Rockford Park District

The Rockford Park District, established in 1909, is the third-largest municipal park system in Illinois. It serves the communities of Rockford, Loves Park, Cherry Valley, New Milford, and adjacent areas of Boone and Winnebago counties.

The district covers a population of 208,132 and 84,083 households within its boundaries. It manages approximately 4,855 acres of parkland, 75 miles of paths and trails, and 82 playgrounds.

Recreational Facilities and Programs

The district offers a diverse array of recreational facilities and programs, including:

• Sports Complexes: Mercyhealth Sportscore One and Two, along with the Indoor Sports Center, provide venues for various sports activities.
• Ice Arenas: Riverview Ice House and Carlson Ice Arena offer ice skating and hockey lessons.
• Golf Courses: Four municipal golf courses are operated—Aldeen Golf Club, Ingersoll Golf Club, Sandy Hollow Golf Course, and Sinnissippi Golf Course.
• Equestrian Center: Located at Lockwood Park, one of the few equestrian centers in Illinois.
• Conservatories and Gardens: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is the third-largest conservatory in the state, hosting exhibits such as "Dinosaurs of the Forgotten Forest," running through October 19, 2025.
• Aquatic Centers: Two outdoor pools, Harkins Aquatic Center and Alpine Pool, are operated by the district.
• Community Centers: The UW Health Sports Factory and Washington Park Community Center are hubs for various community activities.

Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Services

The Rockford Park District provides therapeutic recreation and inclusion services. These programs promote meaningful leisure lifestyles for people with disabilities, encompassing:

• Adapted sports and summer camps
• After-school programs and social clubs
• Community outings and cultural arts
• Inclusive opportunities, leisure education, and life skills development

Safety and Security

The district is committed to safety, with a dedicated Park Police Department that patrols all parks and facilities. They coordinate over 500 events annually and employ community-oriented policing to prevent issues.

Mission and Impact

The Rockford Park District aims to enhance citizens' quality of life by providing a vibrant and relevant park system. Its goals include:

• Increasing property values
• Stimulating economic development
• Decreasing juvenile crime
• Improving community health
• Protecting the environment
• Employing hundreds of area teens
• Bringing the diverse community together through play

Location

• Rockford, IL, USA