News
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The Riverboat Development Authority Offers Support for Park Improvements
The Riverboat Development Authority has granted the Schuetzenpark Gilde $6,000 for
general improvements within the Park. On the list of spring projects is: patio for
the out-door fireplace, tree removal around the Street Car Pavilion, new or refreshed
"welcome" and trailhead signs and general trail improvements. This gift is greatly
appreciated and will go far to continue the restoration of the Hisotric Site.
Quad City Brass Quintet Performance
The Quad City Brass Quintet performs under the clear summer sky at the August 29th "Graf Zeppelin Tribute." Around 200 guests attended the event that celebrated the 80th anniversary of the airship's visit to Davenport. Souvenir postcards and ribbons from the event are still available on the "Support" page of this website.
The Barley House Band Plays at the Park
The merry and lively Irish tunes of the Barley House Band filled the "Festplatz" at Schuetzen Park on Sunday, July 26th. About 100 guests attended this second in a series of concerts being held at the Park this summer.
Volunteers Needed To Help In Park
We can use your help in a variety of ways on the following Saturdays. Projects within the Park may include trail maintenance, placing mulch,
working in the flower beds, cleaning benches and tables etc. All workdays are from 9:00am-12pm and light refreshments will be free for all who assist.
Please check-in at the Jens Lorenzen Pavillion for a list of what needs to be done on a given day: July 18, August 22 and September 26.
You can email SchuetzenPark@yahoo.com in advance for further info.
Honored Guest at Schuetzen Park
(Left to Right: Noreen Steenbock, Carolyn Berger-Parsons, Kory Darnall & Jim Stelk)
Carolyn Berger-Parsons, great-great granddaughter of Jens Lorenzen was greeted by a delegation from the Schuetzenpark Gilde and the Davenport Schuetzen Verein on Tuesday, May 12 at an informal reception in the Pavillion named after her great-great Grandfather. Stories, photos and plans for the future of the Park were shared on the beautiful spring day. It was great to make Carolyn, and her husband Gil's, acqaintance. We hope they will return soon to the Park that her great-great Grandfather helped to create in 1868.
Carolyn Berger-Parsons, great-great granddaughter of Jens Lorenzen was greeted by a delegation from the Schuetzenpark Gilde and the Davenport Schuetzen Verein on Tuesday, May 12 at an informal reception in the Pavillion named after her great-great Grandfather. Stories, photos and plans for the future of the Park were shared on the beautiful spring day. It was great to make Carolyn, and her husband Gil's, acqaintance. We hope they will return soon to the Park that her great-great Grandfather helped to create in 1868.
Traditional "Bird-Shoot" Held at Schuetzen Park Oktoberfest
Theresa Stelk of Davenport takes aim with a crossbow at the "Kaiser's Adler" at the Schuetzen Park Oktoberfest on Sept. 28th. The traditional "bird-shoot" was part of the day's festivities which included a polka mass, Volksmarch and live German music.
Deer Lagoon Restoration
An historical element of the Schuetzen Park will soon be restored thanks to a gift from The Riverboat Development Authority. The Park's "Deer Lagoon" was the center piece of the Park's nature attractions for many decades. Years of erosion, however, allowed silt to fill the pond, which eventually became overgrown with vegetation. In partnership with the Davenport Good Samaritan Center, The Schuetzenpark Gilde will excavate the lagoon site and attempt to return it to it's original function and appearance. Landscaping will conclude the project in the spring of 2008.
Olde Towne Circus Band Performance
The Olde Towne Circus Band performed on May 27 in the Schuetzen Park before a crowd of 100. Sunshine and perfect temps only amplified the audience's response to tunes such as "Der Wacht am Rhein" and "Wien bleibt Wien." The concert was a first in a series of monthly performances at the Park. The series is underwritten in part by Quad City Arts. The next performance is Sunday, June 17, "Father's Day Concert" featuring the Windjammers Dixieland Jazz Band.
Eagle Scout Troop #373 Offers a Helping Hand
Joe Nagle, of Eagle Scout Troop # 373, completed several projects at the Schuetzen Park in the fall of 2006. Joe organized his troop to install split rail fencing, construct a section of trail fence and steps, removed invasive honeysuckle from the woods, and girdled invasive Black Locust trees, as recommended by the state forester. Joe and his group also helped clean up a huge oak tree that had fallen in the Park's Festplatz.
Scott County Green Party Election Picnic
Oct. 15, 2006 - The Scott County Green Party held an election season picnic at Schuetzen Park featuring Green Party candidate for Iowa Governor Wendy Barth (center with scarf). Party representatives pledged support for sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture, the development of more sources of clean and renewable energy and the humane treatment for animals.
Bavarian Wayside Shrine Added
The Bavarian Wayside Shrine is the newest attraction at the Schuetzen Park. Dedicated in memory of Phyllis Ruth, the Shrine is reminiscent of those found in the foothills of the Alps. Pictured here are: Top row - Leo Ruth, Brady Cale, Austin Cale, Kelly Cale, Maverick Cale. Bottom Row – Parker Ruth, Emma Ruth, Kristin Manion & Gabby Manion. The Shrine can be found in the “Hasenheide” on the far east end of the Park. The Shrine will be blessed on Sept. 24, 2006.
Honoring our Forbears
Saturday, May 27, 2006 was a day to honor our forbears. Wayne Jens, of the Davenport Schuetzenverein, pays his respects at the grave site of John Bredow at Davenport's City Cemetery. The "Founders Day" event was organized by the Quad Cities' German-American organizations to spotlight the contributions of those early pioneers to our community.
Green Thumbers Plant Oak Trees
Green thumbers from the Davenport Boys & Girls Club plant oak trees at the Park for Earth Day / Arbor Day. The trees were donated to the Park for the 9th consecutive year by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources through funding from MidAmerican Energy. Davenport City Arborist Keith Majors and MidAmerican Energy Forester Dennis Haack instructed the kids on the importance of trees in our community as well as how to plant and care for them.
Taking an Interest in Birds
Members of the Boys & Girls Club assembled and installed Wren and Screech Owl nesting boxes in the Park on Monday, Oct. 24, 2005. Ann Sullivan of the University of Illinois Extension Service presented a program on birds; how to recognize them, how they eat and live in the forest. Thanks to Craig Canfield of the Quad City United Way for assisting with this project.
New Wood Benches
This spring, Pat Varilek, of troop #89 based at Bettendorf (IOWA) Presbyterian Church, built and installed 6 trail-side benches in the Park. With the assistance of Wells Fargo Bank and Menards, Pat built and installed the wood benches so walkers in the park will have a place to sit, reflect and enjoy the Park's green surroundings.Thanks Pat, for all your hard work to help improve Schuetzen Park.
United Way Day of Caring
On Wednesday, September 7, 2005, employees of Payless Shoe Source participated in the United Way's "Day of Caring" project at Schuetzen Park. The volunteers constructed a metal frame shelter to house the Park's benches and other outdoor items when they are not in use. "Thanks" to those who helped make this project possible: Payless Employees, United Way of the Quad City Area, Community Foundation of the Great River Bend and Menards.
New Picnic Shelter
The "Jens Lorenzen Pavillion" is now open to the public. The shelter is open from May-Nov during daylight hours, other times by special arrangement. The Pavillion seats up to 50 people and has a warming kitchen to serve your "already prepared" food. Side curtains and heaters are available for events in cooler weather. Please conact the Schuetzenpark Gilde at (563) 449-2358 to reserve the Pavillion for your next event. You may also contact the Park via email at: SchuetzenPark@yahoo.com