THE LANDING: A Community Water Park, Versatile Ice Rink, and Unique Recreational Center Coming Soon to Bettendorf

Bettendorf City Council Approves Premier Partnership with the YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley

The City of Bettendorf is now in planning mode to build brand-new amenities for the community that will save taxpayers money and not require any tax increases.

On October 4, 2022, the Bettendorf City Council voted to move forward with three resolutions:

  1. A Shared Use Agreement with the YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley to Create a City-Owned, YMCA-Operated Water Park (Click here to learn more about this amenity.)
  2. The Sale of the Life Fitness Center to the YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley to Transform into a Youth-Focused Recreational Center (Click here to learn more about this amenity.)
  3. A Contract with RDG Planning & Design for Final Design of a State-of-the-Art Water Park and Permanent Ice Rink (Click here to learn more about this amenity.)

So, what happens now? As our city goes through the process of turning drawings and designs into reality, we will keep you updated every step of the way on this page. 

Click here to see answers to the most frequently-asked questions regarding this project and WHAT’S NEXT now that City Council has made its decision.

TASK
 ESTIMATED TIME FRAME PROGRESS STATUS RESPONSIBILITY
Approved Shared Use Agreement with YMCA & Professional Services Contract with RDG October 2022 Complete City of Bettendorf/YMCA
Schematic Design October 2022 Complete RDG Design Team
Design Development November 2022 Complete RDG Design Team
Construction Documents January 2023-March 2023 Complete RDG Design Team
Bidding Phase April 2023 IN PROGRESS City of Bettendorf/RDG Design Team
Construction May 2023-May 2024 Not Started Contractor (TBD)

UPDATES
March 21, 2023 - Out for Bid
On March 21, 2023, the Bettendorf City Council approved a resolution approving the plans, specifications, and form of contract for The Landing. This means the project is now out for bid. Bids from General Contractors are due April 11, 2023. At that time, City Staff will evaluate all the bids and come up with a recommendation that will be discussed and voted on by City Council at its Regular Meeting on April 18, 2023. If the bid is approved, demolition of Splash Landing will start sometime in May 2023 and construction of Phase 1 - a new, state-of-the-art Community Water Park - will begin soon after.

Phase 1 includes building a 12,500 square foot activity pool that is 30-40% bigger than Splash Landing's pool. There will also be a 3,700 square foot splash pad, a 430-foot long lazy river, and a three-story-high slide tower with three slides. Phase 1 also involves the construction of several buildings: an administration building, a community gathering building, a restroom facility, a storage facility, and a pool pump house. The plan is to complete Phase 1 in May 2024 and open the new amenity in time for Memorial Day Weekend.

Phase 2 includes building a Versatile Ice Rink. The plan is to start construction in Fall 2024 and open this new amenity in December 2024.

You can learn more about The Landing in Mayor Bob Gallagher's Message - released March 24, 2023:



March 7, 2023 - City Council Approves Next Step in Development Process
On March 7, 2023, the Bettendorf City Council unanimously approved a resolution setting the date for a Public Hearing and directing the advertising of bids for The Landing. This is the first step of the approval process for a public improvement project. Several additional actions will be coming soon - including the consideration of a Site Development Plan by both the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council, in addition to another Public Hearing on the plans and specifications, followed by a consideration to award the contract.

November 22, 2022 - Scott County Regional Authority Awards First Grant to The Landing 
On November 22, 2022, the Scott County Regional Authority (SCRA) held its Fall 2022 Awards Ceremony and distributed 52 grants to projects in our community - totaling $1,617,863.

One of those projects is The Landing, which received its first grant from the SCRA - totaling $166,667. The SCRA has a total commitment to The Landing of $4,000,000, which will equal 24 grants over 24 cycles (Fall and Spring). 

This commitment from the SCRA will help pay for The Landing's Community Water Park, which is funded by three separate parties - the City, YMCA, and Private Donors - explained here.