ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Geography and environmental studies students from Augastana College will present the Longview Park master plan to the City of Rock Island Parks and Recreation board on Tuesday, May 21.
The public is invited to attend the event at 5:30 p.m. at the Rock Island Fitness & Activity Center (RIFAC) at 4303 24th St. The community-based research of nearly 500 residents was led by Augustana's Upper Mississippi Center in collaboration with RIFAC.
“This hands-on research experience has been a great opportunity for students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom while also engaging with the residents of Rock Island,” Dr. Chris Strunk, associate professor of geography at Augustana said.
According to a press release, students assessed the use of park facilities, including shelters, playgrounds, a greenhouse, basketball courts and walking paths and organized public sessions.
This work is part of the college's strategic plan, Bold & Boundless which prioritizes engaged learning.
“Augustana has done an excellent job engaging the community, Friends of Longview Park, user groups and the Parks and Recreation Department to collect data to complete the plan,” Director of Parks and Recreation John Gripp said. “This information will be used to apply for a state Open Space Lands Acquisition & Development Grant.”
If approved for the state grant, which provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space, the master plan will be put into action.
To learn more about Augustana's Bold & Boundless click/tap here.
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