Facing tight budgets for the foreseeable future, the Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department has set up a new fund-raising arm. The Rock Island Parks Foundation will hold its first event Saturday - a wine tasting.
Department director John Gripp says his department will have to depend more and more on outside groups for help. And it's already worked with several.
Another group is the Friends of Douglas Park.
Gripp says besides raising money for capital projects, he hopes the event Saturday will inspire people to volunteer for some committees being organized by the Rock Island Parks Foundation.
The Foundation fund-raiser will be held at Dimitri Wine and Spirits in Davenport (1735 W 3rd St.) from 6 to 8 pm.
