City of Dubuque Lands $750,000 Grant for Eagle Point Park
The City of Dubuque has been awarded a substantial grant from the Jeffris Family Foundation Capital Campaign Challenge for the preservation and restoration of specific buildings and spaces at Eagle Point Park.
The grants are to be used on the Alfred Caldwell-designed buildings, per a press release from the City of Dubuque. Eagle Point Park has been in need of cosmetic and structural renovations for a while now, and this $750,000 grant looks to address many of those.
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Inside the Forthcoming Renovations to Eagle Point Park:
On the National Register of Historic Places, Eagle Point Park spans 164 acres in Dubuque, and is the only "regional" park in the area, as of February 2026. The City of the Dubuque estimates the entire renovation project to cost around $2 million. The Jeffris Family Foundation’s Challenge Grant of $750,000 requires $1.5 million in matching funds raised to follow.
The City of Dubuque is presently conducting a multiphase campaign targeting community members, partners, and volunteers in effort to secure "private philanthropic commitments and additional grants," per the City's press release. his fundraising process could take up to three years.
What Renovations are Coming to Eagle Point Park?:
The city council already approved a fiscal budget of nearly $1 million for projects designed to improve the park. In the aforementioned press release, the City of Dubuque outlined several projects that are underway or currently being planned, as well as the estimated cost:
Tennis Court Renovations:
Planning is underway for crack sealing and resurfacing of the tennis courts. The City is exploring technical assistance through the United States Tennis Association (USTA), which provides expertise in tennis court assessments, renovation plans, and construction specifications. If USTA assistance is not available for this project, the City will proceed with its regular process for selecting a qualified engineering firm (estimated cost: $302,000).
Eagle Point Park Master Plan:
The City is developing a request for proposals (RFP) for a plan that will help identify the park’s long-term needs and strategies for maintaining and improving the park. The RFP is targeted for release in mid-fall 2026 (estimated cost: $165,000).
Tree Trimming and Bluff Clearing:
The City is seeking a qualified contractor to complete additional bluff clearing. Some initial tree clearing has already been completed by the City Forestry team, while staff continues to identify potential contractors and learn from similar projects in other communities (estimated cost: $114,000).
Terrace Room Roof Replacement:
Both roofs sustained damage and require structural work. Because the buildings are historically significant, additional preservation review is required. The timeline for these projects is still being determined (estimated cost: $40,000).
Additional Eagle Point Park renovations include updates to the Shiras Pavilion, stonework and tuckpointing, and improvements to the on-site log cabin. Updates on progress will be posted on the City of Dubuque's website.
Those interested in making a donation are encouraged to contact the City of Dubuque Planning Services Department at 563-589-4387 for additional information. View the full press release on the Eagle Point Park renovations on the City of Dubuque's website.
Photos: Eagle's Landing Winery
Gallery Credit: Tom Ehlers
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