Chapter 1 An Introduction to Riverdale’s Parks and Trails System Project Introduction

When people talk about the places they love in a community, parks are typically at the top of the list. Parks are essential to the physical, economic, environmental and social health of cities and residents. Parks, trails, open space and recreation programs provide communities with many benefits. The purpose of the Riverdale Parks and Trails Assessment is to guide the City of Riverdale in maintaining and enhancing the community’s parks, trails and recreational opportunities.. This document provides current insight in the existing conditions of the parks, as well as connectivity and usage of trails. The planning process included reaching out to the community for their thoughts on the existing conditions of Riverdale’s parks and trails as well as what they would like to see in the future This document is also intended to guidebook for new recreational development in the City as the community grows.

The information in this report represents the results of an interactive and engaging public outreach program with Riverdale community members. Prior to inventory and data collection, the project team met with city staff and the Project Team to establish objectives and expectations for the project. To ensure the project the project started off on the right path, we outlined the following objectives for the plan. Riverdale’s New Housing Plan Process A new housing development on the west side of town is underway which will bring new families to Riverdale and additional revenues. New Step 1 residents may also present increased needs for Project Kickoff & Existing Conditions park facilities and trails - Prior Planning Documents Demand for New Amenities - Existing Conditions Analysis Has Increased - Existing Systems Maps The City is aware of community interest in - Project Team Meeting #1 updates to existing park and trail facilities and adding additional facility types. The planning process explored what the community would Step 2 like to keep and what they would like to see improved. Community Engagement Maintaining Eligibility for Park - Online Community Survey - Community Input Workshop and Recreation Projects - Public Engagement Promotion An essential reason for creating a parks and trails assessment plan is to utilize the assessment to increase the community’s ability to secure funding Step 3 for planned park system improvements.. Grant programs from the Department of Natural 2030 Parks Vision Document Resources award additional scoring points for - Draft Vision, Goals, Concepts and Action projects that demonstrate a relationship to local Plan Development recreation planning. Submitting this plan with an application for grant funding would provide - Project Team Meeting #2 for a more competitive application with a higher - Finalize Parks and Trails Needs chance of award. This assessment will also allow Assessment the City better incorporate planned parks and trail improvements into annual budgeting. - City Council Review and Consideration 1-2 - Chapter 1 Project Goals

One of the objectives of the assessment and process of is to communicate the importance of parks and recreation. Another goal is to help ensure that future investment in Riverdale’s parks and trails system meets the needs of the community.

The City of Riverdale requested the assistance of MSA Professional Services Inc. to complete a Parks and Trails Assessment. The process of developing the assessment would includes addressing safety, improvement of amenities and connectivity of the community. The planning effort was kicked off April of 2020, and the plan represents input gathered from the community, stakeholders, and City staff. A Community Survey and a Community Input Workshop were the primary tools utilized to guide the development of the assessment. Guidance on plan preparation was provided by City Staff and the Riverdale Parks and Trails Project Team. Meetings between the Project Team and the consultant provided input for the process and document content throughout the three phases of the project.

Project Goals Provide a framework for short, Provide opportunities to mid, and long-term improvements broaden the diversity of park and growth opportunities for users geographically, and being existing and future parks, and inclusive to all. trails.

Promote and improve safety and Provide Riverdale with a living accessibility within Riverdale’s usable document that can be easily parks and trails. amended and is implementable.

1-3 - Riverdale Parks and Recreation Assessment The Importance of Parks and Recreation and Trails

Parks are often the most important and highly prized components of any community. They are sources of civic pride and are essential to the physical, economic, environmental, and social health of communities and their residents. Planning is essential to a communities parks and recreation system in order to continue to meet the needs and wants of the community. It is important to always keep in mind the variety of benefits that parks and recreation add to the community

Health

When residents and visitors have access to parks, trails, and recreation facilities, they exercise more and are generally healthier and happier. Additionally increased exposure to natural areas that parks and open space provide has been linked in improved physical and mental health. Parks and trails encourage healthy, happy, active lifestyles

Recreation programs also contribute to community health. Recreation programs offered for all ages promote life-long learning and a supportive community atmosphere.

Cultural & Social

Parks have important social benefits. In a time when social media defines the interactions of many people, parks and recreational centers are places to meet, catch up with family members and friends, and feel like part of the larger community. As a focal point of neighborhoods, parks help develop connections between residents by providing a venue for community- building gatherings, like school trips, festivals, and celebrations. Significant natural features, like the and social gathering areas, like Bicentennial Park, have events for the enjoyment of both present and future community members.

1-4 - Chapter 1 Natural Resources

Parks and open space provide environmental benefits. Natural and planned vegetative landscapes found in parks, preserves and open spaces improve air quality and water quality. These areas also play a role in stormwater management and protecting the quality and vi- tality of natural areas. Riverdale also has the benefit of bordering the Mississippi River even though direct access is not available yet. The Mississippi River Trail, and connected pathways that bind Riverdale to regional trails, make the area’s natural resources and features accessi- ble to Riverdale’s residents..

Property Values

Numerous studies have shown that close proximity and access to parks, trails, and open space has a positive impact on residential property values. Commercial property values can also be increased with proximity $ to recreational amenities, creating potential for these sites to act as catalysts for future growth and development. Access to recreational amenities helps fuel growth and investment in local economies.

Beautification

Parks contribute to aesthetics of a community. Parkways, tree-lined streets, gardens, views of water bodies, public art, trails, and landscaped areas around town are all things that contribute to making a city a beautiful place to live, work, and play. Visitors often remember a place by its access to beautiful natural areas, contributing to a positive community image. Improved linkages should also connect community parks to other community nodes. Attractive, safe and well marked linkages make essential contributions to a city’s livability and viability.

1-5 - Riverdale Parks and Recreation Assessment Park and Open Space Standards

The definitions used in this plan are modifications of definitions used by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). They are used to classify the existing recreation system and to guide plans for the future. They begin with the smallest and most intensely used and the proceed to the largest and least used. Neighborhood and community parks are normally provided by municipalities. Larger recreation areas are normally provided by larger units of government or private enterprise. Classifications

Typically on a small lot (1/4 acre), located within a residential neighborhood. Usually have one facility and benches. - Desirable size - 2 acres or less - Acres/1,000 population: .25 to .5

Mini - Parks - Service Area: 1/8 to 1/4 mile radius

Serves the needs of children 5-15 years old. It provides open fields, courts, shelter facilities, and play area. It should be within walking distance. - Desirable size - 2-4 acres - Acres/1,000 population: 0.5 - 1.5 acres

Playgrounds - Service Area: 1/4 to 1/3 mile radius Neighborhood

This provides open space for all ages and enhances the overall environment. A natural location is ideal for this type, and it usually has tables benches, paths, lights, and is walkable.

Parks - Desirable size - 3-7 acres - Acres/1,000 population: 5.0 -8.0 acres

Neighborhood - Service Area: 1 to 2 mile radius

Serves the active needs of several neighborhoods. Includes more than a park such as a pool, community center, and fields for sporting events. - Desirable size - 5 or more acres (15-40) - Acres/1,000 population: 5.0 -8.0 acres Play-fields Community - Service Area: 1 to 2 mile radius

1-6 - Chapter 1 NRPA Classifications Continued

Intended to serve many neighborhoods. Tends to have woods, water features, trails, and picnic areas. Should be determined by the size of the population. - Desirable size - 3-7 acres - Acres/1,000 population: 5.0 -8.0 acres - Service Area: 1 to 2 mile radius Community Parks

Created to take advantage of a natural or unusual feature, or to preserve areas and provide recreation. Golf course, marinas and boat ramps could be considered this. - Desirable size - varies on function

Parks - Acres/1,000 population: varies on function - Service Area: varies on function Special Purpose Purpose Special

Usually located outside of the urban area and include large tracts of land that have limited development. Usually provided by state, federal or county governments. - Desirable size - varies on function

Preserves - Acres/1,000 population: varies on function - Service Area: varies on function Reservation and Reservation

Almost the same characteristics as the reservation or preserve; however it may be used to shape urban development. It could connect parks within an urban area. - Desirable size - varies on function - Acres/1,000 population: varies on function

Greenbelts - Service Area: varies on function

Special purpose parks designed to serve motorists. They are important to a tourist industry. Size and location depends on natural features. - Desirable size - varies on function

Waysides, Waysides, - Acres/1,000 population: varies on function - Service Area: varies on function Historic Markers Welcome Centers, Welcome

1-7 - Riverdale Parks and Recreation Assessment Regional Context

The City of Riverdale is located in Scott County, bordering the City of Bettendorf and Mississippi River. Approximately 30 miles from Clinton, 35 miles from Muscatine, 60 miles from Iowa City, and 85 miles from Cedar Rapids. Surrounding communities, Davenport, Bettendorf, Pleasant Valley and Le Claire have all experienced slight growth over the past decade. Within the next several years the City of Riverdale is expected to see considerable growth with the development of a large new housing subdivision, The Woods.

The region has a large parks and trails system that benefit Riverdale’s residents and visitors in the community. Shown on the next page is the Quad Cities Regional Bike Trial System, and a closer view of the Riverdale section of the Mississippi River Trail.

Source Iowa DOT

1-8 - Chapter 1 Parks Inventory The map shown below displays the existing parks in Riverdale. They are represented in orange outline and the City limits are shown in pink. The community is well served by the park system throughout the City of Riverdale and will hope to add a another park in the new housing development in the next couple of years. Print Date: 7/23/2020

Volunteer Square Park

Bicentennial Park

Van Gundy Park Peggy's Park

Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community, Esri, HERE, Garmin, (c) OpenStreetMap contributors essional Services, Inc\ArcGIS Projects\Riverdale Parks Mapping\Riverdale IA.aprx Printed By: cjanson, File: C:\Users\cjanson\OneDrive - MSA Prof essional Services, Inc\ArcGIS Projects\Riverdale Parks EXISTING PARKS Riverdale City Limits Waterbodies PARKS AND TRAIL SYSTEM NEEDS ASSESSMENT Riverdale Parks Open Space (Non-City)

Bettendorf Golf Courses Pleasant Valley Tennis Courts Bettendorf Parks Nature Conservancy Lands CITY OF RIVERDALE

0 250 500 Feet Data Sources: ESRI and Scott County SCOTT COUNTY, IOWA

1-9 - Riverdale Parks and Recreation Assessment Bicentennial Park This community park is the largest in Riverdale. It is located on the southern end of the city. The park is easily accessible from Manor Street by way of State Street and is not far from the Mississippi River. It features a shelter, a playground with swings, slides and climbing equipment, and green space.

Park Facilities

• Park Benches • Bicycle Racks • Portable Bathrooms • Grill • Shelter • Basketball Court and Hoop • Open Green Space • Playground • Climbing Equipment • Toddler Equipment Opportunities & Needs • Teeter-Totter • Pending Survey Results • Water Fountain • Parking Lot

Bicentennial Park Safety and Accessibility Concerns

• Pedestrian Safety in Parking Area • Pending Survey Results

1-10 - Chapter 1 Insert Aerial Image

1-11 - Riverdale Parks and Recreation Assessment Peggy’s Park This community park is also located on the southern end of Riverdale. The park is easily accessible from South Kensington Street via State Street and the Mississippi River Trail. It is surrounded by a residential area. It backs up to as it flows into the Mississippi River. It is a popular neighborhood park with a variety of amenities.

Park Facilities Opportunities & Needs

• Park Benches - Pending Survey Results • Bicycle Racks • Portable Bathrooms • Grill • Bus Shelter • Basketball Court and Hoop • Open Green Space • Playground • Toddler Equipment • Swings • Teeter-Totter • Water Fountain

Peggy’s Park Safety and Accessibility Concerns - Pending Survey Results

1-12 - Chapter 1 Insert Aerial Image

1-13 - Riverdale Parks and Recreation Assessment Volunteer Square Park This park was established by the City and is dedicated to Riverdale’s volunteer first responders, and armed forces service members. It is located on the corner of Windsor and Manor drive.

Park Facilities Opportunities & Needs • Amphitheater maintenance • Park Benches • Gazebo - Pending Survey Results • Parking Lot • Open Green Space • Natural Amphitheater • Kiosk • Monument

Volunteer Square Park Safety and Accessibility Concerns - Pending Survey Results

1-14 - Chapter 1 Insert Aerial Image

1-15 - Riverdale Parks and Recreation Assessment Van Gundy Park This is an established popular access point in Riverdale to the Duck Creek Parkway Trail, which connects to the nearby Mississippi River Trail. This busy Quad Cities trail goes through many parks and neighborhoods, follows Duck Creek through certain points and ends at Emeis Golf Course. In total the trail from the trailhead to the golf course is 14.8 miles. This access point provides parking, seating, restroom facilities, and a beautiful open space for variety of recreation activities.

Park Facilities Opportunities & Needs

• Park Benches - Pending survey results • Little Free Library • Water Fountain • Parking Lot • Trail Information Kiosk

Van Gundy Park

Safety and Accessibility Concerns

- Pending survey results

1-16 - Chapter 1 Insert Aerial Image

1-17 - Riverdale Parks and Recreation Assessment Mississippi River Trailhead The Mississippi River trail is a busy regional trail follows the Mississippi River and goes through many river towns as well as the country side. This access point provides parking for those wanting to utilize the Mississippi River Trail.

Trailhead Facilities Opportunities & Needs

• Parking Lot - Pending survey results • Trail Information Kiosk • Bike Stop-Shop • Portable Restroom

Mississippi Trailhead Safety and Accessibility Concerns

- Pending survey results

1-18 - Chapter 1 Insert Aerial Image

1-19 - Riverdale Parks and Recreation Assessment Parks Service Areas The map shown below displays the existing Riverdale Parks in green and the City limits are shown in pink. The orange boundary represents areas within a 1/4 mile distance to the parks. 1/4 mile is about a 5 minute walk. The developed neighborhoods of Riverdale are fairly well served by the existing parks system, though some developed areas and areas of proposed new development may be undeserved. Print Date: 7/23/2020

Volunteer Square Park

Bicentennial Park

Van Gundy Park Peggy's Park

Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community, Esri, HERE, Garmin, (c) OpenStreetMap contributors essional Services, Inc\ArcGIS Projects\Riverdale Parks Mapping\Riverdale IA.aprx Printed By: cjanson, File: C:\Users\cjanson\OneDrive - MSA Prof essional Services, Inc\ArcGIS Projects\Riverdale Parks EXISTING TRAILS, PARKS AND PARK SERVICE AREAS Riverdale Pleasant Valley Tennis Courts Bettendorf Golf Courses PARKS AND TRAIL SYSTEM NEEDS ASSESSMENT Riverdale Parks Nature Conservancy Lands Quarter Mile Buffer of Riverdale Parks

Trails Open Space (Non-City) Quarter Mile Buffer of Bettendorf Parks

SCCC Nature Trails Bettendorf Parks CITY OF RIVERDALE

0 250 500 Feet Data Sources: ESRI and Scott County SCOTT COUNTY, IOWA

1-20 - Chapter 1 Regional Trails The Quad Cities has an extensive trail system as shown in map. The City of Riverdale connects to the Mississippi River Trail at Mississippi Trailhead Park as well as along State Street in the City. This trail access connects Riverdale to a variety of other trails throughout the region as well. For more information visit: https://www.qctrails.org/

Source: qctrails.org

1-21 - Riverdale Parks and Recreation Assessment Trails Inventory The map shown below displays the existing trails in Riverdale. Trails are represented in Green and the City limits are shown in pink. The community is well served by the existing trail systems throughout the City of Riverdale that connect them to the larger network throughout the Quad Cities area. Print Date: 7/23/2020

Belm ond Rd Trail

Sc o llege tt y Co S C unit id

o m e m p

a

t h

n o ti c e S le a rd e iv R - il ra T r e iv R i p ip ss si is M

reek P C a k c rk u w D a y

l i

a

r

T

t

n

o

r

f r

e Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, v

i USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community, Esri, HERE, Garmin, (c) R OpenStreetMap contributors essional Services, Inc\ArcGIS Projects\Riverdale Parks Mapping\Riverdale IA.aprx Printed By: cjanson, File: C:\Users\cjanson\OneDrive - MSA Prof essional Services, Inc\ArcGIS Projects\Riverdale Parks EXISTING TRAILS Riverdale City Limits SCCC Nature Trails PARKS AND TRAIL SYSTEM NEEDS ASSESSMENT Paved Multi-Use Trail Routes Waterbodies

CITY OF RIVERDALE

0 250 500 Feet Data Sources: ESRI and Scott County SCOTT COUNTY, IOWA

1-22 - Chapter 1 Mississippi River Trail The maps below show the entirety of the Mississippi River Trail as well as an up close view of the portion that goes though Riverdale. For more information visit: https://www.qctrails.org/

MISSISSIPPI RIVER TRAIL (MRT): IOWA

The Mississippi River Trail (MRT) in the Quad Cities Region passes through numerous riverfront communities and countryside; the terrain is flat and surface is asphalt and concrete. Sweeping riverfront vistas are abundant all along the trail.

QUICK FACTS MISSISSIPPI RIVER TRAIL (MRT): RIVERDALE Trail Activity SECTION 2 kMma p data ©2020 Imagery ©R2e0p2o0r tT ae rmraaMp ertroicrs Bettendorf (IA), Buffalo (IA), Town Davenport (IA), VIEW CONNECTOR TRAILS Riverdale (IA)

County Scott County (IA) American Discovery Trail (ADT) Show | View Trail Posting

Difficulty Easy, Moderate George Thuenen Drive Sidewalk Show | View Trail Posting Leach Park Trail Show | View Trail Posting Length 18.5 miles, Network Lindsay Park Trail Show | View Trail Posting Surface Paved, Road, Paved Mississippi River Trail (MRT): Davenport Section Show | View Trail Posting Pets Mississippi River Trail (MRT): Riverdale Section Show | View Trail Posting

Fees Mississippi River Trail (MRT): Bettendorf Section Show | View Trail Posting This new trail extends the popular Mississippi River Trail (MRT): Buffalo Section Show | View Trail Posting Mississippi River Trail into the Town of Riverdale. Sidepath Show | View Trail Posting QUICK FACTS TRAILHEAD INFORMATION

Trail Activity

Town Riverdale (IA) There are many access points and trailheads that MRT (Iowa) trail enthusiasts can utilize. The trail parallels the County Scott County (IA) Mississippi River, and there are numerous trailheads next to or near the road, such as in Park, Difficulty Easy Veterans Memorial Park, LeClaire Park, and Lindsay Park in Davenport; Leach Park in Bettendorf; and parking in Length 1.9 miles Riverdale at South Bellingham St. and State St. (just off of U.S. Highway 67);

Surface Paved Map data ©2020 Imagery ©202200 m, M axar Technologies, USDA FarRmep Soertr vai cmea Ap geerrnocry

Pets1-23 - Riverdale Parks and Recreation Assessment Source: qctrails.org VDIEESWC CROIPNTNIOENCTOR TRAILS Fees Belmont Road Sidepath The BelmontBELM RoadON SidepathT RO isA a multi-useD SID pathEP AthatT Hconnects Riverdale from Scott Community College and Pleasant Valley High School to Bettendorf. This trail connects with Devils Glen Road Sidepath in Bettendorf, Middle Road Sidepath in Bettendorf, and the Scott Community College Sidepath in Riverdale.

th is a cts other nd on-road y High ity College.

(IA), A)

Map data ©2020 Imagery ©202200 m, M axar Technologies, USDA FarRmep Soertr vai cmea Ap geerrnocry y (IA) Source: qctrails.org rate, VIEW CONNECTOR TRAILS etwork Quick Facts Connections Devils Glen Road Sidepath Show | View Trail Posting Trail Activity Walking, Running Middle Roandad S Bikingidepath Show | View Trail Posting Town Scott ComBettendorfmunity College Sidepath Show | View Trail Posting Riverdale CountyTRAILHEScottAD County INFORMATION Difficulty Easy, Moderate, Difficult The sidepath is accessible all along Belmont Road from Devils Glen Road at its western terminus to Middle Road Length 1.1 miles, network and Valley Drive at its eastern terminus to the Scott Community College and Pleasant Valley High School SurfaceCampuses. Paved Pets Dogs on Leash FeesDESCRIPNoTION

This 1.5 mile sidepath is part of a network of multi-use trails, paths, and on-road facilities in Bettendorf, IA. It runs along Belmont Road and connects the Devils Glen Road Sidepath, Middle Road Sidepath, and Scott 1-24 - CChapterommunity 1 College Sidepath. It passes Pleasant Valley High School. The path is separated from the road, ten feet wide, and perfect for walking, biking, and running. Duck Creek Parkway Trail The DuckDU CreekCK Parkway CRE ETrailK is P a ApavedRK multiWA useY trailTR runningAIL parallel to Duck Creek. It is a total of 14.8 miles long and connects Riverdale to Bettendorf and Davenport. This trail also connects to the Devils Glen Road Sidepath in Bettendorf and the Mississippi River Trail, Riverdale Section which in its entirety is 18.5 miles long.

s a paved allel to c rs to work of Quad Cities sissippi

2 km Map data ©2020 Imagery ©R2e0p2o0r tT ae rmraaMp ertroicrs Source: qctrails.org VIEW CONNECTOR TRAILS (IA), Quick Facts Connections IA) Born Learning Trails Show | View Trail Posting y (IA) Trail Activity Walking, Running Devils Gleandn Ro Bikingad Sidepath Show | View Trail Posting rate Town Bettendorf TRAILHEDavenportAD INFORMATION Riverdale County Scott County The Duck Creek Parkway trail can be accessed at many parks and trailheads along the 12.2 mile path, including Difficulty Easy/Moderate Devils Glen Park and Veterans Memorial Park in Bettendorf and Duck Creek Park, Eastern Avenue Park, Garfield Length 14.8 Park, Junge Park, Marquette Park, Northwest Park, and Emeis Park in Davenport. Surface Paved PetsDESCRIPDogsTI OonN Leash Fees No

The Duck Creek Parkway Trail, a hard-surface, separated multiuse corridor, runs parallel to Duck Creek through Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa. Beginning in Emeis Park in west Davenport, the trail continues to Havens Acres Park in Riverdale. Largely used for recreation, the trail also connects many different neighborhoods to 1-25 - Riverdalecommercia lParks distric andts, sc hRecreationools, parks, aAssessmentnd other major transportation corridors as it runs through the heart of the Iowa Quad Cities Area. Scott Community College Sidepath The ScottSCO CommunityTT CO CollegeMM USidepathNITY is aC multi-useOLLE networkGE S ofID pathsEP AconnectingTH the buildings and grounds of the college in Riverdale. The trail is accessible from many locations within the campus and connects to the Belmont Road Sidepath, The and the Mississippi River Trail.

ge work of ngs and y College

(IA)

Map data ©2020 Imagery ©202200 m, M axar Technologies, USDA FarRmep Soertr vai cmea Ap geerrnocry twork VIEW CONNECTOR TRAILS ed Quick Facts Connections Belmont Road Sidepath Show | View Trail Posting Trail ActivityMississippWalking,i River Tr aRunningil (MRT): Riverdale Section Show | View Trail Posting Mississippandi Riv eBikingr Trail (MRT): Bettendorf Section Show | View Trail Posting TownMississippRiverdalei River Trail (MRT): Iowa Show | View Trail Posting County Scott County

DifficultyTRAILHEEasyAD INFORMATION Length 2.1 miles, network SurfaceThe sidepath is aPaved,ccessi bGravel/le from many locations on the Scott Community College campus at 500 Belmont Road, Bettendorf, IA 5Crushed2722. Stone/ Cinder PetsDESCRIPDogsTIO onN Leash Fees No

This 1.1 mile network of paths connects the buildings and grounds of Scott Community College in Riverdale, IA. In some places the path travels along Belmont Road and at others it diverges as a separate path. The sidepath is appropriate for biking where the surface is concrete and for walking and running only where unpaved. 1-26 - Chapter 1 ELEVATION PROFILE