Strolls along the Mississippi inherently posses a display of a certain American beauty-the feeling that Mark Twain maybe got everything right after all. Places like Rock Island's Schwiebert Park attempt to capture that sensation and then to amplify it. Located at the intersection of the Island's downtown and the great river, Schwiebert Park allows visitors the chance to stroll above the Mississippi's strong current and look across at the Davenport skyline. The park contains many amenities including observations shelters, parking, restrooms, a great lawn, a sidewalk fountain, sculptures, and what they call a "digital playground." The digital playground allows kids to test their mind while they exercise their bodies. The playground includes puzzles and other mental games that can even be challenging for adults.
Perhaps the most beloved aspect of the park is the spray fountain. It recycles chlorinated water and sprays it sporadically in the air from a variety of nozzles. Kids can play in the water in their regular clothes, or in their swimsuits. There is no admission fee to the park, so this water playground is very popular with locals that want to cool off in the Summer. Visitors to the area will enjoy this unique experience.
Schwiebert Park is named for former Rock Island mayor Mark Schwiebert. Mayor Mark Schwiebert served the city for almost two decades, from fall 1989 to spring 2009. He was born in the nearby city of Moline, and his parents were Lloyd and Olive Schwiebert. In 1968 he graduated from Rock Island High School, where he was part of the Science Club, on the track team, involved in student government and he was also part of the band. After high school, he stayed in Rock Island and attended Augustana College, graduating with a BA in law in 1972. Mark then went to Drake University and graduated in 1976. He soon began practicing law, which he still does today in 2015.
Interested parties can reserve certain portions of the park or the entire park for things like weddings, company parties, or family reunions. Daytime visitors can bring a family and a picnic lunch, or you can just take a jog down the beautiful path that cuts through the entire area. Schwiebert Park will always be a great place to visit when you need a short break from the shopping and want to remember the beauty and power of nature and the serenity that we can always find therein.
