Aquatics & Recreation Facilities Needs Assessment

Hunden Partners teamed with Perkins&Will to perform an aquatics and recreation facility needs assessment and financial feasibility study for the City of Bettendorf. The City had three aging recreation facilities that provided a variety of services to the community but at a high cost in terms of renovations, operations, and other expenses. The City wanted to investigate possible consolidation of the facilities into a new facility with greater potential opportunities.

Hunden conducted a market analysis which included identification of the service area of a new facility, community demographics, competitive market analysis, and comparison of Bettendorf to national and regional statistics and trends. Hunden also assessed existing facilities, reviewed programming and operations, and gathered public input through focus groups and interviews to provide recommendations for future aquatics and recreation facilities at Bettendorf.

Based on Hunden’s findings, the City partnered with the YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley on a $21.7-million project to develop The Landing. Ground was broken in 2023, leading to the creation of a permanent outdoor ice rink that opened in December 2024 and a state-of-the-art aquatic center that opened in May 2025. The aquatic center features a 430-foot lazy river, three-story slide tower, and splash pad, establishing a destination for both recreation and tourism. Developed in partnership with the YMCA and local stakeholders, both facilities now offer modern, accessible amenities while reducing operating costs and consolidating services into a single, efficient complex.