Local Students Invited to Design the New Parks Logo

East Moline, IL · September 21, 2026

Morning mist is clinging to the river bluffs early, but there is plenty stirring before the council gathers at City Hall tonight. Grab a warm cup and ease into the workweek.

The Lead

The municipal Park Board is ready for a visual refresh, and rather than hiring an outside branding firm, officials are turning directly to the classroom. The board launched a district-wide design contest open to all students enrolled in local schools, inviting young residents to create the official emblem that will represent public recreation sites across town. The rules carry one modern stipulation: submissions must be entirely hand-drawn or student-created original artwork, with AI-generated graphics strictly disqualified. For a department that maintains neighborhood green spaces from the riverfront to neighborhood tot lots, handing the visual identity to the youth who actually frequent the playgrounds is an intentional nod to community pride. Families can pick up submission guidelines through school front desks, with judging slated to take place before the board’s October session.

Local Pulse

Homecoming Week Kicks Off Across Campus Schools United Township High School launched dance ticket sales today ahead of Wednesday's annual Powderpuff game and community festivities.
City Council Convenes for Biweekly Session City Hall Alderpersons gather at City Hall at 6:30 PM tonight for regular municipal business and public committee reviews.
Community Wi-Fi Expands Student Internet Access Community District Chromebooks now connect automatically to free neighborhood networks across town to ensure reliable internet for evening coursework.

Today's Outlook

High 61°F · Low 58°F — Drizzle
- Keep an umbrella handy and layer up against the damp, breezy chill all day.

What's On Around Town

Today

SAL Childcare Drop-In Hours East Moline Public Library (745 16th Ave), Noon–2:00 PM · Free Direct guidance navigating local childcare programs and state assistance resources.
En la Cocina: Tres Leches East Moline Public Library (745 16th Ave), 5:30–7:00 PM · Free Hands-on bilingual cake-baking tutorial with take-home recipes and fresh samples.
Killswitch Engage Live The Rust Belt (533 12th Ave), 7:00 PM · Paid High-octane metalcore tour stop filling the cavernous former factory hall.

Tomorrow

Toddler Playgroup East Moline Public Library (745 16th Ave), 10:30–11:30 AM · Free
Fantasy Night East Moline Public Library (745 16th Ave), 4:30–7:30 PM · Free
Visiting Artist Series: Leland Faulkner Quad City Arts Center (1715 2nd Ave), Rock Island, 6:00 PM · Free

Wednesday

Mahjong Club East Moline Public Library (745 16th Ave), Noon–2:00 PM · Free
QC Fall College Expo The Bend XPO (922 Mississippi Pkwy), 1:00–4:00 PM · Free
Barreleye with Lazy Hex Rozz-Tox (2108 3rd Ave), Rock Island, 8:00 PM · $10–15

Spotlight & Story

Sylvan Island Tucked into the slough just west of town, this 37-acre wild sanctuary was once a bustling Republic Steel mill and 19th-century limestone quarry. Cyclists and trail runners trace the crushed stone paths today, cruising right past crumbling red brick kilns and concrete engine footings quietly swallowed by box elders.

East Moline Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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