"A VERY good thing" for Davenport ....

The Roosevelt Community Center, and park, is a simple concept and a VERY good thing for Davenport.

Everything about the RCC centers on building a neighborhood and a community in the 1st Ward. The center, and surrounding park area (Harbor Road Park), exudes life day in and day out. Children play on the playground equipment, kids are hooping it up on the basketball court, and hundreds of children play on some of the best baseball and softball fields in town. And this all occurs outside the RCC.

Step inside to the former elementary school and you have a re-use at its' finest. The school has transformed into a community center with no shortage of activities: tumbling, martial arts, dance, after school programs, an egg hunt, bike safety programs, arts and crafts, cheerleading classes, and camps are all offered. In addition to this, the center hosts community meetings. The RCC is a flurry of activity to say the least. The Boys/Girls Club is also considering a move into the facility.

The RCC is an anchor within the Garden Addition; a proud neighborhood that has dedicated efforts to spruce up this corner of West Davenport. The people are friendly and have strong work ethics. This is evident by the stronger bonds forming with parents and the children. It might not be picture perfect, every neighborhood has its' challenges, but this neighborhood is doing things the right way. Pro-active efforts to reach out to the community and do the right things are quite evident.

Now the RCC is forming a committee to oversee and direct operations. The committee has an exciting vision that looks at the big picture and strives for the next level. Robbin and Rick Dunn are two of the leaders in the Garden Addition and have helped make sure the RCC continues down a path of success. With assistance from the Parks & Recreation Department and former alderperson Roxanna Moritz a foundation has been laid.

The RCC, and park, can be a model for other areas of the city. It is my hope that more centers, such as this, emerge and reach our children at the pivotal age to help them turn a corner and understand a true sense of community at a young age. I attended a meeting, earlier in the week, the RCC is looking to add landscaping, develop a community garden, and expand parking. These efforts are something I will support to the best of my abilities.

I am pleased to say this group is well on its' way to setting the standard for other neighborhoods and I genuinely thank them for their efforts!

More info:
http://www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/leisure/parks/rcc/index.htm

Location:
1220 Minnie Avenue
Intersection of Minnie Avenue and South Concord St.
(Between Rockingham and West River)