Aquatics Fun

Learn to Swim Lessons

Swimming Lessons Begin the week of June 4 at Dohse, Annie Wittenmyer and Fejervary Pools and continue throughout the summer. Check our website (left) for dates, times and swim level information. Lessons are $30 for each 2-week session.

 

Lap Swim and Water Walking

Need a productive way to relax at the end of a day?  Swim laps!  The water is calming and the exercise is good for you?  Don't swim?  Lanes will be available to walk - try this minimal weight bearing exercise to help relieve stiffness and improve muscle movement.

Monday-Friday 5:00-6:00 pm  Dohse Pool $1.50/visit

Monday/Wednesday/Friday 5:00-6:00 pm - Fejervary Family Aquatic Center $1.50/visit

 

Spray Parks are Now Open!

Davenport Parks and Recreation is now offering spray features in four parks (Centennial Park, Cork Hill, Goose Creek and Peterson Park).  FREE to the public and open from 10 am - 8 pm, weather permitting.

 

Wednesday/Friday Family Nights kids in pool

at Annie Wittenmyer and Fejervary Family Aquatic Centers

Want some quality family time but on a tight budget?  Take the family for a swim at half the price of normal daily admission.  This is the perfect time to enjoy the evening as a family and it's affordable!  Only youth accompanied by a parent/guardian will be allowed to enter on these evenings.  The cost is $1.50/youth, $2/adults.

 

Flick and Float - June 23

Watch a movie from the comfort of the lawn at Annie Wittenmyer Family Aquatic Center and cool off during intermission by splashing around!  The movie will begin at 8:30pm. Regular evening admission rates apply.  Call 326-7828 for movie listings

 

Thursday Teen Nights

at Annie Wittenmyer Family Aquatic Center -

Join us Thursday evening for swimming with your friends.  We will play music and have contests throughout the evening.  All are welcome, but contests will be geared toward the 13-17 year olds.  Regular admission rates apply.

 

Father's Day Fiesta at the Pools - Sunday June 17 1-6pm

Regular admissions for youth/dads are FREE!

 

Camps

2012 Summer Camps

Are you looking for a summer of fun, exploration and learning without all of the work? Join Davenport Parks and Recreation for another adventurous summer of Camp! We offer a wide variety of camps throughout the summer including:

  • Challenger Sports' British Soccer Camp June 25th - June29th
  • Tennis Camp, Duck Creek Park  June 18 - 22
  • QC Raiders Football Camp, Centennial Park June 24-29
  • Cheerleading/Dance/Pom Camp, The River's Edge June 24 - 29
  • Camp Freeze, The River's Edge June 25-29
  • Levesque Hockey School, The River's Edge June 11-15 and June 18-22
  • Youth Golf - Swing into it!, Red Hawk Golf course June 24- July 29
  • Youth Badminton mania at Red Hawk! June 24-July/29
  • Youth Disc Golf Clinic, Eastern Ave. Park June 28
  • Survive the Wild Day Camp, Credit Island Lodge June 25th - 29th
  • Performing Arts Camp NY, NY!, Junior Theatre Complex  June 18-22
  • AdventureCamp, The River's Edge May 29th-August 10th
For more information on the different camps and to register online, go to our website by clicking the link on the left.

 

Just for Kids

My Little Wheelbarrow Program June 6-August 1

Join the fun this summer with our preschool drop in program sponsored by The Friends of Vander Veer. Children between the ages of 1-6 will learn about the wonders of trees with lots of hands on activities.  Class meets from 10-11 am at the playground area in Vander Veer Botanical Park. In case of rain, class will be moved into the conservatory. No fee - it's free!

 

Wild Walks in the Park  June 4 - August 6kindernature group

Take some time out this summer to enjoy a guided walk through Duck Creek Park at 10 am and Vander Veer at 1pm. Each week will explore nature from different angles. These walks are for children ages 5-12.  Wild Walks are free to the public and each will have a fun and educational component. No walks on June 25th and July 23rd. Walks are free!

 

Story Time in The Park

What's more fun than hearing books read aloud while sitting next to real ducks in the lagoon at Vander Veer Botanical Park? Join the Davenport Public Library as they bring books alive. Meet on the steps to the warming house. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside the Conservatory. Held rain or shine! Reading will begin at 11am every Tuesday Starting in June and continue through July. No fee - it's free!

 

Mobile Playground -

The Mobile Playground is moving to a park near you!  It is traveling the community bringing fun and games to neighborhood parks throughout Davenport.  It is a decommissioned fire truck that is stocked with games, crafts, and activities to add enriched recreational opportunities to your neighborhood park.  We have 2 highly qualified staff that supervise and facilitate the activities.  Coming to a park near you soon!

 

Special Events and Programs

clowns

Clowning Around!!!
June 14-8/16

Learn the history of clowning, the clown code of ethics, proper makeup application, juggling, balloon basics, improvisation, and more!  Students between the ages of 10-110 will be part of a final skit along with Quad City Clown Troupe members in our theatre.  Come clown around with us this summer!

Cost $65

 

Coach Reece Summer Hoops League June 15-17

Davenport Parks and Recreation is proud to partner with the Friends and Family of Reece Morgan for the 3rd Annual event.  We will host a skill builder night n Friday at Central High School to kick things off and then Saturday is a day full of games and Jamboree and Sunday is a final tournament, both days at Centennial Park basketball courts for kids in 6th - 9th grade! This is followed by 6 weeks of free Open Basketball on Tuesday nights beginning June 19.

 

Centennial Park Summer CRAZE! June 17

Calling ALL families in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas to come celebrate with Davenport Parks and Recreation at Centennial Park.  We will enjoy an array of FREE activities in one of our finest parks from 3-6 pm.  Enjoy touch a truck, exhibition rugby, the Spray Park and dog off leash area.  End the night by attending the FREE River Bandits baseball game.

 

Juneteenth- June 23rd

Come join us as we celebrate our country's true freedom.  This is a FREE community event that commemorates the ending of slavery in our country.  The celebration highlights cultural diversity in the Quad Cities through educational programs, activities, and performances.  It is located at LeClaire Park, Saturday June 23rd, 10:00am-9:00pm. Family area 12pm-7pm

The 2012 Camp CourageousSprint Triathlon, presented by TransAmerica, is fast approaching! This year's event begins at 8am on Sunday August 5th and the entire Triathlon will take place at the camp located near Monticello, Iowa.

This is the third year that this Sprint Triathlon is being held to benefit Camp Courageous. Individuals and teams will participate in a 400 yard swim, 15.5 mile bike ride and a 4K run that will take competitors through Pictured Rock State Park as well as the Camp Courageous grounds. New for this year is that the event will be held entirely at Camp Courageous.

There are no age restrictions; children and adults who are physically prepared to participate in the Triathlon are welcome. All athletes must be a U.S.A.T. member. Entry fees include a one-day membership. Early registration savings are in affect through May 31, 2012; $70 for individuals ($60 for current U.S.A.T. athletes), $165 for teams (deduct $10 for each U.S.A.T. member).

To register, or for complete event information, go to www.campcourageous.org.

Parks and Recreation
Memorial Day Weekend Actvities

Splash Bash starts the pool season

Friday, May 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Annie Wittenmeyer Pool

2828 Eastern Avenue

Kick off the Summer with the Splash Bash! Enjoy half price admission to Annie Wittenmyer Family Aquatic Center from 6:00 - 8:00
pm. Water games will be played and door prices will be given away!
We will have our instructors and camp counselors at the event to
offer a sampling of our summer offerings. You can ask questions
and register at the pool. Come enjoy a night of family water fun!

 

FREE Learn to Swim - try it day

Join us at Annie Wittenmyer Family Aquatic Center on Saturday, May 26 from 10:00 am - 11:30 am for a FREE try it swim lesson day.  FREE try it sessions will begin at 10, 10:30 and 11:00.  Students will be given a basic swim skills assessment for 10 minutes and then divided into appropriate classes and taught swimming skills for 15 minutes.  A 5 minute free time will end each session.  This will be a great opportunity to see if your child is ready for swim lessons or to see what the appropriate swim level is for them.  Space is limited - register online!

 

Davenport Municipal Aquatic Facilities 2012 opening dates:

Annie Wittenmyer Family Aquatic Center - Saturday, May 26

Fejervary Family Aquatic Center - Tuesday, May 29

Dohse Pool - Saturday, June 2

Centennial Park Spray Park - Saturday, May 26

 

 

Midwest BMX Fest

Saturday, May 26, 11am - 7pm, Centennial Park Skate Park

This FREE family event is to promote BMX and all types of cycling. We will have a vintage bike show, BMXX and cycling vendors, concessions and more. Race, freestyle, new and old, custom bikes and more are ALL invited. Ride your bike down to the skate park down town to check it out!

River Drive near Marquette Street.

At The River's Edge

Cool off this HOT weekend with some ice skating!

If summer like 90 degrees temperatures are too warm for you, The River's Edge offers cool indoor ice skating for only $5 admission and $3 skate rental.  Come on down to 700 West River Drive for some skating fun.

 

Saturday, May 26

Public Skate Sessions at the River's Edge:

1:30pm - 3:30pm

3:45pm - 5:45pm

6:00pm - 8:00pm

 

The River's Edge will be closed Sunday, May 27 and Monday, May 28 to allow our employees to spend holiday time with their families.

Golf

Quad City Amateur Golf Championship

May 25, 26 and 27th

at Emeis Golf Course in Davenport, Iowa.

 

Flights for everyone: men, women, seniors and super seniors.

More information and entry forms are available at www.qcamtour.com

or at Emeis Golf Course

Entry form also available by clicking here

 

Vander Veer Update

Summer Theme at Vander Veer
Due to construction at Vander Veer Conservatory, the Summer Theme that was scheduled to launch this weekend will be delayed until Tuesday, June 5.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUMMER SESSION BEGINS JUNE 11

 

Sign up now!

 

Click here to browse our online catalog and to register for any of our programs

 

Or visit us in person at:

 

The River's Edge,

700 W River Dr.,

8am - 8pm,

7 days a week.

(Closed May 27 & 28)

 

Vander Veer Conservatory,

215 W Central Park,

10am - 4pm, Tue - Sun.

 

 

2012 Spr Sum Catalog

Pick up one of our catalogs at the River's Edge, Vander Veer, Junior Theater, or any public golf course

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

river's edge logo


Davenport, Iowa - May 17, 2012 - Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20, the Davenport Flotilla of
the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary will be offering free vessel safety checks from 10 a.m. to 3
p.m. at the Marquette St. boat ramp in Davenport, IA.

A vessel safety check is a safety inspection provided by a trained member of the United States Coast
Guard Auxiliary. These inspections cover everything a recreational boater needs to be in compliance
with federal and state boating laws. Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel examiners are not law enforcement
and there are no consequences for failing a vessel safety check. All vessel safety checks performed
by the Coast Guard Auxiliary are voluntary. The purpose for these inspections is to help the boating
public learn what they need in order to be safe on the water this summer. Those who pass will
receive the red vessel safety check decal to place on their boat indicating that they have been
inspected, and were at the time carrying all applicable safety equipment required by law.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Davenport Department of Parks and Recreation are teaming up
for this event on the first two days of National Safe Boating Week. The goal is to help keep the
community informed and safe this boating season. The emphasis of both the Coast Guard Auxiliary
and the Department of Parks and Recreation is on prevention. "If we can stop a boating accident
before it happens then we have done our job" says Joseph Cordogan, a Flotilla Staff Officer from the
Davenport Flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. "Too often we hear about boating accidents that were
preventable through proper safety education."

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is an organization of volunteers dedicated to supporting the
United States Coast Guard and its missions. Auxiliary members are a uniformed civilian part of the
Coast Guard Forces. They teach safe boating classes, perform vessel safety checks, conduct on the
water safety patrols, act as an outlet for safe boating information, and much more. For more
information on this weekend's vessel safety check days, contact the Davenport Flotilla of the United
States Coast Guard Auxiliary at (563) 265-6866.

###


Davenport Parks and Recreation's

British Soccer Camp

at the

Davenport Soccer Complex

8991 N. Division Street, Davenport

 

3 great weeks of camp to choose from!

May 29th - June 1st

June 25th- 29th

July 30th - August 3rd

 

 

*Sign up for the May 29th camp before midnight this Friday to beat the $10 late fee

 

All camps include a free soccer ball, t-shirt, poster/evaluation plus a free replica British Soccer 2012 jersey with early online registration.

 

Challenger Sports British coaching staff fly over from the U.K to teach your children how to play the beautiful game.

 

Please click on a week of camp above for more information and to sign up online:

www.challengersports.com

(May 11, 2012)?The following is a statement from Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, on Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad's executive order to unilaterally repeal a Natural Resources Commission science-based rule to ban the use of toxic lead ammunition for dove hunting:

"It is the height of hypocrisy for Governor Terry Branstad to overrule both the legislature and the Natural Resources Commission by executive fiat and to thumb his nose at the people of Iowa. But Governor Branstad apparently believes that politics should trump science, and that anything goes if the gun lobby demands it.

After hearing all sides, the Commission, which is a body made up primarily of hunters, unanimously decided that additional toxic lead should not be pumped into Iowa's environment during the new dove hunting season. Millions of hunters have shifted to non-toxic shot, like steel. Studies have shown that non-lead ammunition has the same or better performance as lead. This toxic substance has been removed from toys and paint, yet some hunters continue to dump this poison into the environment by the ton. One pellet ingested by an animal can induce blindness, paralysis of the intestinal tract and lungs, and organ failure."

-30-

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization ? backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty ? On the Web at humanesociety.org.

Governor Branstad Announces Lifting of Iowa Traditional Ammo Ban

Fairfax, Va. - Governor Terry Branstad today announced that he will nullify the traditional ammunition ban in Iowa.  In July 2011, the Iowa Natural Resources Commission (NRC) imposed the ban - after the topic was debated and resoundingly rejected by the legislature - following the enactment of the first dove-hunting season since 1918.  The NRC slipped in the ban on the use of all traditional ammunition while setting bag limits and other regulations with regard to the reenacted Iowa dove-hunting season.

"The National Rifle Association would like to thank Governor Branstad for rescinding this ill-conceived scheme by the Iowa Natural Resources Commission," said Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA's Institute for Legislative Action.  The NRC pandered to anti-hunting extremist groups and did their political bidding.  They failed to cite a single credible scientific study to back up their baseless claims to support this ban.  Today, thanks to the leadership of Governor Branstad and to the tireless efforts of Senator Dick Dearden, fairness, integrity and common-sense have been restored to this process."

Traditional ammunition bans are financed by extremist anti-hunting groups - like the Humane Society of the United States and the Sierra Club under the guise of "conservation efforts".  The long-term goals of these groups are to try to eradicate hunting and firearm ownership.  Their attempt to gain a foothold in Iowa has been foiled.

Earlier this year, House Joint Resolution 2001, restoring the use of traditional ammunition, passed the Iowa House of Representatives by an overwhelming, bipartisan margin.  The senate companion, SJR2001, passed the Senate Natural Resources Committee on a bipartisan 9-3 vote.  Despite broad bipartisan support and assurances, the Senate Majority Leader, failed to call-up the resolution for a vote.

In rejecting the ban today, Governor Branstad said, "As you may know, the Senate adjourned without bringing up the resolution nullifying the NRC rule banning traditional shot.  Today, I am exercising my legal power as Governor and rescinding the ban on traditional shot by Executive Order.  The determination of whether hunters should be forced to stop using traditional lead shot is the role of the legislature, not an unelected NRC."

The Commission's earlier attempt at a traditional ammunition ban was also defeated with Governor Terry Branstad's help in 2011.

-NRA-

Moline, Ill. - As part of the Summer of Paddling 2012 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Corps of Engineers will hold a paddling excursion from 1-4 p.m. Thursday, June 7, at Sylvan Slough on the grounds of the Moline Rowing Club.

Beginning at 1 p.m. speakers from the Department of Interior, Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Izaak Walton League and River Action will describe their roles in the broad partnership involved with the Summer of Paddling and express their support for paddling as a mode of experiencing America's Great Outdoors.

Following the remarks participants will learn paddling techniques and have the opportunity to take a kayak or canoe in Sylvan Slough, a backwater area of the Mississippi River. Expert river biologists will be on hand to provide riverine interpretation.

Inexperienced paddlers are invited to try paddling with instruction by trip leaders to learn effective paddling techniques.

To register for the event, call Jovita at 309-794-5505 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. or email jovita.a.martin@usace.army.mil. To learn more about the Summer of Paddling, visit www.SOP2012.org.

The Summer of Paddling 2012 is a series of events designed to get Americans outside to enjoy the Mississippi River via canoe, kayak or other paddle craft, and take part in a summer full of paddling events on and near the river.

Paddlers of any level can take part in events. Experienced paddlers from a variety of conservation agencies, not-for-profit organizations and adventure guide services will lead participants through the backwaters, bayous and braided streams of the Mississippi River.

All events will be listed on this website. Register for events by contacting the host listed on each event's description.

The Summer of Paddling 2012 is aligned with the Presidential Initiative America's Great Outdoors, encouraging people to be active and get outside to experience nature.

For more information about the Summer of Paddling, call Bob Clevenstine at 309-757-5800 extension 205 or email info@SOP2012.org.

For more information on the Midwest Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service visit http://midwest.fws.gov.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfwmidwest, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwsmidwest, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/.

 

- FWS -

Unusual Sorority Shares Demanding Lifestyle

College football fans are watching their teams practice and hoping the new recruits will be game-changers a few months from now. For them, it's the lull before the fall.

For the team coaches though, there is no lull. As usual, they're working seven days a week, heading out the door at 6 a.m. and coming home long after the wife and kids have gone to bed, says Kathy (Currey) Kronick, author of Mrs. Coach: Life in Major College Football (www.mrscoach14yrs.com).

"During spring ball games, they're not home, so their wives are doing everything but playing football," says Kronick, whose book recounts her years married to Coach Dave Currey. "And they'll do that, too, if necessary."

The life of a football coach's wife is notoriously demanding, so much so that in 1989, the American Football Coaches Wives Association was created to provide "camaraderie, support, information and service." They share a subculture unlike any other in the United States and, while it can be exciting and rewarding, it comes with many sacrifices.

"His career and the team are the No. 1 priority, no ifs, ands or buts about it. In that regard, it's a lot like military spouses, but with college coaches, the family lives in the public eye," Kronick says.

"The wives take care of everything at home, everything, because their husbands are at work day and night, seven days a week. Many wives also work - most coaches don't make a lot of money. The wives are also expected to attend games, fundraisers and recruiting dinners. Every couple of years, unless they're really, really lucky, they're single-handedly packing up the household to move the family across the country because their team lost and their husband got fired."

In 2008, three researchers interviewed nearly 300 college football coaches' wives to learn more about their lives. Their findings, Kronick says, paint a portrait of what fans never see when they are cheering - or jeering - the team.

• Wives pray for wins. Every loss can mean the coach gets fired. "So you not only have the stress of being suddenly jobless, but if he's fortunate to find another job, you'll likely be packing up the house and kids - without him, he's gone on ahead - to move to a new city and a new state," Kronick says. She moved 27 times during her marriage to Currey. Moving so frequently can be an adventure as families explore different parts of the country, but it's also hard to leave a place where you've made friends and grown comfortable.

• July is for weddings, funerals and making babies. College football coaches are off for the month of July, so that's when families plan important events. Some couples celebrate their wedding anniversaries in July - whether or not that's when the couple got married, Kronick says.

• Families must always be aware of the media. "You have to mind your p's and q's," Kronick says. "The media is always looking for something - they want to know the secrets. You also have to be very careful not to do anything that will make your school or team look bad." All the attention can be fun when the team is on a winning streak but, as Kronick points out, it's hard for kids at school when everyone's blaming their dad for the team's poor performance."

• Most coaches' families live on tight budgets. The majority of the families in the 2008 study had an income of $50,000 to $125,000 a year, with nearly 72 percent of the wives holding jobs outside the home.  Most assistant coaches have one-year contracts, Kronick says, so if they're fired - or the head coach is fired, which means the assistants lose their jobs, too - their income stops.

The life of a coach's wife isn't all hardship, Kronick notes. Out of necessity, wives become self-reliant and independent, if they weren't to begin with, and that boosts self-confidence.  It's fun cheering on your team, and lasting friendships are often formed among this group that shares so much.

"But in the end, most wives give up their lives for their husband's dream," Kronick says. "I couldn't do that any longer. I needed to pursue my own dreams, and to have a husband I could talk with about them."

About Kathy (Currey) Kronick

Kathy (Currey) Kronick was married to Dave Currey from 1974 to 1989. He was an assistant coach at Stanford University when they met and married, and later moved on to Long Beach State (Calif.), the University of Cincinnati and UCLA. They divorced in 1996. Kronick, who has a bachelor's in education of the deaf and a master's in counseling, is the mother of two children and is happily remarried.

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