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Elevated walkway keeps ballpark open

Crews worked Friday to build an elevated walkway into Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport. The nearly-completed path will take visitors over the temporary flood wa...

Crews worked Friday to build an elevated walkway into Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport. The nearly-completed path will take visitors over the temporary flood wall, which has been built to 22 feet above flood stage outside the stadium.

"Is this a go? If it's surrounded by water, are we gonna be able to use it?" said Kathy Wine, recalling her concern over hosting an event at the park Friday.

Thanks to the flood wall and walkway, though, all events at the park are a go. It was good news for Wine and the folks at River Action, who hosted their annual celebration of the Mississippi River Friday night -- surrounded by the river itself this year.

"This is the largest city on the upper Mississippi without flood control, and they are managing the river without formal flood walls by allowing the water to go where it needs to go sometimes," said Wine.

"It's nice to be here, and it's nice to be able to come when there's a flood going on," said Bill Ashton.

But while some spent Friday celebrating, others spent it sandbagging. On River Drive, more Hesco barriers went into place. The street is almost entirely shut down, but shops remain open for business.

"Modern Woodmen Park, as with everything in Davenport, will remain open for business. We just work our way through the floods," said Public Works Director Mike Clarke.

The City of Davenport is reminding residents planning to attend events at Modern Woodmen, the River's Edge, or the Freight House that access to the sites can be found at Western Avenue or Ripley Street. Parking is still available in the Florian Keen Parking Lot -- just follow posted signs and do not go around any barricades.

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