DAVENPORT, Iowa— Modern Woodmen Park is one of the symbols of past Mississippi River flooding. But innovations this year should help to protect the field and fans who go there.
From high above Modern Woodmen Park, it's a work in progress. At ground level, it's an engineering marvel. Crews are installing a new flood wall, panel by panel. They're racing the calendar to be ready for Opening Day on April 7.
"These aluminum panels that you see being installed will protect the ballpark to a level of 24 ft., which is a foot-and-a-half above the record flood," said Davenport City Administrator Craig Malin.
The $1 million I-JOBS project comes at the right moment. Time is running out before the first pitch of the 2011 season.
"You have the Opening Day hustle and bustle," said River Bandits Assistant General Manager Stefanie Brown. "And then you throw a flood on top of that."The River Bandits are planning to stay put, but have a contingency plan to move games to Cedar Rapids or Burlington if necessary.
Fans may also get a chance to use a temporary walkway to enter the stadium as in past flood years. A more permanent solution is on the way, too.
While flood fighting is a part of the game at this stadium, the approach is unique. And it comes just in time for the new season.
At the south side of the stadium, crews are dumping sand into Hesco units. It's a new technique that takes hours instead of days spent sandbagging.
"I think all the work the city has done is amazing," Brown said. It's only going to help protect the stadium and keep it looking beautiful."Panel by panel, protecting Modern Woodmen Park before the high water arrives.
"We can raise them up when we need them," Malin concluded. "Take them down when we don't."And high above the ballpark, a vision of baseball and a new season.
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