'Recess in the Parks' begins September 8

(September 3, 2026)Davenport Parks and Recreation is inviting school-age kids to join "Recess in the Parks", a series of seasonal after-school events running Monday through Thursday, rotating between four Davenport parks.

Beginning September 8, Parks and Recreation staff will set up activities, games, and other fun experiences designed to give kids an open place to play independently and connect with friends after school. There's a new theme each week, putting a different spin on outdoor recreation for kids to look forward to. "Recess in the Parks" builds on the Park Ambassador program, an initiative putting dedicated team members in parks to engage directly with visitors.

"I want to thank the Davenport City Council for their support in expanding programming in our parks," said Becca Niles, Davenport Parks and Recreation Interim Director. "Recess in the Parks is a great example of how we can work together to bring more opportunities directly into our neighborhoods and make our parks even more welcoming."

"Recess in the Parks" will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, September 8 through November 5. (Please note there is no programming on Monday, September 7.) Activities are weather- and sunset-dependent.

Rotating Park Schedule:

• Mondays: Emeis Park (4500 W. Locust St.)
• Tuesdays: Herington Park (935 Brown St.)
• Wednesdays: Goose Creek Park (6000 Scott St.)
• Thursdays: Cork Hill Park (1100 Farnam St.)

Weekly themes include:

• September 8-10: Sports Week
• September 14-17: Arts & Crafts Week
• September 21-24: Performing Arts Week
• September 28-October 1: Environmental Education
• October 5-8: Sports Week
• October 12-15: Arts & Crafts Week
• October 19-22: Performing Arts Week
• October 26-29: Environmental Education
• November 2-5: Sports Week

Participation in "Recess in the Parks" is free! While Parks staff will provide activities, families should not consider this program formal childcare.