Friendship Park Playground Installation Announcement

With warmer weather on the way, the City of Bettendorf’s Parks & Recreation Department is excited to announce that the Friendship Park Renovation Project is getting underway the week of February 9, 2026!

Friendship Park features a shelter, sand volleyball court, and a large playground space. After a Community Input Event on August 14, 2025, a modern playground emerged as the top choice of park-goers.

On September 16, 2025, City Council approved a purchase order to GameTime for new playground equipment. The $171,027 state-of-the-art playground system replaces the old playground, which was estimated to be more than 20 years old and demolished in late 2025.

"This playground will feature unique, modern equipment that will be more appealing and engaging to a wider age range of kids," said John Byrnes, Parks & Recreation Director. "I think the 360-degree climbing feature is probably the single most unique piece of playground equipment in the City of Bettendorf!"

Installation begins the week of February 9, 2026 and is expected to be completed by the end of the month, weather permitting. The rest of Friendship Park will remain open as construction occurs in the playground area.