 - 20th from 7:30-5:30 at the River's Edge utilizing the wonderful facilities such as ice skating and Centennial Park, with all its wonderful amenities: spray park , basketball court, skate park, and playgrounds. Each child needs to bring a water bottle and sack lunch, wear socks and gym shoes, bring warm clothes to ice skate, PM snacks will be provided.  The cost for the camp is $30/day or 20 percent off for registering for more than 2 days.

 

chicago fireThe Chicago Fire is coming to the Rivers Edge!!!

A soccer youth clinic will be held on Sunday, March 18th! A bus trip to the Fire home opener will take all participants, who will be ON THE FIELD for warm-ups.

Mom and Me Skate at the River's Edge
Friday, March 30 -
Kids grab your skates and hit the ice with your mom on Friday March 30th from 6-8pm! Show her how you cut up the ice and have a great time skating to the latest hits while stopping for pizza for the low, low price of only $10.

The Spring Baseball Special is here at the Rivers Edge!

Batting Cages, Pitching Mounds, Hitting Stations and plenty of open turf. All you bring are bats and balls and the rest is up to us. Only $50 an hour for March and April.

 

Spring Adult Leagues are starting very soon!

Softball, Soccer, Kickball, Volleyball, Basketball leagues will be available. Click "Online Catalog and Registration" and follow the instructions.

 

Spring registration is available after March 15 at:

www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks

 

 

Intro To Tae Kwon Do for Ages 11+ at The River's Edge

This 4-week introductory session meets twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 8 sessions; March 6-29.  It is designed for the more serious athlete but is still guaranteed to be fun and enhance the mind/body connection!  Ages 11 and above are welcome.  The art of Tae Kwon Do is an exceptional mind and body work-out and a great enhancement to an active lifestyle.  Participants who are interested in testing at the conclusion of the session will be required to purchase a Do-Bok - details to be reviewed in class.
Instructor:  Ethan Dixon, a second degree black belt, has been training for seven years and teaching for three.
Fee:  $90.00  Classes repeat every month and students advance at their own pace.

 

 

Davenport Parks and Recreation
700 W River Drive
Davenport IA 52802
563-328-PARK (7275)
Severe weather damages marina
KIMBERLING CITY, Mo. (Feb. 29, 2012) - Damage sustained from severe weather in the area has forced the cancellation of the EverStart Series tournament scheduled for March 1-3 and the FLW College Fishing tournament scheduled for March 3 at Table Rock Lake. The severe weather that went through the area yesterday caused damage to the Port of Kimberling Marina and FLW tournament equipment.
"Our number one concern is the safety of our anglers, staff and the community," said Kathy Fennel, FLW president of operations. "The storm that ravaged the area severely damaged the marina and much of the equipment needed to conduct a tournament, unfortunately we have no choice but to cancel the event at this time.
"There is no reason why this tournament won't be rescheduled," Fennel continued. "Right now we are looking at alternative dates but nothing has been decided at this time."
Anglers were scheduled to take off from Port of Kimberling Marina located at 72 Marina Way in Kimberling City, Mo. Weigh-in was scheduled to take place at the marina on Thursday and Friday and Walmart located at 18401 State Highway 13 in Branson on Saturday, all activities have been canceled.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWOutdoors.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the EverStart Series on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.
ABOUT FLW
FLW is the industry's premier tournament-fishing organization, providing unparalleled fishing resources and entertainment to our sponsors, fans and host communities. FLW is offering anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money nationwide in 2012 over the course of 191 tournaments across five tournament circuits, each providing an avenue to the sport's richest payday and most coveted championship trophy - the Forrest Wood Cup. FLW is committed to providing a lifestyle experience that is the "Best in Fishing, On and Off the Water," through a variety of platforms including tournaments, outdoor expos and the world's richest fantasy sports game - FLW Fantasy Fishing. For more information about FLW and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com and look for FLW on Twitter and Facebook.

 

Coal Valley, IL - February 28, 2012 - Niabi Zoo has announced that it will open its gates for the 2012 season on Monday, March 5th.

The zoo, which has been closed for the winter since mid-December of 2011, will be open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm each day. As a way to welcome the community back out to the zoo, admission will be free until March 11th.

Niabi Zoo Interim Zoo Director Marc Heinzman says zoo visitors have much to look forward to this year. "The great thing about visiting Niabi Zoo," said Heinzman, "is that it's always an adventure for our guests. Our baby giraffe born last September has really grown up in just a few months, and we've got a new baby colobus monkey that was just born a couple months ago. Both of them are doing great!"

In addition to the new zoo babies, Niabi Zoo has added new programs to enhance the experiences of zoo guests. "We have added Keeper Chats this year," said Heinzman. "Every day at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm at different animal exhibits Niabi Zoo zookeepers will be available to speak with zoo guests about the animals and answer questions. This will be a great addition to the visit of anyone spending the day at the zoo."

Starting March 5th, Niabi Zoo will be open seven days a week.

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