05 Jun 2012

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE CELEBRATES NATIONAL FISHING AND BOATING WEEK

By Kim Betton
June 4th - A Day of Fishing with Urban Youth, Constitution Gardens Pond
Washington, DC

On June 4, 2012, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will celebrate the start of the National Fishing and Boating Week and Great Outdoors Month with the 23rd Annual D.C. National Fishing and Boating Week Youth Fishing Event.  On this day, urban school children will drop their lines in the Constitution Gardens pond for a day of fishing and natural resource education presentations. The Service leads the event in coordination with the National Park Service, and other Department of Interior bureaus, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, Catch a Special Thrill Foundation and numerous other local, state and federal agencies and nonprofit organizations.

The youth participating in this event are from areas where opportunities to fish are limited. This angling event highlights the Service's priority to help all young people, including special needs youth, to move outdoors and enjoy America's rich and diverse natural resources.

During this year's event, all of the youth fishing event planning committee agencies, bureaus and organizations are highlighting their strong commitment to provide and expand outdoor recreational opportunities for special needs youth throughout the United States.

This event serves to foster natural resource stewardship in America's youth and expose them to careers in natural resources. It also celebrates Great Outdoors Month highlighting the benefits of fresh air, exercise and the many forms of outdoor recreation.

WHO:                U.S. Department of Interior (Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation
Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service)
U.S. Forest Service
Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation
American Recreation Coalition
C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation

WHAT:   National Fishing and Boating Week Youth Event

WHEN:   June 4, 2012 (Monday)
Official "VIP Speeches"/ MOU Signing / Press Conference
10:00 a.m. to 11:00a.m. (EST)

WHERE:          Constitution Gardens Pond, National Mall, Washington DC.  (The event is located near the intersection of Constitution Avenue and 17th Street, NW, at the eastern end of the pond, along the northern edge of the National Mall.)
05 Jun 2012

VANDER VEER STORE TEMPORARILY CLOSES AS ENABLING GARDEN CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES

By Ron Summers

Davenport, Iowa, May 31, 2012 - Beginning June 4, the store at Vander Veer Conservatory will close temporarily for the Enabling Garden construction project. The Conservatory will remain open for regular hours. The closing is necessary for work on a new
entrance as part of the Enabling Garden project.

The Enabling Garden is an accessible garden and features plantings that stimulate all the senses, and includes planting beds and containers raised for comfortable reach. This accessible garden can be used by persons of any age or ability and includes garden elements that appeal to all five senses. The gardens are designed to improve and maintain the physical mental and social health of everyone.

An artist's conception of the completed Enabling Garden can be found on the Parks and Recreation's website on the Vander Veer Botanical Park page. The web address is: www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks.

Construction is expected to be complete sometime in August. Patrons should check the

Parks and Recreation website for any notice on closure during the construction period.

05 Jun 2012

Youngest Person to Run Barefoot Across the Country to Run Through Colona, Illinois

By Elizabeth Kirk

18 year old Rae Heim is not your average high school student.  She is spending her days running across the country to help people who don't have shoes.  Having already run through 11 states and over 1,000 miles, Rae is more than half way done with her journey, which will conclude in California in November.  Rae runs between 12 and 30 miles a day with all of her belongings piled in a backpack.  And although she is running solo, supporters from across the country are meeting up with her to run alongside and show their support.

WHO:
Rae is raising funds for the charity Soles4Souls, who is able to provide a pair of shoes to someone in need for every dollar raised.  Supporters can donate to Rae's cause by visiting http://www.soles4soulsfundraising.org/cgi-bin/view_profile.cgi?id=2766.  You can visit her website to view her schedule and other important details about her journey at http://flavors.me/raeainslee.

WHEN:
Tuesday, June 12, 2012

WHERE:
Annawan, Illinois to Colona, Illinois

###

About Soles4Souls
Soles4Souls collects new shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering and collects used shoes to support micro-enterprise efforts to eradicate poverty.  Soles4Souls' other two divisions, Clothes4Souls and Hope4Souls, provide the same relief and support through clothing and other necessities. Donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.  Visit www.giveshoes.org, www.clothes4souls.org, or www.hope4souls.org for more information.------------------

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05 Jun 2012

Keep busy all summer long with Parks and Recreation!

By Davenport Parks & Recreation
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

04 Jun 2012

3rd Annual Camp Courageous Sprint Triathlon to be held Aug. 5th

By Camp Courageous

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.
25 May 2012

Davenport Parks and Recreation Memorial Day Weekend Actvities

By Kenneth Asta

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

18 May 2012

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and Davenport Parks and Recreation team up for National Safe Boating Week

By Kenneth Asta
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.

###
18 May 2012

British Soccer!

By Davenport Parks & Recreation


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

15 May 2012

The Humane Society of the United States Condemns Iowa Governor's Power Grab on Lead Shot Rule

By Rick Martin

(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.
15 May 2012

Kick off the summer with Splash Bash!

By Ron Summers

splash bash

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