Lafayette Park

Lafayette Park is a 2-acre urban park located at 700 West 4th Street in Davenport, Iowa. Established in 1839, it holds the distinction of being one of the first two parks in Davenport, alongside Washington Square. The park was dedicated for "park purposes" by Antoine Le Claire, a prominent figure in early Davenport history.

Situated between Fourth and Fifth Streets, and Brown and Gaines Streets, Lafayette Park serves as a green space in the heart of the city. Its name honors Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat and military officer who fought in the American Revolutionary War.

Over the years, Lafayette Park has undergone various improvements and changes. In 1899, a cast iron drinking fountain was added to serve visitors. During the early 20th century, the park featured playgrounds, reflecting a citywide trend of incorporating recreational facilities for children in public spaces. In the 1940s, a wading pool was added, though it was later converted to a spray park and eventually removed in 1950.

In 2010, the Parks and Recreation Department updated the park with a new, historically compatible sign and an ADA-compliant playground. Today, Lafayette Park continues to serve as a neighborhood gathering space and recreational area for the Davenport community.