Wish Book
“The future depends on what we do in the present.” — Mahatma Gandhi
“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” — Walt Disney Walt Disney believed in magical kingdoms and glass slippers to help make dreams come true, but the Rockford Park District Foundation counts on generous donors like you to make wishes a reality. Helping others enjoy life while making memories that last a lifetime is what the Rockford Park District is all about these days. Our community needs recreation now more than ever. Seeing a child smile after going down a new slide at a playground, sending someone to camp for the first time, or a new wood gym floor are the little things we may take for granted that can make a world of difference to Rockford Park District patrons. The Rockford Park District Foundation assists the Rockford Park District by securing philanthropic support on its behalf, and enhances awareness of the District’s many benefits to our community. Our Foundation objectives are to acquire land, secure funding, increase communication with donors and strategic partners, and demonstrate the value of the Rockford Park District to the citizens we serve. In 2012, the Rockford Park District Foundation is committed to funding a record number of projects, but it can’t happen without the generous support of donors — the lifeblood of our programs. Your generous gift will leave a lasting impact on the life of a young child, providing a memory that will last a lifetime!
“No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” — Aesop
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Table of Contents City of Gardens/ Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens . . . .4–5
Arts & Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20–21 Ice Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22–23
Sportscore Complexes . . . . . . . . . . . 6–7
Lockwood Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24–25
Atwood Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8–9
Parks Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . 26–27
Aldeen Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–11
Community Centers . . . . . . . . . . . 28–29
Golf Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12–13
Magic Waters Waterpark . . . . . . . . 30–31
Therapeutic Recreation . . . . . . . . . 14–15
Aquatics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32–33
Canine Corners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
New Developments . . . . . . . . . . . 34–35
Linda K White Center . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Youth Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Youth Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18–19
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Situated along the banks of our beautiful Rock River in Sinnissippi Gardens, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens brings the tropics to the Midwest. Aside from being a place to see palm trees, and how various fruits and spices grow, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens also provides programming daily that engages children of all ages through a variety of classes and educational activities, including the exploration of our dependence on plant life. The facility expands on the already existing City of Gardens program, which focuses on the importance of beautification and the role it plays in health and wellness, economic development, tourism, and overall pride in the community.
city of gardens/nicholas conservatory & gardens 4
1 Books and reference materials BOOKS AND REFERENCE MATERIALS are used in horticultural classes, children’s story hours, and for other educational opportunities. Cost $25; Quantity unlimited
2 Growing greenhouse fog or mist system
D E L L LFI You!
automatically maintains the humidity level in the growing greenhouse of Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens for the benefit of newly added tropicals.
FU Thank
Cost $5,000; Quantity 1
3 Hanging baskets from the City of Gardens line our downtown streetscapes and bridges from May to September. Whether it’s spring fever or during the summer sizzle, these cascading flowers are a refreshing, positive image for our city.
4 Botany lab materials
6 K ubota enclosed tractor/ snowblower
Instructional materials, including plant models, for use in the horticulture classroom at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. These materials provide an in-depth look into the botanical world, helping students to understand the life cycle.
KUBOTA ENCLOSED TRACTOR/ SNOWBLOWER for the lagoon and Conservatory. Our recreation path is used throughout the year, and this item will allow guests to safely view the recreation path and lagoon area during the winter months.
Cost $50–$1,000; Quantity on-going
Cost $20,000; Quantity 1
5 F lower towers, display branches, and lighting FLOWER TOWERS, DISPLAY BRANCHES, AND LIGHTING offer a stunning focal display for special events, flower shows, and exhibits at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. Frames can be layered with lilies, orchids, and other floral creations to create a dramatic seasonal effect and branches and lighting provide a wow factor for enjoyment by all. Cost $250-2,000; Quantity 20
Cost $125; Quantity 225
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7 Library cart LIBRARY CART, a unit for the horticulture classroom area providing easy access to reading materials for classes and story hours. Cost $1,000; Quantity 1
8 Exterior special event chairs Typically referred to as wedding chairs, these chairs would be used during special events. Cost $25 each; Quantity 125
Every year, people come to Rockford for one reason — sports tournaments, both regional and national, which are likely to take place at either Sportscore One or Sportscore Two. The sports complexes are considered to be some of the finest amateur sports facilities in the United States. Sports Turf Manager’s Association designated Sportscore Two as “Sports Complex of the Year” in 2005. During an average season, you will find over 4,000 tournament soccer teams and 15,000 youth from regular soccer leagues utilizing the fields at Sportscore Two. These two popular sports destinations are known as the “field of dreams” due to having soccer fields, lighted softball diamonds, playgrounds, boat ramps, and recreation paths
sportscore complexes all in one location. Sportscore Complexes host soccer, rugby, football, volleyball (hard court), golf, softball, basketball, wiffle ball, dodgeball, ultimate Frisbee®, and adapted wheelchair sports.
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9 Picnic tables
12 Skybox TVs/video players
PICNIC TABLES provide comfortable outdoor eating spaces for families at the concessions area and on the perimeter of the grounds facing the soccer fields.
SKYBOX TVs/VIDEO PLAYERS to enhance the experience for families visiting the Skybox Restaurant in the Indoor Sports Center. Sportscore visitors gather at Skybox for a meal and to catch their favorite games. The experience is more enjoyable with up-to-date TVs, video players, and sound.
Cost $200; Quantity 20
10 Flags
Cost $15,000; Quantity 1
FLAGS, bright-colored and teardrop-shaped, visually mark and decorate the bridges and waterways of the festival areas on the Sportscore grounds. Cost $500; Quantity 20
11 Landscape improvements to the soccer concession LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SOCCER CONCESSION, the greeting center for visitors to the Sportscore Complexes. Planting islands, defined walkway and retention block retaining walls, modernize the aesthetics to the center’s entryways. Cost $1,000; Quantity 1
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Atwood Center offers visitors the chance to explore and be engaged in the great outdoors! This unique learning experience is offered within 334 acres of woodland, prairie, river, and marsh habitat. Atwood Center is the main hub for our environmental education programs, which include summer camps, nature programs, and more. It’s often the site for numerous field trips throughout the school year, providing kids of all ages the opportunity to experience archery, challenge courses, geology, and to see our very popular Birds of Prey. The birds are unable to survive in the wild due to previous injuries or
ATWOOD CENTER impairments, and are used as aids in the Rockford Park District’s strong environmental message to preserve and enhance natural habitat. A new exhibit area will provide new opportunities such as an accessible tree house, along with a new living space for the birds.
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13 F ield science classroom materials Field science classroom materials, field guides, and binoculars for students participating in nature walks and outdoor adventure activities. Field guides teach students to navigate like experts on adventure hikes. Lightweight, quality binoculars give students an “up-close-and-personal” view of the birds and plants that call the woods their home. Cost $40; Quantity 65
14 Stackable chairs Stackable chairs for the adventure building, housed on a hill in Atwood’s beautiful woods, and used as a remote classroom for nature camps and overnight visits. Cost $75; Quantity 60
15 Camp and residential education scholarships
16 Welcome deck
WELCOME DECK newly designed Scholarships give more young people a and constructed to span the front of chance to participate in Atwood Center the Center, and provide an inviting summer and school-year programs, space to greet groups. Large enough to where they gain a new understanding and accommodate classes and orientations respect for the interrelationships between to summer camp and residential themselves, others, and their environment. programming. Nature Quest funds a child, age 5 to 10, to attend one week of summer nature camp. Cost $100,000; Quantity 1 Camp Lone Oak funds a tween, age 9 to 14, to attend one week of overnight or day summer camp. The Residential Education Program funds a classroom or individual student to participate in a 2½-day overnight experience. The Environmental Recreation and Education program funds one classroom to participate in a full day on the Atwood Park challenge course or other day program. Cost $300/child; Quantity unlimited
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Aldeen Golf Club is a championship facility featuring country club amenities at an affordable rate. Golf Magazine has stated that Aldeen Golf Club is “one of the top 50 courses in the country under $50.” The 18-hole course provides superior course conditions with expertly manicured greens, tees, fairways along with challenging water hazards, and 62 sand bunkers, including three Dick Nugent designed “beach bunkers.”
ALDEEN GOLF CLUB Warm up at the Aldeen Practice Centre, pick up golf related items at the golf shop, or dine at the Aldeen Clubhouse restaurant with a brand new outdoor patio area. Once you arrive at Aldeen Golf Club, it is easy to see why Golf Digest ranked it the best municipal course in Illinois in 2009.
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17 Wind covers for carts
19 Greenhouse irrigation system
WIND COVERS FOR CARTS, covers that roll down like tent flaps to provide quick shelter to golfers caught on the greens in rainy, windy weather.
GREENHOUSE IRRIGATION SYSTEM for regular, timed misting of the annual plants used to decorate the golf course’s flower beds and those in the Park District’s other golf facilities.
Cost $100; Quantity 12
18 Tree replacement TREE REPLACEMENT, a reforestation project to replace 100 older trees throughout the course. Cost $250; Quantity 100
Cost $250; Quantity 3
D E L L LFI You!
20 On-course restroom/shelters ON-COURSE RESTROOM/SHELTERS — permanent facilities — one on the front and one on the back nine.
FU Thank
Cost $250,000; Quantity 1
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golf courses When the weather is just right, area golfers find there’s no better place to be than on the green! The Rockford Park District operates a number of quality, affordable golf courses throughout the community, including 18-hole Elliot, Ingersoll, and Sandy Hollow, and nine-hole Sinnissippi. Passing on the love of the game to our youth is also very important. Younger generations are able to learn how to putt, chip, and swing, thanks to the numerous youth golf lessons offered or through the junior golf program. At all of our courses, you will notice one similarity — trees. But new trees are needed to replace the aging ones. Trees enhance the beauty of the course, provide shade for golfers, and could possibly act as a welcomed obstacle, adding to the overall golf experience.
Elliot Golf Course Earl F. Elliot Golf Course, named after a longtime director of the Rockford Park District, is located on the city’s far east side. Designed by golf course Architect Edward Lawrence Packard, this 18-hole par-72 course opened in 1968 and has 6,433 yards of rolling terrain, large tees, and spacious greens. Golf Digest rated 3½ stars. A driving range is adjacent to the clubhouse.
Sinnissippi Golf Course Designed by golf course architect Thomas M. Bendelow, Sinnissippi Golf Course opened in 1912, and is the oldest of the five Park District courses. Centrally located, this 9-hole, par 37, 3230-yard course is extremely hilly, and has stymied many golfers. From the foresight of the first commissioners, Sinnissippi has been
nationally recognized for many years. At one time, Sinnissippi was the longest 9-hole course in the nation.
Ingersoll Golf Course Designed by golf course architect Thomas M. Bendelow, this heavily wooded, 18-hole, par-71 course with narrow fairways opened on September 2, 1922. The challenging 5,991-yard course is named after Lt. Clayton Ingersoll, who lost his life in an air crash over France in World War I. The Ingersoll Learning Links and Practice Facility is adjacent to the clubhouse, and was opened in 2004. The Learning Links is a par 3, four-hole course with a practice green and bunker area. The Learning Links was designed by Lohmann
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Golf Designs, and includes a driving range. Ingersoll is located on the city’s far west side, and holds the distinction as the only golf course in the nation to host two Tiger Woods Foundation events.
Sandy Hollow Golf Course Designed by golf course architect Charles Dudley Wagstaff, and one of the most popular of the five Park District courses. Opened on July 4, 1929, this beautiful, challenging, but pleasant course is located on the city’s south side. Golf Digest rated 3 stars. Audubon Cooperative Sanctuarycertified and awarded first place in the Public Spaces category of the 2002 City of Gardens Rockford in Bloom awards. Par is 71 for the 18-hole, tree lined fairway course of 6,228 yards.
Elliot Golf Course
Ingersoll Golf Course
Sandy Hollow Golf Course
21 New trees
24 Youth golf clubs
27 New trees
NEW TREES to replace the aging ones, and those in danger from the emerald ash borer.
YOUTH GOLF CLUBS for youth who can’t afford their own sets. As participants in the Rockford Park District youth golf programs at Ingersoll Learning Links, youth can check out a set of age appropriate sized clubs to use for the summer.
NEW TREES to replace the aging ones, and those in danger from the emerald ash borer.
Cost $250; Quantity 100
22 Starter house THE STARTER HOUSE is located at the first tee. This is the area where staff provide golfers with the rules of the day prior to beginning the round.
Cost $100; Quantity 100
25 New trees
Cost $25,000; Quantity 1
NEW TREES to replace the aging ones, and those in danger from the emerald ash borer.
Sinnissippi Golf Course
Cost $250; Quantity 500
23 New trees
26 Starter house
NEW TREES to replace the aging ones, and those in danger from the emerald ash borer. Cost $250; Quantity 100
THE STARTER HOUSE is located at the first tee. This is the area where staff provide golfers with the rules of the day prior to beginning the round. Cost $25,000; Quantity 1
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Cost $250; Quantity 100
28 Starter house THE STARTER HOUSE is located at the first tee. This is the area where staff provide golfers with the rules of the day prior to beginning the round. Cost $25,000; Quantity 1
Everyone deserves the opportunity to get out and enjoy life! For some, those special moments include going out to eat with friends on a Friday night, or playing basketball for the very first time. The Rockford Park District’s Therapeutic Recreation team guides people with disabilities in developing lifelong leisure skills through adapted sports, specialty recreation, inclusion, and leisure education programs. The services provided go beyond just being fun, and in the end, result in increased independence, self expression, improved social and communication skills, and build confidence and self-esteem.
therapeutic recreation
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29 Sensory toys SENSORY TOYS like kaleidoscopes, Koosh balls, and crash mats are used in unstructured, creative, and imaginative play. Each child responds to the textures, sounds, and visual stimulation from different toys, so a whole “toy box-full” is needed, and used — and in constant need of replacement. Cost $30; Quantity 25
30 Musical instruments Kazoos, ukuleles, and hand drums are easy-to-play instruments that are used to explore music and rhythm with children and adults in our therapeutic recreation programs. Those with sensory needs have fun while improving their gross and fine motor and social interaction skills. Cost $50; Quantity 20
31 Walkers for ice skating ICE WALKERS are specially designed for the ice to assist ice skaters with disabilities. Ice walkers are also helpful to those just learning to skate, and to parents or
grandparents who just need a little extra help on the ice.
Basketball wheelchairs $2,600; Quantity 2
Cost $500; Quantity 25
Hand cycle $2,000; Quantity 2
32 Trailer for the Adapted Sports program
Water wheelchairs $3,000; Quantity 3
A variety of adapted sports equipment, from hand-crank bicycles, to all-court wheelchairs, to hockey sleds, to beach wheelchairs, is transported to various sporting events and competitions. A mobile trailer is a convenient way to transport the equipment used by wounded veterans and other people with disabilities who compete in Paralympics and adapted sporting events. Cost $10,000; Quantity 1
33 Adapted sports equipment Athletes with a primary physical disability can compete in a variety of sports at the Rockford Park District using adapted sports equipment to participate in track and field, wheelchair basketball, golf, swimming, hockey, skating, cycling, and boccia. Pool lifts $7,000; Quantity 2
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Adapted golf cart $10,000; Quantity 2
34 Accessible fishing piers For people with disabilities, goin’ fishin’ requires accessibility features that are typically not inherent to the shorelines of bodies of water. A permanent accessible pier would be constructed along the Rock River, just south of the Auburn Street Bridge. The pier will be accessed via the Rock River Recreation Path, where wheelchair parking is available. Current fishing piers, at Levings Lake do not comply with accessibility requirements. Three existing piers would be replaced with accessible fishing piers which would improve the fishing experience for people with disabilities at Levings Park.
FULFILLED
Rock River Pier Cost $110,000; Quantity 1 Thank You! Levings Lake Piers Cost $25,000 each; Quantity 3
Our four-legged friends are like family, and also like to get out and socialize or run free. The Rockford Park District has two fenced-in locations where dogs can be let off-leash to run and play. Canine Corners at Searls Park in west Rockford, and Canine Corners at Elliot Park in east Rockford, are open year-round from dawn to dusk. The Searls Park location recently expanded, and is now one of the largest fenced-in public dog parks in Illinois. Searls Park features almost 20 acres of wooded and prairie land, along with water and a shelter. Elliot Park features two fenced-in, two-acre fields with shelter and water. New to our canine friends, Olson Park, which is a 5-acre fenced dog park, is the Rockford Park District’s third dog park.
35 Training area TRAINING AREA for demonstrations for dogs and owners on etiquette and agility at Canine Corners at Elliot Park. Cost $10,000; Quantity 1
36 Swimming areas SWIMMING AREAS for the water-loving Labradors and other retrievers in the pack at Searls Park and Elliot Park. Cost $20,000; Quantity 2
CANINE CORNERS 16
The Linda K. White Center, located in beautiful Aldeen Park, is a popular spot year-round to house various programming opportunities. Complete with a 100-capacity great room, kitchen, and accessible features, the center is home to after-school programs for teens with disabilities during the school year. In the summer, the center provides the perfect location for Nature Quest, a summer day camp for children ages 5 to 10 with all of the typical camping activities — outdoor cooking, archery, hiking, games, crafts, and tie-dyeing.
LINDA K WHITE CENTER 37 Surround sound system
38 Fire ring seating
SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM enhances karaoke, Wii, and movie nights at the Center. Installed out of reach and modified for use by people with different abilities, the new system creates a user-friendly and safe environment for all.
FIRE RING SEATING provides an accessible and comfortable meeting place for families and campers to gather. Thursday nights at Nature Quest summer camp are family nights, an evening for skits and fellowship. Gardening and cooking programs are offered for teens and adults with disabilities in this natural setting. An accessible fire ring seating area will make it comfortable and convenient for people of all abilities to enjoy activities around the campfire!
Cost $600; Quantity 1
Cost $25,000; Quantity 1
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A lot of life’s lessons are often learned on the basketball court, while completing a lap around the track, on a skate board, or during football practice. The Rockford Park District’s Youth Sports programs help youth of all ages
YOUTH SPORTS develop the skills they need to succeed in their desired sport and in life. With the right equipment and right mentor area youth can achieve anything! By being involved in Youth Sports, participants learn respect, leadership, responsibility, and teamwork. Skill sets that area put to use for the rest of their life.
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39 Ramps/skateboards/roller blades
42 Sonic flags
45 Football dummies
RAMPS/SKATEBOARDS/ROLLER BLADES are set up and used for skating clinics in parking lots and gyms at community centers around town as part of youth outreach programs.
SONIC FLAGS for non-contact fundamental football camps to teach and improve basic football skills. Camps culminate in year-end flag football games at outreach sites throughout the community.
FOOTBALL DUMMIES that pop up for safe tackling during practice with no child contact.
Cost $50–$500; Quantity unlimited
40 Youth and adult footballs YOUTH AND ADULT FOOTBALLS for football camps and outreach programs serving thousands of children ages 5 to 15 at sites like Booker Washington Community Center, Patriots’ Gateway Community Center, and the Northwest Community Center. Cost $20; Quantity 15
41 Fishing poles FISHING POLES used in the Levings Lakers Fishing and Conservation Club. At-risk youth ages 5 to 14 are paired with pastor-approved African-American retirees to fish and talk about life as guides and role models. At the end of six weeks, the young people keep their poles to continue their new pastime. Cost $25; Quantity 100
Cost $60; Quantity 48
43 Agile dummies AGILE DUMMIES placed on the ground teach basic football agility skills at practice, such as raising feet and knees in rhythm. Cost $100; Quantity 4
44 Foam hurdles FOAM HURDLES used in the FIRE Track & Field program teach the difficult skill of hurdling, minus the danger of banging or bruising legs. Cost $100; Quantity 4
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Cost $1,000; Quantity 5
Thanks to the “Sounds of Summer,” a free entertainment series, families have a lot of ways to spend quality time together and make some new memories. The Sinnissippi Music Shell is home to Music in the Park, a longtime Rockford tradition that offers various genres of entertainment under the summer stars. Imagination Station offers daytime entertainment to delight the young and the young-at-heart with music, magic, juggling, drama, and comedy. Live at Levings on Sundays at Levings Park incorporates the various talents of local singers, dancers, rappers, comedians, magicians, and professional entertainers. Domingo en el Parque is the gathering place on Sundays for Rockford’s Latino families, featuring local music, culture, and art. The Rockford Park District also offers several FREE year-round events, including an egg hunt, kite flying extravaganza, and the annual Illinois Snow
ARTS & EVENTS Sculpting Competition. Every January, teams of artists from around the region carve their masterpieces out of massive snow blocks before thousands of spectators.
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46 Music in the Park Twenty opportunities to sponsor the popular summer concerts under the stars, like Moonlight Jazz Orchestra, Phantom Regiment, Decatur Park Singers, and Rockford Concert Band, just to name a few. Cost $2,000; Quantity 5
47 Electrical upgrade Electrical upgrade at Levings Showcase to accommodate the power needs for the Live at Levings and Domingo en el Parque family talent shows and vendors on Sundays at Levings Park. Cost $5,000; Quantity 1
48 F und a free community family event serving 250–1,500 participants Families are busier today than ever, with meetings, carpool commitments, sports schedules, and play dates. Throw in the internet, television, and social networking, and the time left for family activities is limited. Free, family-oriented activities encourage family bonding. These activities
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encourage each member to step away, get out of the house, and play together. Cost $3,000; Quantity 3
49 Gazebo at the Music Shell The Sinnissippi Music Shell is a great place to enjoy top-notch music under the stars, and a gazebo would allow a comfortable seating area for those who want to picnic before the show, or simply have shelter from that hot late afternoon sun. Cost $10,000; Quantity 1
50 Replace the sound system The Sinnissippi Music Shell is in need of a new sound system with up-to-date technology. The current system is more than 10 years old, and does not always accommodate the newer technology used by some of the musical artists. A new, more modern sound system will enhance the quality of this very popular free summer music series. Cost $42,000; Quantity 1
No matter what Mother Nature has in store for us, there are a couple places in Rockford that are always ice cold,
a three-level soft play structure for children ages 5 to 12. Riverview Ice House features two skating surfaces, including a regulation-size main rink with grandstand seating for 900. In
ICE FACILITIES perfect conditions for ice skating or playing hockey. Rockford Park District has two indoor ice facilities, Carlson Ice Arena and Riverview Ice House, with year-round programming catering to champion figure skaters, youth and high school hockey teams, and recreational skaters of all ages. Carlson Ice Arena features an ice rink with seating for 600 spectators, and is also home to Sapora Playworld,
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2010, the Rockford Park District and various partners opened the BMO Harris Bank Winter Wonderland, the world’s largest outdoor synthetic ice rink. It’s a favorite winter and now summer gathering place, with a large inner track and a unique outer skating trail circling the park’s perimeter.
51 Ice skates ICE SKATES for the Learn-to-Skate figure skating programs, and rentals for open skating events. Cost $50; Quantity 200
52 Hockey equipment HOCKEY EQUIPMENT, including helmets and hockey sticks, for youth and adult hockey lessons taught by professional coaches at Carlson Ice Arena.
54 New Zamboni NEW ZAMBONI, electric and environmentally efficient, to replace the 20-year-old, propane-powered model at Carlson Ice Arena. Cost $90,000–$100,000; Quantity 1
55 Second ice sheet
Cost $50; Quantity unlimited
SECOND ICE SHEET to accommodate the growing demand for hockey programs at Carlson Ice Arena.
53 Play structure improvements
Cost $6 million; Quantity 1
D E L L LFI You!
PLAY STRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS to Sapora Playworld, including cushioning, padding, and netting replacements for added safety and interactive equipment additions, giving children new ways to play, exercise, and explore.
FU Thank
Cost $1,000–$10,000; Quantity 1
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Lockwood Park Trailside Equestrian Centre and Children’s Farm provides a country-type experience just minutes from downtown Rockford. The mission of Lockwood Park is to provide a setting where
LOCKWOOD PARK education comes to life, thanks to a special connection to animals. The park programs provide a variety of experiences and learning opportunities to promote healthy, positive interactions between people and animals. Lockwood Park offers 15 miles of scenic trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Little ones can interact with barnyard animals, while those ages eight and older can ride a horse through a leisurely, 45-minute guided trail ride experience. Tractor-drawn hay wagon rides are also a favorite attraction.
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56 Hay
58 Saddles/tack equipment
HAY for feeding the Equestrian Centre’s 56 hungry horses. The Park District grows, cuts, and bales its own hay, and supplies like seed, fertilizer, and gas are always needed. When weather doesn’t cooperate, supplementary hay, such as last year’s 2,000 bales, must be purchased.
SADDLES/TACK EQUIPMENT for the two new draft horses used in trail rides and lessons. Wider than other horse breeds, their saddles are custom-made and fitted. For the rest of the park’s hard-working equines, halters, thick blankets, and reins are needed, as well as helmets and shortened stirrups for their young riders.
Cost $4 per bale; Quantity unlimited
Cost $500; Quantity unlimited
57 HALTERS program supplies
59 Large machine shed
HALTERS PROGRAM SUPPLIES for the 50-plus youth who volunteer during the summer to care for the Equestrian Centre’s horses. T-shirts, name tags, and color-coded bracelets identify students’ level of skill to staff, and serve as rewards for passing specific training levels.
LARGE MACHINE SHED requested by the Friends of Lockwood Park, to store and protect from the harsh elements the horse trailer, wooden wagon, and attachments used for hay rides.
Cost $100; Quantity unlimited
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Cost $65,000; Quantity 1
60 Renovation of Children’s Farm Barn A visit to Lockwood Park wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the animal farm barn, which currently hosts 26 farm animals, both furry and feathered. The animals are friendly, and children can visit these animals for free. Renovations would include refurbishing interior pens, and adding a display and interactive educational component. Cost $100,000; Quantity 1
The Rockford Park District has grown from an initial 77 acres of land to almost 5,000 acres of park and recreation land, covering 125 square miles. It is the second largest park and recreation system in Illinois, with 176 park and facility sites. It takes a lot to provide and maintain such high-quality areas that park users deserve. Specialty parks throughout the city accommodate BMX bike riders, disc golfers, croquet players, radio-controlled airplane and horseshoe enthusiasts, and skaters. Teens even have their own space at Getaway Teen Playground, with a large stage and dance floor, changeable maze, obstacle course, teen-size swings, slides, and cozy treehouse.
PARKS MAINTENANCE
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61 Flats of annuals
64 Tree replacements
FLATS OF ANNUALS to beautify the stunning floral clock at Sinnissippi Gardens, and fill the planters and entryways with color at locations like Magic Waters Waterpark.
TREE REPLACEMENTS to reforest the parks’ aging trees, and those anticipated to be lost to the emerald ash borer. Cost $250; Quantity 1,000
Cost $15; Quantity 16
65 Engraving machine
62 Perennial plants
ENGRAVING MACHINE for signage and labeling of the various plant species at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. Labels provide easy-to-read public viewing information, and a means to tag and track plant origins.
PERENNIAL PLANTS and groundcovers to provide multi-year beauty to Sinnissippi Gardens, and the downtown streetscapes and floral displays throughout the city. Cost $15; Quantity 15
Cost $8,500; Quantity 1
63 Flats of native plants
66 Brown Park playground equipment replacement
FLATS OF NATIVE PLANTS for sustainable beauty at locations like Atwood Park, Midway Village Museum, the Sinnissippi riverfront, and the Searls Park prairie. The indigenous plant materials are better for the environment, easier to maintain, and resistant to pests.
Cost $100,000; Quantity 1
D E L L I ULF k You!
67 Sinnissippi Park playground equipment replacement
F
Cost $250,000; Quantity 1
Cost $50; Quantity unlimited
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Than
Rockford Park District holds programs at two community centers, Lewis Lemon and Washington Park. Lewis Lemon Community Center, a partnership between Lewis Lemon Elementary School and the Park District, provides a fun, safe, and positive environment for kids to hang out after school and in the summer. Caring, well trained staff organize sports teams in flag football and basketball, recreational activities, and arts and crafts. Washington Park Community Center is a gathering place for families, and provides
COMMUNITY CENTERS activities for all ages in the multi-purpose room, weight room, computer lab, gymnasium, and new teen center.
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68 Sponsor a community center kid SPONSOR A COMMUNITY CENTER KID to participate in the multitude of activities that occur daily at Washington Park Community Center and Lewis Lemon Community Center. Year-round activities include tutoring, basketball, football, roller blading and skateboarding, cheerleading, dance, and crafts. Healthy snacks and meals are available for children daily. Cost $30; Quantity 50
69 New Macintosh computer NEW MACINTOSH COMPUTER for use by the “tweens� in the after-school and summer programs for creative play in producing newsletters, videos, and music clips. COST $3,000; Quantity 1
70 Gaming equipment GAMING EQUIPMENT to attract young people after school and in the summer to the supervised Lewis Lemon
Community Center. Equipment needed includes pool, air hockey, and ping pong tables, a flat-screen television, two gaming systems, and three Playstations. Cost $3,500; Quantity 1
71 PA (public address) system PA (PUBLIC ADDRESS) SYSTEM, an important safety feature used by staff for communicating as they supervise young people in the various parts of Washington Park Community Center. Cost $5,000; Quantity 1
72 New entertainment stage NEW ENTERTAINMENT STAGE to replace the Showmobile for family nights, after-school events, picnics, and health fairs. These community gatherings draw thousands to Washington Park throughout the year. Cost $15,000; Quantity 1
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73 Extreme teen room makeover Teens love to hang out at Washington Park Community Center. The Teen Center needs an extreme makeover! Upgrades would include comfy seating, a fresh coat of paint, the purchase of game systems, a new television, and other items for recreational activities. Cost $25,000; Quantity 1
74 Gym floor
D E L L LFI You!
GYM FLOOR wood flooring to fully replace the 30-year-old rubber floor in the multi-purpose room at Washington Park. Used for girls, boys, and adult basketball tournaments and leagues, and other recreational activities.
FU Thank
Cost $150,000; Quantity 1
Rated as one of the top five publicly-owned waterparks in the country by Aquatics International in 2010, Magic Waters Waterpark is undoubtedly one of the most fun and affordable vacation destinations around! Guests can spend a day at the waterpark for as little as $12, and there’s free parking. New in 2012, Double Dare Drop Speed Slides! This fast and exciting thrill ride drops you 75 feet. Magic Waters Waterpark also features Illinois’ largest wavepool, the Typhoon Terror Adventure Ride, a five-story body slide,
MAGIC WATERS WATERPARK an 80-foot-high raft ride, Splash Magic River, and Tiki Island, which is an interactive water complex complete with a 1,000-gallon pineapple water bucket that tips and sends water splashing everywhere.
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75 Lifeguard equipment
78 Shaded structures
LIFEGUARD EQUIPMENT, including replacements of water extraction equipment, SealEasy breathing masks, AEDs, first aid supplies, and other rescue equipment, as well as mannequins for training and testing lifeguards. It’s no wonder Magic Waters receives aquatic safety awards every year!
SHADED STRUCTURES throughout the park offer shelter from the sun, including new and replaced fun-umbrellas, metaland mesh-roofed structures, and cabanas. Cost $1,000–$5,000; Quantity varies
79 South bathhouse renovation SOUTH BATHHOUSE RENOVATION including showers, tile work, and new family dressing rooms.
Cost $6–$1,000; Quantity varies
76 Lifejackets
Cost $100,000; Quantity 1
LIFEJACKETS, offered free of charge to customers of all ages, ensure high levels of aquatic safety while having fun in the sun.
80 New Little Lagoon NEW LITTLE LAGOON — this entirely renovated, enlarged, and completely fenced-in aquatic kiddie land will feature toddler water slides, interactive water features, fun finger foods, shaded rest areas, family changing rooms, and nursing areas — everything kids ages five and under and their parents need to enjoy their day.
Cost $15; Quantity 300
77 Lounge chair replacements LOUNGE CHAIR REPLACEMENTS and repairs ensure guests a day of relaxing fun in the sun. Cost $100; Quantity 100
Cost $1,000,000; Quantity 1
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Splashing around or learning how to swim only comes around for a limited time, and the Rockford Park District has three “watering holes” open to the public throughout the summer months. Alpine Pool, 3- to 12-feet deep, features a diving well with two drop slides, a one-meter diving board, and wading pool. The newly renovated Harkins Aquatic Center is a leisure pool with a zero-depth entry and a maximum depth of four feet, along with open swim and lap lanes, a water slide, and children’s spray pool. Park District residents can take advantage of free “Learn to Swim” classes, and no charge for admission. Sand Park Aquatic Facility is home to Penguin Pond, a water slide and interactive water playground
AQUATICS specially designed for young children. The Park District’s most popular pool is L-shaped and 3- to 12-feet deep, and features a diving well with two drop slides and a one-meter diving board.
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81 Lifejackets
83 Lounge chair replacements
LIFEJACKETS, offered free of charge to customers of all ages, ensure high levels of aquatic safety while having fun in the sun.
LOUNGE CHAIR REPLACEMENTS and repairs ensure swimmers at all three locations a day of relaxing fun in the sun.
Cost $15; Quantity 300
Cost $100; Quantity 150
82 Sponsor a child
84 Drop slide replacements
SPONSOR A CHILD to take “Shelbert Swim Academy” classes, to cover the registration fee for Park District residents taking swimming lessons at Harkins Pool.
DROP SLIDE REPLACEMENTS for the 10-year-old water slides in the deep ends at Sand Park and Alpine pools.
Cost $45; Quantity unlimited
Cost $50,000; Quantity 4
85 Children’s aquatic play area CHILDREN’S AQUATIC PLAY AREA, a brand new attraction for Alpine Pool and similar to Sand Park’s Penguin Pond, will offer interactive water toys, and small water slides. Cost $500,000; Quantity 1
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The Rockford Park District is always looking towards the future, and looking for ways to enhance our community’s recreational opportunities. Through partnerships with businesses and people, special projects like the Chuck and Becky Brown Memorial Bridge Lighting will hopefully become a reality. The Rock River is our greatest natural asset and gathering place for leisure, entertainment, and recreation. In 2011, the Rockford Park District tested the concept of a Water Taxi, which was well received by the community during Labor Day weekend.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS Activities on the waterways often coincide with warm weather, but the Rockford Park District would like to offer more year-round recreational opportunities. Alpine Hills Family Activity Center would provide endless recreational opportunities for everyone, at any age, 365 days of the year.
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86 Water Taxi boat and docks WATER TAXI BOAT AND DOCKS for efficient water transport along the scenic Rock River to the city’s famous downtown attractions, with designated pick-up and drop-off points at Riverview Park, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Sportscore One, Martin Park, Riverfront Museum Park, and Rockford Public Library. Cost Water Taxi Boat $200,000; ALMOST Riverfront Museum dock $130,000; THERE! Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens dock $225,000 Thank You!
FULFILLED
87 C huck and Becky Brown memorial bridge lighting INSTALL LIGHTING ON THE RIVERBY BRIDGE, located off the Rock River Recreation Path, in memory of Chuck and Becky Brown. Former Rockford Park District Commissioner Chuck Brown initiated this project as a memorial to his late wife, Becky Brown. After Chuck Brown passed away, the project turned into a memorial to honor both of these individuals who gave so much of their heart and soul to various projects in the Rockford Park District and the entire community.
D E L L LFI You!
FU Thank
Cost $50,000; Quantity 1
88 Alpine Hills Family Activity Center The former golf course would be transformed into 52 acres of year-round options for families, known as the Alpine Hills Family Activity Center. Programming plans include: a training golf course, winter snow tubing, snowboarding, snowshoe and cross-country ski trails, environmental education, fishing, walking paths, and winter/summer camping areas.
ALMOST THERE! Cost $1,000,000; Quantity 1
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YOUTH PROGRAMS In this day and age, families often must decide between needs and wants. Basic day to day needs often come first, leaving kids wanting to go to summer camp left doing nothing. For many kids, these programs are the only physical
and mental activities they’ll take part in all summer. The Rockford Park District believes that no child should be denied access to learning an important ability, such as swimming or developing a lifetime skill due to their inability to
89 F und a free seven-week Summer Playground program
90 Provide funding for one child to participate in one week of summer camp
SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAMS have been offered in the Rockford Park District since the 1950s, and are still a big hit with children and parents. These programs offer daily supervised activities in neighborhood parks. Children participate in crafts, sports, games, table hockey, and weekly field trips to local pools as well as Magic Waters. Summer Playground sites bring stability and a sense of security to neighborhoods when parents and children know the park will be active with children, games, and laughter each day throughout the summer. Cost $15,000; Quantity 5
The memory of our first experience at summer camp is something many of us will never forget. We repeat it when our children or grandchildren leave for their very first day of camp. Summer camp is an opportunity for children to participate in new activities, and instills a sense of confidence when they experience something out of their comfort level. Camp brings children into contact with kids from different schools, communities, and cultures, and teaches children there is a bigger world than their neighborhood.
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pay. The Rockford Park District offers a fee assistance program called Fun For All Kids (FFAK). With your help, qualified applicants can receive up to 75% off registration fees for Rockford Park District programs. You can open up a new world by sending a child to one week of summer camp. The Park District offers sports camps, horse camps, nature camps, and summer fun camps. Cost $300; Quantity unlimited
Your donation can help ensure no child is denied the chance to enjoy life or create a new memory during their free time!
R E S P O N S E
F O R M
I wish to make a gift of $_______________ to the Rockford Park District Foundation Please use my gift where it is most needed.
Please use my gift towards the following Rockford Park District area_______________________ for this item(s)_______________________________________________________
NAME
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I am enclosing a check made payable to Rockford Park District Foundation Please mail to Rockford Park District Foundation • 401 S Main St, Ste 112, Rockford IL 61101-1321
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401 S Main St • Ste 112, Rockford, IL 61101-1321 • 815-987-1630
rockfordparkdistrict.org/foundation
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The Rockford Park District Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization, and your gift is tax deductible to the extent of the law.
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