Centennial Park pavilion design gets narrow OK
Designs for a scaled-back, slightly less expensive concession and restroom pavilion in Davenport’s Centennial Park were narrowly approved by aldermen Wednesday night.
On a 6-4 vote, the City Council approved a schematic design by local architectural firm Gere-Dismer for an 1,100- to 1,200-square-foot building at an estimated cost of $375,000.
The pavilion has been a contentious issue on the council and among the public at large since March, when aldermen expressed “sticker shock” at the then-estimated price tag of $500,000.
Early design proposals called for a 1,500-square-foot building and additional amenities that have since been removed. Gone from the new design is a storage area for possible bicycle and sports gear rentals and indoor eating areas. However, a
3,000-square-foot picnic area under a shaded trellis remains.
Alderman Ray Ambrose, 4th Ward, has consistently been the most outspoken critic of the pavilion. He again urged against accepting the design plans Wednesday, saying it was irresponsible to move forward while issues such as graffiti at the skatepark remain unresolved.
Alderman Bill Lynn, 5th Ward, also expressed concern at the price. “It’s still very unclear to me how we can have a couple restrooms and a concession stand at this cost,” he said. “Anyone could tell you that you can build yourself a real nice house in this community for that amount. I’m just not relating to these numbers.”
City Administrator Craig Malin cautioned against comparing residential and public construction.
The pavilion, he noted, must be built to withstand heavy use by numerous people, necessitating rugged construction material. That includes poured concrete walls, no-finish interiors, metal roofing products and a hard Brazilian wood for the trellis that the architect said should last for 50 years and does not need to be painted or treated.
The entire facility also must comply with the federal Americans With Disabilities Act.
In addition to bathrooms and concessions, the building will house mechanicals and controls for lighting, irrigation and other needs throughout the entire 55-acre park.
“I don’t believe this design is overly grandiose,” he said. “It’s an efficient and cost-conscious structure.”
Although the council approved the schematic plan, final design and funding will be voted on at a future date.
During the discussion, 3rd Ward Alderman Keith Meyer questioned whether money spent on initial Centennial Park design — including a possible pavilion south of the railroad tracks — should count toward the new plans. Malin said the planning previously paid for was more general and did not result in drawings of a pavilion and added that the city’s failure to meet timelines and choosing a new location for the building led to the hiring of Gere-Dismer.
Tory Brecht can be contacted at (563) 383-2329 or tbrecht@qctimes.com.
HOW THEY VOTED
Davenport aldermen narrowly approved a schematic design for a new restroom, concession and utility pavilion in Centennial Park expected to cost $375,000. Here’s how they voted:
1st Ward Alderman Ron Van Fossen - Yes
2nd Ward Alderman Shawn Hamerlinck - No
3rd Ward Alderman Keith Meyer - No
4th Ward Alderman Ray Ambrose - No
5th Ward Alderman Bill Lynn - No
6th Ward Alderman Charlie Brooke - Yes
7th Ward Alderman Barney Barnhill - Yes
8th Ward Alderman Brian Dumas - Yes
At large Alderman Ian Frink - Yes
At large Alderman Jamie Howard - Yes