That's what I like about you

I've been reading a lot of negative comments here and elsewhere about the supposed negative tone in the area. There's evidently not enough vapid cheerleaders trying to help convince us that we should bless our stars for the latest development or concrete monstrosity and the people responsible for some people's taste. I guess we're just not sufficiently grateful, darn it all.

So, being ever so sensitive to offending the delicate sensibilities of elected leaders and civic pooh-bahs who initiate (and usually profit in some way from) these projects, I thought I'd spread around a little sunshine and encourage readers to list things that they like about the area.

Surely these folk's pet projects will show up on people's lists.

I'll start.
(in no particular order)

1. Ben Butterworth Parkway. River access for everyone, and until recently, pretty well tended and maintained. A real treasure.

2. Ravines. I just like ravines, though going into most of them in town is like threading your way through a garbage dump, unfortunately. But ravines ensure that a lot of homes are near wooded areas, and that there's streams (where they're not replaced by concrete pipe) and a place for wildlife in the town.

3. Parks. Riverside park has a nice mix of Little League fields, a newish water park, and the historic and beautiful Riverside Cemetery, as well as the lagoon to fish in in summer and skate on in winter. Longview is simply lovely, and has an outstanding water park now, Overlook park in Davenport boasts one of the best views for hundreds of miles along the river, Fedjuary Park is a treasure of rolling hills and old oaks, and Vandevere is a lovely place full of history. Scott County park is really a great spot as well, offering many activities and a beautiful natural setting. And Lake George and Loud Thunder is a great asset to those who take advantage of it as well. Then there's Illiniwek with it's awesome sledding hill and riverfront access, Black Hawk park, and many other lovely spots tucked around the area.

And I should include the Music Guild into this category, truly great thing about the area. It's been going forever on nothing but volunteer effort, and it's in a gorgeous and unique setting, which of course, adjoins another outstanding and old park with it's unique and historic two story lakeside shelter,Moline's Prospect Park, which was recently rehabed by the city.

And in order to keep this list to an even 10, I'll slap John O'Donnell stadium here too, for it's history and location, and the pleasant night at the ball park it's provided to thousands, though the recent change of ownership and makeover certainly had a jarring affect on the atmoshere.

4. Jim's Rib Haven, Whitey's Ice Cream, and Boetje's mustard.

5. The Deere Administration building and it's grounds. A garden of Eden like oasis of near perfect landscaping and the awe-inspiring architecture of Eero Saarinen.

6. The PTA, Dad's Club, Little League, etc. There's something great about busy parents who volunteer and give of their time and effort to help their kids and the schools they attend. A lot of area parents devote a lot of time to making the school experience better for all kids. Same goes for Dads (and Moms) who devote countless hours to coaching kid's sports. And I should mention crossing guards at grade schools too.

7. The people. People ae generally nice and helpful. (see number 6) Though I have to admit that it seems that people are getting more distant and not quite as neighborly as time progresses. This is likely due in large part to changes in society in general and other factors too numerous to go into here. But I think it's safe to say that people are generally more genuine and friendly here than other regions of the country. The area also is home to many bright, creative, active, and interesting people, if you're lucky enough to run into some, though they apparently keep a very low profile.

8. Leaf sucker-uppers. Though they're often late, or skip streets altogether, all in all, a great service. What's not to like?

9. Tons of events all summer long. Almost over-kill to the point where some worthy events suffer from the competition, but nonetheless, there's so much to do for those who enjoy such things. Not a weekend goes by without at least one or two events happening. And fireworks.... there's lots of firework displays in the area, not just on the 4th, but all summer. And of course, parades. Labor Day, homecomings, and Halloween. And ethnic events, fiestas, Native American Pow-wows, Greek fest, and many more.

10. The rivers. They are really the crown jewels of the area.

And one amazingly energetic and stunningly effective and sucessful group has done wonders to capitalize on the interaction and mutual dependence betweeen the area an the Mississippi and both educate residents about them as well as open up more public access to the river, and that's River Action, Inc.

They're not high profile, and though they've been ambitious, they've accomplished nearly everything they've set out to do. They're contribution to both beautifying the area, helping the environment by preventing run off and establishing and rehabilitating marsh and wetlands, have established and constantly expanded the fantastic local network of bike/hike trails until they stretch miles on both sides of the river.

Not to mention their coming up with the idea, getting it off the ground and actually expanding the Channel Cat river taxi service, another great thing about the area. The Channel Cat allows anyone to cross the river and visit any number of spots without having to drive, as well as providing a relaxing and scenic trip. And of course, River Action organizes and puts on the wonderful annual Father's Day bike ride as well.

River Action is one definitely one of the most accomplished and important civic groups in the area and most definitely a "good thing".

So, what's your favorite things about the area, huh? I'm sure I left off a lot. What did I miss?