Bettendorf’s Forest Grove Park Ready to Grow with Help of Community Input

April 24, 2026 - The City of Bettendorf's Parks & Recreation Department is inviting the community to hear ideas and give their input on developing Forest Grove Park into a regional destination.

Forest Grove Park (6000 Forest Grove Drive) has nearly 100 acres of parkland, but less than 10% of it is currently being utilized. In 2012, a consultant created a for the park, and since then, two park shelters have been added, along with a playground, a half basketball court, pickleball and tennis courts, and a rough-graded "Great Lawn." Now, 14 years later, Bettendorf City Council and city leaders are ready to further expand this park into a true destination for residents and visitors alike.

"The development of the TBK Bank Sports Complex, The Plex, and Iron Tee Golf - in addition to the population growth of Bettendorf - has created an opportunity to develop the next stages of Forest Grove Park, which is located just minutes away from that fast-developing area," said Parks & Recreation Director John Byrnes. "This is our opportunity to dream big and create a regional destination that our residents can be proud of."

The city has hired Shive-Hattery to determine which attractions and features make sense for this parkland. Some examples of potential attractions that are being studied include a large "pump track" for bicycles, natural surface trails, fishing ponds, food and beverage components, unique playgrounds, "sky nets/walks," flex use green spaces, interactive fountains, and rentable indoor/outdoor facilities, among others.

Now, city leaders are ready to hear the community's thoughts and ideas. A Community Input Event will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Forest Grove Park Shelter #1 (near the playground). You can learn more by visiting a special webpage created for this project.

Leading up to the event, Quad Cities residents and visitors are invited to take part in a survey to help identify park priorities. Aspects of the feedback received from the survey will be used to develop initial concepts that will be presented at the Community Input Event. Click here to take the survey.

"Growing Forest Grove Park could make it one of Bettendorf's crown jewels of public infrastructure that will enhance quality of life, support tourism and economic development, and create a unique 'sense of place' that residents will be proud of," said Byrnes.