Bettendorf to Replace Stolen 'Skipper' Statue at Leach Park

The city plans to install a new statue after the original was stolen in January 2025.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:35am

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The city of Bettendorf, Iowa, is planning to replace a stolen statue of a child skipping rocks that was located at Leach Park. The original statue, known as 'Skipper', was reported missing to police on February 3, 2025, and authorities later determined it had been stolen nearly a month earlier.

Why it matters

The 'Skipper' statue was a beloved local landmark in Bettendorf, and its theft was seen as a loss for the community. Replacing the statue will help restore the park's character and provide a gathering place for residents.

The details

The original 'Skipper' statue was a bronze sculpture depicting a child skipping rocks. It had been installed at Leach Park in Bettendorf for many years. Police were notified of its disappearance on February 3, 2025, and an investigation determined it had been stolen sometime in early January of that year.

  • The 'Skipper' statue was reported missing to police on February 3, 2025.
  • The statue had been stolen nearly a month earlier, in early January 2025.

The players

Bettendorf

The city of Bettendorf, Iowa, where the 'Skipper' statue was located in Leach Park.

Leach Park

A public park in Bettendorf, Iowa, where the 'Skipper' statue was previously installed.

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What’s next

The city of Bettendorf plans to install a new 'Skipper' statue at Leach Park to replace the stolen original.

The takeaway

The theft of the beloved 'Skipper' statue was a loss for the Bettendorf community, but the city's plan to replace it demonstrates their commitment to restoring this cherished landmark in Leach Park.