Friendship Park Renovation Project Update

The City of Bettendorf’s Parks & Recreation Department is excited to reveal the final design and tentative timeline of the Friendship Park Renovation Project!

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 (rendering below) will replace the existing playground, which is estimated to be more than 20 years old.

“More than 170 people from around the Friendship Park neighborhood voted overwhelmingly for a playground that 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!”

This renovation project is expected to begin the week of November 3, 2025, and be completed by December 1, weather permitting. The rest of Friendship Park will remain open as construction occurs in the playground area.