Rockford Park District
Priority Result #1
Land use today and tomorrow
By Jack L. Armstrong and Laura Pigatti Williamson, Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners
One of the hallmarks of the Rockford Park District is the many neighborhood parks sprinkled throughout our community. These parks and play areas were carefully developed for your use and enjoyment during the past 99 years, and your Park Commissioners are concerned with maintaining the existing parks for your safety and enjoyment, as well as growth and development for future generations.
There are 175 park and recreation sites currently in your park system, with 4,832.90 acres of land covering 125 square miles. As the community expands, our need to preserve land for future recreational purposes grows along with the challenge of securing funding sources.
Growth and development
During 2007, park space used by District residents for recreational purposes increased with the acquisition of almost 18 acres (Sportscore One and Anderson Peace Park). Because our land acquisition funding is very limited, this was accomplished through alternate funding sources including grants and donations from private sources. Parkland in development for citizen use includes:
One of the hallmarks of the Rockford Park District is the many neighborhood parks sprinkled throughout our community. These parks and play areas were carefully developed for your use and enjoyment during the past 99 years, and your Park Commissioners are concerned with maintaining the existing parks for your safety and enjoyment, as well as growth and development for future generations.
There are 175 park and recreation sites currently in your park system, with 4,832.90 acres of land covering 125 square miles. As the community expands, our need to preserve land for future recreational purposes grows along with the challenge of securing funding sources.
Growth and development
During 2007, park space used by District residents for recreational purposes increased with the acquisition of almost 18 acres (Sportscore One and Anderson Peace Park). Because our land acquisition funding is very limited, this was accomplished through alternate funding sources including grants and donations from private sources. Parkland in development for citizen use includes:
- Kaye Anderson Park is 75% completed with site work, a walking path, and a playground installed; a small shelter and seating area will be completed this summer.
- Southwest Community Park is nearing completion and will be in full use this summer.
- A partnership with the Flodin Boys and Girls Club and the Village of Cherry Valley to develop new ball fields, and a skate park; a new playground will open at the Flodin Boys and Girls Club later this year.
- A partnership with developer Sunil Puri at Linden Pointe for a new neighborhood park and green space in a new residential development.
- A cooperative agreement with the City of Rockford and Rockford Housing Authority to maintain open green space after the Jane Addams housing complex was demolished.
Passive recreation
Our park system is not all about organized activity - Many opportunities are provided for passive recreation. We all need park space to de-stress, connect with nature, and take time to slow down and smell the flowers. Land is a non-renewable resource, and much of it is being purchased and developed. Now is the best time to secure land for future generations. We continue to explore ways to expand our limited funding sources to ensure monies for land acquisition. However, state grants and donations are dwindling.
Challenges and gaps
The District's updated needs assessment for neighborhood park sites identified a "gap" of 43 unserved neighborhoods. This number included existing unserved neighborhoods and future undeveloped residential areas of the Park District. The estimated cost to purchase and develop one neighborhood park is approximately $650,000. We have begun discussions with developers and other governmental agencies to set aside land and/or a cash donation during the development process. We will continue this dialogue and hope to influence policy changes.
Maintenance Challenges
Capital Asset Management Program (CAMP) funding is used to ensure that the District's recreational facilities, equipment, and parks are well maintained for your safety and enjoyment. While 80% of all capital improvement project funds are allocated for capital repair and replacement, there remains a shortfall of $11,764,085 for deferred repair and replacement projects. This shortfall will continue to grow and jeopardize our facilities unless we can find an alternative funding source.
Your feedback is needed
This month Health Systems Research is conducting a written survey of 4,000 random citizen households in the Park District. If you receive a survey, we urge you to fill it out and return it by July 7 so the Commissioners can determine priorities and allocate funding accordingly. Beginning June 16 through July 7, anyone can visit our web site and complete the survey as well, at www.RockfordParkDistrict.org.
We hope you enjoy your summer, and participate in the many great activities that are offered throughout the Rockford Park District!
Our park system is not all about organized activity - Many opportunities are provided for passive recreation. We all need park space to de-stress, connect with nature, and take time to slow down and smell the flowers. Land is a non-renewable resource, and much of it is being purchased and developed. Now is the best time to secure land for future generations. We continue to explore ways to expand our limited funding sources to ensure monies for land acquisition. However, state grants and donations are dwindling.
Challenges and gaps
The District's updated needs assessment for neighborhood park sites identified a "gap" of 43 unserved neighborhoods. This number included existing unserved neighborhoods and future undeveloped residential areas of the Park District. The estimated cost to purchase and develop one neighborhood park is approximately $650,000. We have begun discussions with developers and other governmental agencies to set aside land and/or a cash donation during the development process. We will continue this dialogue and hope to influence policy changes.
Maintenance Challenges
Capital Asset Management Program (CAMP) funding is used to ensure that the District's recreational facilities, equipment, and parks are well maintained for your safety and enjoyment. While 80% of all capital improvement project funds are allocated for capital repair and replacement, there remains a shortfall of $11,764,085 for deferred repair and replacement projects. This shortfall will continue to grow and jeopardize our facilities unless we can find an alternative funding source.
Your feedback is needed
This month Health Systems Research is conducting a written survey of 4,000 random citizen households in the Park District. If you receive a survey, we urge you to fill it out and return it by July 7 so the Commissioners can determine priorities and allocate funding accordingly. Beginning June 16 through July 7, anyone can visit our web site and complete the survey as well, at www.RockfordParkDistrict.org.
We hope you enjoy your summer, and participate in the many great activities that are offered throughout the Rockford Park District!