With a population of almost 40,000, Rock Islanders pride themselves on a strong sense of community. Rock Island neighborhoods have created a warm, welcoming place for people to make their home.

The city parks are perfect for a picnic, or cool off on the waterslide at Whitewater Junction. Rock Island is home to 26 parks with more than 848 acres of green space and beautiful gardens as well as three separate library branches. The park system's hundreds of programs range from sports leagues and fitness programs, to kids recreational classes and senior activities. The Rock Island Library offers an outstanding selection of materials for all ages, as well as a wide variety of free programs for the whole family. During the summer, Lincoln Park is the host to outdoor concerts and live theatre by the Genesius Guild, and the nationally-ranked Backwater Gamblers perform ski shows on the Rock River.

Rock Island also boasts a vibrant downtown area where you can see a live performance, shop the galleries or dine at one of many excellent restaurants. Summer brings on a series of outdoor festivals that feature everything from Cajun, to reggae to Irish dancers. For more information about Rock Island, visit LiveRI or the City of Rock Island’s Web site from the Our Neighborhoods tab above.

The Village of Milan, also a part of the RISD 41 school district, has a population of over 5,000 people. Rich in local history, this area was the home of Chief Blackhawk and his nation of Sac-Fox Indians. There are seven parks in the Village of Milan, and the Park and Recreation Department sponsors a four-week summer parks program for youths between the ages of 5 and 10. Milan residents qualify for a free Rock Island Library card. Milan is in close proximity to many Quad City area attractions and new development growing in the southwest area, including the Rock Island Southwest Branch Library, make the Village of Milan an idea place for families. View their Web site (Our Neighborhoods tab) for more information.