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The expansion would add nearly 200 RV sites to the area. Planners are considering other additions like boat rentals, ‘treehouses’ and upgraded facilities.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The city of Rock Island is looking at options to expand Sunset Park and Marina, with a focus on adding RV campgrounds.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n “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.”<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Sunset Park is within Council Member Randy Hurt’s area, the 2nd ward.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n “Just speaking to the residents, we feel there’s a need for a campsite area down there,” Hurt said.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The expansive project could come with a heavy cost.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n “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.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Gripp emphasized that the talks right now are very early and that there are options for smaller projects.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Some parkgoers like Kathleen Connell aren’t happy with the idea.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n “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.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n “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.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 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. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n “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.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n