The River Vision Plan created a framework for Rock Island and Davenport to orchestrate new development and public space improvements in a manner that will refocus both communities back to the river. Rock Island’s specific opportunities include improved access to the river, additional river oriented open space and infill development opportunities.

On Monday, February 18th, the Mayor and City Council approved the Revised Silhouette Concept for the new riverfront park. The City Council suggested the following changes to Schreiber / Anderson and Associates’ (SAA) original Armory Silhouette Concept drawing, some of which were imported from the Arc Concept:

• Limited parking adjacent to the 19th Street side of the park for day time park use, disabled and drop-off functions
  
• Water Course feature rather than Water Wall adjacent to the Great Lawn and Upper Lawn areas on the park’s west side
  
• Raised shelter / small stage adjacent to Water Course
  
• Enhanced Observation Tower with wind screen on the park’s northwest side, adjacent to the Mississippi River
  
• Eliminate Mississippi River pier
  
• Modified entry feature at 18th Street
  
• Upper Promenade with shade structures
  
  

The project goals are:

• Maximize use and flexibility of the green
  
• Iconic space on river
  
• Aesthetically pleasing, creative design
  
• Water access – physical & visual
  
• Public boat docks
  
• Retain flood control
  
• Capture river views
  
• Meet park programming needs
  
• Linkage to downtown and The District
  
• Enhance downtown and riverfront redevelopment opportunity
  
  

The Revised Silhouette Concept drawing by SAA reflects the above features, functions and improvements.

The public played an important role in assisting the City Council to develop the Revised Silhouette Concept by offering opinions about the functions and facilities the park should offer and how it should relate to Downtown Rock Island and District activities.

With this phase of the process now complete and approved by City Council, the next steps are for SAA to proceed to the Preliminary Design Development stage (30% level) of the previously approved consultant services contract.

On May 5, 2008, The City Council reviewed the most updated Revised Silhouette Concept. Click here to see the presentation.