Contact Information:
Parks and Recreation Department
1320 24th Street
Rock Island, Illinois 61201
Mon - Fri, 8:00a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Telephone: (309) 732-7275
E-mail: parkrecmail@rigov.org

Park Location Map (pdf)

Map of the Park

Tour of the Park

Hours of Operation:
Park: Sunrise to 10:00 p.m.

Amenities:

• Bald Eagle observation area
• Interpretive signs
• Natural area
• Picnic area

Other Features:Parking for adjacent 64 mile Great River Trail. and Sylvan Slough access.

About...It took seven years for the City of Rock Island to transform a blighted industrial property on the Mississippi River into a unique demonstration area for Retain the Rain, a program of not-for-profit organization River Action. The Natural Area incorporates native plantings, bioswails, permeable paving and other initiatives designed to educate the public about reduction of storm water runoff.

Buildings were surgically deconstructed to form the architectural features of the natural area and to reincorporate salvaged material into the landscape. Materials suitable for reuse onsite were separated from materials hauled to a landfill. Brick was ground up and used as permeable paths, and precast panels were removed intact to be used as risers and walkways.

The Natural Area is adjacent to the Great River Recreational Trail and offers views of the historic Sylvan Island, Arsenal Island and the Arsenal Power Dam. Interpretive signage describes water retention features of the Natural Area, the innovative method used to clean up contaminated soils on the site, the history of Sylvan Slough and the building of the power dams.