It’s Not Leaving! But If It Did…What Would Be The Best Use of Arsenal Island?

The Rock Island arsenal plays a pivotal role here in the Quad Cities.  It's a major employer and home to a National Cemetery.

The Arsenal is the only active U.S. Army foundry, and manufactures ordnance and equipment, including artillery, gun mounts, recoil mechanisms, small arms, aircraft weapons sub-systems, grenade launchers, weapons simulators, and a host of associated components.

-Wikipedia.com

It was once home of The Mean Gene Burger.  Yes, Mean Gene Okerlund from the WWE Wrestling organization once hosted a meet and greet for his burger chain in 2001.  I still remember the glowing review of our production director, Jeff.  He took a bite and said, "Wow.  That's a half assed burger."

Of course not everyone's only memory of the The Rock Island Arsenal isn't a television star from the 80's failed attempt at a burger joint.  That's just me.

Also...the Arsenal isn't going away. People say there have been rumors for 50 years...but there's no serious talk of it leaving.

But let's play pretend, shall we?

Retro Quad Cities on Facebook posted a great question:

Just for conversation sake, what would be the best purpose of the Rock Island Arsenal if it left? (All buildings and infrastructure would remain)