Plan to add $100,000 splash pad at Lincoln Park gets a lukewarm reception from neighbors

A plan to add a $100,000 splash pad at Bettendorf's Lincoln Park got a lukewarm reception from neighbors at a public meeting Wednesday (4/12) with the city's park board.

Neighborhood residents raised concerns about parking and the loss of greenspace for other youth activities. They also felt that if such a water feature was added at the park, located at Central Avenue and 27th Street, a restroom would be needed.

The small two-acre park was created in the late 1990's after the vacant Lincoln Elementary School was torn down. A playground, small picnic shelter and parking for 14 cars takes up about half of the park land with the other half open greenspace.

Third Ward Alderwoman Debbie LaMar has long pushed for a splash pad at Lincoln Park and this year $100,000 was allocated in the city budget for the water feature.

City Park and Recreation Director Steve Grimes told the half dozen residents at the meeting the splash pad would take up about half of the one acre of greenspace, and that the budgeted money did not include construction of park restrooms.

LaMar did not attend the park board meeting. Park commissioners expressed support for such improvements to parks in older areas of city saying it helps to balance the large investment of tax money in parks serving the newer northern areas of the community.

The board took no action after the public discussion and Park Board Chairman Larry Makoben said the board would incorporate the neighbors' concerns as the water feature concept moves forward.