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Wheelchair access on tap for Davenport Ferris wheel

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The Ferris wheel at Modern Woodmen Park, home of the Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League), will be upgraded for wheelchair access for the coming season.

The announcement was made by the City of Davenport, Genesis and the River Bandits. The upgrade will encompass a gondola dedicated for use by two wheelchairs to enjoy a comfortable ride on the 105-foot Ferris wheel that opened in 2014.

“Modern Woodmen Park has been named the best park in all of minor league baseball. We want everyone to fully experience everything the park has to offer,’’ said Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba. “This announcement is possible today because of a private-public partnership between the River Bandits ownership, Genesis and the city.’’

“Everyone should be able to enjoy one of the best attractions the Quad Cities has to offer,’’ says Ken Croken, vice president of corporate communications, Genesis Health System.  “Genesis Health System has one of the largest physical medicine and rehabilitation departments in Iowa and when we think in terms of the needs of our patients, this is a priority.’’

“We at the River Bandits love to break new ground and set new and higher standards, and that’s exactly what we are doing here,” says River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “Together in partnership with Genesis Health System and the City of Davenport, we are setting a new standard for accessibility to a Ferris wheel nationally. People with disabilities in the Quad Cities will be able to access our Ferris wheel more easily and more comfortably than people anywhere in the nation. Working with our good friends at Genesis and the City of Davenport, we are all joining forces to bring the joys of baseball, amusement rides and memorable, family-friendly recreation and entertainment to everyone in the Quad Cities community.”

The Ferris wheel is scheduled to re-open for 2015 in May.

RELATED STORIES: 2014 Ballpark Improvement: Quad Cities River Bandits

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