November 2, 2023 – The City of Davenport, in partnership with the Friends of Veterans Memorial Park (FOVMP), hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of Phase II in the development of Veterans Memorial Park this morning.
“We are proud to be able to partner with the Friends of Veterans Memorial Park to reimagine this site to what it is today and future improvements,” said Chad Dyson, Director of Parks and Recreation.
The development of Veterans Memorial Park began in 2010 with the establishment of a Veterans Task Force to evaluate sites within the City and recommend an ideal location. The former Crescent Park was selected as the ideal site and subsequently renamed “Veterans Memorial Park.” Phase I included the addition of the Flagpole Plaza and establishment of the future Memorial Plaza, Drop Off, and Grande Allee Tree Memorial. Memorial Day 2011 marked the official dedication of the Park and completion of Phase I.
"As a veteran and mayor, it's an honor to cut this ribbon, not just to unveil a memorial park but to reaffirm our gratitude to those who served, ensuring their sacrifices stand eternally remembered,” said Mayor Mike Matson.
Phase II sought to transform the Memorial from a small circular area to a multi-faceted interactive experience. The primary goal for Phase II was the construction of the Mississippi River Overlook, with secondary goals including grading of the site for future improvements and the establishment of native prairie grass.
FOVMP contributed $60,000 for a mural, bugler statue, and sign and partnered with the Davenport Community School District to help bring this to life. Andy Zinn, Vocational Arts Instructor at Davenport West High School, and his students designed and constructed the framing of a panoramic eight-foot by ten-foot mural honoring each branch of the military. Dave Schaffer, Art Instructor at Davenport West High School, was commissioned by the FOVMP to create and paint the mural. The students also constructed the base for the bugler statue and coordinated the footings for the signs.
Bid packages for Phase II were awarded in the fall of 2021 with Bush Construction providing construction administration as an “in-kind” service. Various contractors and trades volunteered time and materials for the mural, bugler, and signs installation.