Davenport parks director previews outreach review and sets January–February budget workshop dates

Davenport Parks & Recreation staff told the advisory board on Dec. 18 that the department will present an update on communications and outreach early next year to align with the new mayor and council. "At some point either probably February or after, we'll have a planned, update presentation on communication and outreach strategies," the director said.

The director also announced three upcoming budget‑workshop dates open to the public: Jan. 24 for council goal‑setting, Jan. 31 for the operating budget, and Feb. 7 for the capital improvement program (CIP). Staff emphasized those sessions are workshops without a public‑input segment and are intended for internal review and planning.

On seasonal programming, the director reported strong attendance at the city’s holiday displays at the conservatory, describing the tally as "approximately 35,000" visits (staff phrased the figure with some ambiguity during the meeting). The department urged residents to check the city website for holiday skate schedules and highlighted a New Year’s Eve glow skate.

The director said staff are also drafting changes to the advisory‑time portion of agendas to give board members a clearer, more formal avenue for raising issues and reporting back on community concerns. A public‑relations push is scheduled in January to promote a new youth music mentorship program that the department is delivering in partnership with a local nonprofit.

Next step: staff will bring the outreach presentation and any recommended agenda‑format language back to the advisory board for input and potential implementation later next year.