The expansion would add nearly 200 RV sites to the area. Planners are considering other additions like boat rentals, ‘treehouses’ and upgraded facilities.
The city of Rock Island is looking at options to expand Sunset Park and Marina, with a focus on adding RV campgrounds.
At a Monday, Feb. 12 study session, Rock Island City Council looked at the feasibility study of the project created by a contracted firm. The plans include 199 RV sites, tent campgrounds, ‘treehouse’ and river boat rentals, floating water play areas and refurbishing existing amenities.
“We’ve seen in the past that it’s tough for a marina to survive by itself,” Rock Island Parks and Recreation Director John Gripp said. “If we’re gonna turn Sunset Marina into a new marina, you need to have other amenities there like paddle board rentals, boat rentals … you need to be able to maximize the income.”
Sunset Park is within Council Member Randy Hurt’s area, the 2nd ward.
“Just speaking to the residents, we feel there’s a need for a campsite area down there,” Hurt said.
The expansive project could come with a heavy cost.
“If we were to do everything and anything that you could do at Sunset, in terms of a campground, you’re looking at anywhere from $15 to 18 million,” Gripp said.
Gripp emphasized that the talks right now are very early and that there are options for smaller projects.
Some parkgoers like Kathleen Connell aren’t happy with the idea.
“It’ll be interesting to see what the study says and what plans they actually have, but giving up green space would be a no-go for me,” Connell said.
Connell moved to Rock Island in the 1970s because of the parks. She thought the city should maintain the parks better and advertise their natural beauty.
“People want to be outside, and they need a place to go. And it’s great to be here along the river. I just can’t imagine an RV campsite not degrading also,” Connell said.
News 8’s Jonathan Fong asked Gripp about Connell’s opinion; he said he would advocate for the preservation of public space that would co-exist with the campground area, and said the development would help with upkeep.
“When you talk about park maintenance, and the challenges we have there financially, this is a way to generate revenue that would help offset that and even bring some of those standards higher,” Gripp said.
The project is early on in development; city planners have to develop a master land use plan and a financial model before the city council would vote to approve any major steps like construction. Gripp said there is not a certain timeline on how work will continue.
