Prospect Park Restoration and Revitalization Plan

If you haven't been to Prospect Park recently, we hope you will visit soon and see the improvements that have been made to this historic park. Spend the day fishing in the pond or try your hand at disc golf at the new tournament grade course. Enjoy a picnic or family gathering at the newly restored turn-of-the-century pavilion. Take a walk along the new Trinity fitness trails or simply take in the beauty and serenity of the park while resting on a park bench. Whatever you do, we hope you will "Take Time to Play" and enjoy all that Prospect Park has to offer. For information on reserving the Prospect Park Pavilion for a future event, call 524-2424.

Prospect Park Revitalization Project History
In late summer of 2002, the City Administrator brought together a small group of individuals with the hope of creating interest in the restoration of this historic asset. Included in this original group was Gerald Taylor, Publisher of the Dispatch, who agreed to serve as Chairman of the “Prospect Park Revitalization Advisory Committee.” In January 2003, the advisory committee consisting of business leaders, interested citizens and city staff, formed and developed a Revitalization Plan that seeks to bring expanded uses and modern conveniences to Prospect Park while restoring its original Victorian architectural character.

The $1.2 million dollar Park Revitalization Plan called for the following enhancements:

Phase I - Excavation of the 2-acre pond to a depth of ten feet, restoring a healthy habitat for fish and other wildlife, and shoreline stabilization and landscaping are complete. Native grass has been planted and park benches made of recyclable materials have been installed. It has been 50 years since Prospect Pond has been restored.
Phase II - Restoration of the park pavilion to its original appearance circa 1903 is complete. Restoration included painting of the pavilion, repairing the cedar roof, replacing the existing closed wood rail with an open rail system, installation of new wood floor, upgrades to the restrooms, upgrading and adding exterior lighting and landscaping. The restoration began in late November 2004 and was completed in June of 2005. The warming shelter was refurbished to coordinate with the pavilion. A dedication ceremony was held on June 16, 2005 to celebrate the completion of Phase I & II.

Phase III - Construction of the new Trinity Trails is now complete. The two mile fitness trails, which run throughout the park, were designed and sponsored in partnership with Trinity Regional Health System. The year-round 10,300 steps (2 mile) fitness/nature trail features varying degrees of walking difficulty. Also included in Phase III is an 18-hole disc golf course, a gazebo over looking the pond, parking improvements, a drinking fountain at the playground, benches, directional signs and large areas of wild flowers and native grasses. The cost of Phase III construction was $500,000. The Prospect Park disc golf course is a premier course, and is the first one in Moline. Click here to view the disc golf score card. Access disc golf course information.

A grand rededication event was held on Saturday, August 19, 2006 with activities and fun for the entire family. View the flash audio slide show on the Prospect Park Grand rededication.

The Revitalization Plan was designed to increase usage of Prospect Park and offer a variety of year-round recreational activities. Seasonal activities include: cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, and ice-skating in the winter; sand volleyball, disc golf, baseball and fishing in the summer. In addition, the pavilion makes a beautiful setting for picnics, weddings, family reunions and company meetings. For information on reserving the Prospect Park Pavilion for a future event, call 524-2424.

Funding
The project was funded through a combination of grants, private donations, city general funds, and bond issuance. This includes $450,000 designated by the City Council and Moline Park Board, a State of Illinois Oslad grant of $400,000, $50,000 from the Moline Rotary, $17,500 from the Quad Cities Disc Golf Association, and $30,000 in funds raised by volunteers to go toward the gazebo. Additional funding was raised through fundraising events and private donations.

Revitalization of Prospect Park supports the City Council’s goal of quality neighborhoods and a vibrant park system. “The formulation of the Prospect Park advisory committee and the development of the master plan is an example of how citizens and city staff can work together to improve the quality of life in our city parks and neighborhoods, ” said Doug House, General Manager, Municipal Services. For questions regarding Prospect Park Revitalization, contact Doug House at 524-2401or e-mail at dhouse@moline.il.us.

The City of Moline is seeking citizens, neighborhood organizations or civic groups who may be interested in adopting Prospect Park (or a section of the park) as part of the city’s Adopt-A-Park Program. Through Adopt-A-Park, volunteer groups take responsibility for a Moline park for a one-year period. Typical activities include trash pick-up and annual clean up, but may also include enhancements such as weeding and planting flowers. Volunteer groups are encouraged to present their ideas for improvement of their adopted park. Citizens or groups may call 524-2424 for more information on this program.

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