Grand Rededication Event Planned for Prospect Park

Posted 08/14/06

After three and one half years of planning, construction and restoration, the revitalization of Moline’s historic Prospect Park is complete. In honor of the completion, a grand rededication event is planned for Saturday, August 19, 2006, from 8 am – 1 pm, at Prospect Park located at Park 16th Street & 30th Avenue, Moline.

The event includes a rededication ceremony, entertainment, children’s activities, disc golf clinic, concessions, Music Guild backstage tours and concerts, fishing clinic, plus other family activities. The public is invited to attend this free event.

Attendees are encouraged to park at the north end of the old ShopKo (20th Street & 36th Ave) and ride the trolley to Prospect Park events. Drop off locations will be lower parking lot west of pond, 33rd Ave. & 16th Street or Music Guild. Trolley hours will be 8 am – 2 pm.

In honor of the event, a time capsule featuring local historic memorabilia, will be buried in the park near the pavilion at a later date. The contents of the time capsule will be on display in the lobby of the Music Guild on August 19th. The time capsule will be opened on July 22, 2091, which is the 200th anniversary of Prospect Park.

Highlights of the revitalized Prospect Park include the new Trinity Trails, two miles of crushed stone fitness trails, an 18 hole disc golf course, gazebo, restored turn-of-the-century pavilion, pond and parking improvements, and other park amenities. The disc golf course is a premier course, and is the first one in the City of Moline.

“The revitalization of Moline Parks continues as evidenced by this beautiful renovation of Prospect Park,” said Mayor Don Welvaert. “A project of this size would have taken several years longer if it were not for the public / private partnership with the community. I personally want to thank everyone who helped make this day possible.”

Prospect Park Event Schedule                             Click here for event map

8:00 am               Disc Golf Clinic
10:00 am             Ribbon Cutting (Pavilion)
10:00 – 1:00 pm   Concessions (Pavilion)
10:30 am             Creative Walking Class (Trails near Pavilion)
                                   Jo Nicholson, Trinity’s Wellness Coordinator, will offer walking tips & stretches
10:30 – 11:30 am Entertainment: The Happy Belgians (Pavilion)
10:30 – 1:00 pm   Music Guild Backstage Tours
11:00, 12, & 1 pm Music Guild Concerts (Music Guild lobby)
11:00 – 1:00 pm   Kid’s Fishing Clinic (Prospect Park Pond)
11:00 – 1:00 pm   Strolling historic character narration (Pavilion)
11:00 – 1:00 pm   Children’s Activities (Pavilion near playground)
10:30 – 1:00 pm   Petting Zoo (Pavilion near playground)
10:00 – 1:00 pm   Historic & Project Photos (Music Guild Lobby)

The Prospect Park restoration began more than three years ago with the formation of the Prospect Park Revitalization Committee. The revitalization plan called for park enhancements to be completed in three phases. Phase I construction included dredging of the 2-acre pond, stabilization of the shoreline and extensive landscaping. Phase II construction included restoration of the two-story pavilion to its appearance in 1903. The pavilion officially opened for public use in June of 2005.

Phase III construction included the new Trinity Fitness Trails, an 18 hole disc golf course, a gazebo over looking the pond, parking improvements, a drinking fountain at the playground, benches, directional signs, and large areas of wild flowers and native grasses. The Trinity Trails, which run throughout the park, were designed and sponsored in partnership with Trinity Regional Health System. The new trails will feature varying degrees of walking difficulty.

“As a community partner, Trinity wants to not only take care of people when they are sick, but when they are well too,” said Bill Leaver, Trinity Regional Health System President and CEO. “In addition to offering the highest quality of health care and continually seeking out new and improved ways to best treat our patients, Trinity is always on the look out to identify and meet the health-care needs of our community. The Trinity Trails project is an excellent way to get community members up on their feet and on the path to a healthier lifestyle.”

Total cost for the entire revitalization project was $1.2 million. Funding for the project was a result of partnerships with residents of Moline, organizations, corporations, and a $400,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and city funds.

 

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