The proposed master plan for the new Forest Grove Park -- expected to be approved at a joint meeting of the Bettendorf City Council and park board tonight (12/3) -- comes with an eye-popping estimated price tag of more than $23 million.
The city isn't expected to undertake any of the significant improvements for at least three years, but the master plan outlines an ambitious blueprint for development of the new 95-acre park, just south of I-80 and east of Middle Road.
Plans include:
- $4.76 million for water winter plaza.
- $3.4 million for community building.
- $2.6 million for adventure course.
- $1.97 million for amphitheater.
- $1.9 million for trails (1-mile recreation trail and 3-mile nature trail)
- $1.6 million for "The Edge," an area with an Art Walk, small dog park, traditional playground equipment and shelter.
- $1.26 million for "Miracle Field" baseball diamond for youths with disabilities.
- $1.1 million for a "Prairie Tower."
- $856,000 for "Great Lawn."
- $686,000 for "The Hub," an area for picnic sites, a splash pad and shelter to accommodate 75 people.
The first phase, defined as a timeframe of one to three years, would involve the start of the park trails network and initial work on the "Great Lawn," an open 10-acre lawn expanse for active and passive recreation.
The second phase, defined as four to seven years in the future, is projected to include completion of the Great Lawn area and construction of "The Hub" and "The Edge" areas.
No timeline was given in the final planning report for the most expensive and involved projects at the park, including the winter plaza, amphitheater, observation tower or adventure course. The reports also states public and private grants might be available to help fund various improvements at the new park.
CLICK HERE for the complete master plan developed by RDG Planning and Design of Des Moines.
The land for the Forest Grove Park was purchased by the city in 2009 for $2.9 million. The city swapped a section of the park land along Forest Grove for a landlocked parcel owned by the Pleasant Valley School District. The land exchange will enable the district to build a new elementary school adjoining the park.
