More improvements on tap for Modern Woodmen Park, the home of the Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League): a new floodwall and walkway will be installed next to the Mississippi River, while a gravel parking lot will be paved and the plaza outside the front gates upgraded.
“When the city first shared the vision of this with us we were very excited about it,” said River Bandits General Manager Kirk Goodman. “Then when we saw the actual plans for the project, we were even more thrilled about what is in store for Modern Woodmen Park. We are extremely grateful to have such wonderful partners as the city government, the city administration and everyone at public works who are really dedicated in sharing our vision that Modern Woodmen Park is the best ballpark in Minor League Baseball and making it an even better place for our guests.”
The improvements to the front plaza will improve the look of the area in front of the ballpark near the main gate. Decorative brick columns will be installed that will serve as the supports for removable flood walls to enhance future flood prevention measures and eliminate the need for sandbagging around the ballpark. These structures are designed to match the current architecture of the ballpark and can withstand flood crests of up to 24 feet.
“The people that have stayed with baseball in the City of Davenport through the thick and thin through the floods, the fans are the ones who really need to be acknowledged here,” said Davenport Mayor Pro Tem Barney Barnhill. “There were a lot of individuals that have been supportive of this effort for a number of years other councils and other mayors have brought us to the point where we are today. And this council is very supportive of the improvements and final phases of the parking lot here and temporary wall to prevent flooding.”
The design also includes decorative concrete in the shape of a baseball diamond and other baseball related designs. Across Gains street, the existing gravel lot is set to get a facelift as well. The city will provide $1.1 million to pave the current parking lot under the Centennial Bridge and further west. The parking lot will include 200 spaces with room to expand to 400.
Construction is expected to be completed in time for the River Bandits 2011 season opener.
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