The Rising Knights youth football program was told to look at reducing the number of teams using Bettendorf's Meier Park next season and to obtain a special event permit for any park use at least a month before the start of practice next year.
The directive by the Bettendorf Park Board at its September meeting came in response to neighborhood complaints about the three Rising Knights football teams using the park three and four times each week during the fall.
Neighborhood resident Mike Marshall told the board the small park at 6th and Grant Streets was not designed for such heavy use and number of parent's cars were causing parking problems for nearby residents. The park has less than 20 parking spaces. He also complained about the loud noise and damage to the park grass from the frequent use of the park by the football teams.
Organized groups must obtain a special event permit to use city parks for such activities. They also must provide documentation the group has liability insurance. The Rising Knights had not obtained a permit prior to the start of the season nor provided such a proof of insurance.
At the September meeting, the park board agreed to waive the $50 special event fee and allow the group to finish the season at the park. However, the group also was told to begin looking at using other parks for some of the teams next year, and to submit its special event request at least a month before the start of the season.
