Alpine Park
950 Alpine Road
Rockford, IL, 61108

Renovations Underway at Rockford Park District’s First Inclusive Playground Originally Built in 2003

The Rockford Park District's inaugural inclusive playground, affectionately known as “Paulyground,” was first unveiled at Alpine Park, 950 S. Alpine Road, Rockford, in 2003. From the moment it opened, “Paulyground” has always been one of the most popular play spaces in the Rockford Park District. Families of all abilities were drawn to its thoughtful, universally designed layout, which allowed children to play side by side, regardless of their mobility or sensory needs.

“Paulyground” has been at the top of the Rockford Park District’s playground replacement plan as the 22-year-old playground is past its proper lifecycle. Within the last few weeks, the aging playground equipment has been removed, and construction is currently underway to transform “Paulyground.” Named in memory of Mike Pauly, a dedicated landscape architect for the Rockford Park District who championed inclusive access before his untimely passing, the playground design was trailblazing at the time. It will be just as revolutionary in its design today. The redesigned “Paulyground” aims to honor the original spirit of universal play while elevating standards for safety, accessibility, and enjoyment. Playground equipment and design was selected thanks to community input and thanks to an advisory group which included Therapeutic Recreation department team members, parents of children with disability related needs, and community partners. Play elements being installed at “Paulyground” are not located at any other Rockford Park District playground.

“Paulyground” will offer wheelchair-accessible equipment, sensory-friendly features, unitary playground surfacing, and a communication board, making it a welcoming space for children of all abilities to play side-by-side. Examples of inclusive playground features are:

• 360 Loop – Provides independent adventures to more children, especially those using mobility devices.

• Serenity Spot – A calming place for play, which is perfect for children with sensory differences. This fort-like space is fun and relaxing.

• We-Go-Swing® - First no-transfer inclusive swing that can be integrated into the playground setting and invites kids of all abilities to get in on the fun.

The Rockford Park District received a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Many of the inclusive features within the redesign would not have been possible without a donor family who wanted to help give “ordinary” playground experiences to other children and adults who need a little extra help or adaptations to experience the world around them.

The total investment in Alpine Park will be approximately $1.36 million.

Additional Alpine Park improvements include:

• ADA accessibility improvements to existing restrooms

• Enhancing the existing picnic shelters by adding game courts or bag toss

• Creating new accessible pathways

• Improved pedestrian safety measures

• New outdoor exercise equipment

• Stormwater drainage improvements

Inclusive Play Design Features at a Variety of Rockford Park District Parks and Playgrounds

For years, the Rockford Park District has been incorporating inclusive play design elements and ensuring that District projects are ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. The John Beck Memorial Playground at Oxford Park features seamless surfaces, an accessible pathway, and is where the Rockford Park District's first communication board for children who are non-verbal was installed. “This inclusive space honors John Beck’s legacy of advocacy for accessibility and stands as a model for equitable play. It’s a vibrant and welcoming gathering place where kids of all abilities can play, communicate, and connect,” said Kuenzi Dearth, Therapeutic Recreation Manager. Unitary surfacing helps create a safe, welcoming, and accessible play environment for children of all abilities and can be found at Keye-Mallquist Park playground, Wantz Park playground, and Wentland Sports Complex.

The Rockford Park District has also integrated communication boards into several of its playgrounds to enhance accessibility and support children who are non-verbal or have communication challenges. These boards feature symbols and images that help express needs, emotions, and actions, fostering inclusive play experiences. Communication boards have been included with renovations of Alpine Meadows Park playground, Wantz Park, and John Beck Memorial Playground.

Thank you to everyone who attended a recent informational meeting at Alpine Park for the opportunity to explore the location and review plans for a new dog park!  Your questions, feedback, and ideas were incredibly valuable.  A new dog park at Alpine Park is needed as the land where the current Elliot Dog Park is located will eventually be sold, and the Rockford Park District has always been committed to building a brand-new dog park in southeast Rockford to replace Elliot Dog Park.  You may also recall that in 2024, 168 acres of land that used to be the Elliot Golf Course were sold to Severson Dells as a way to achieve the goals established by our community to reduce our footprint and increase investment at the other golf courses.  The proceeds from the sale are being used to replace the irrigation system at Ingersoll Golf Course.

We also appreciate members of the Canine Corners Advisory Committee who toured a variety of potential locations and helped determine that Alpine Park is the perfect location for our furry friends to run and play.

The Alpine Park location will provide the chance to add a lot of features that many of you have asked for in recent surveys.  For those who were unable to attend the meeting, here is a recap of the key points discussed regarding what Alpine Park can provide:

• Fenced Open Play Area with Shelter – There is a large, covered shelter where you will be able to sit, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of the park while your dog has fun

• Convenient On-Site Amenities – Electricity, running water, restrooms, and accessible parking is already on site and were top requests from our dog park community

• Opportunity to Add Agility Equipment – This will be great for dogs who love a challenge

• Separate Small Dog Area – Great chance to give smaller dogs a safe space of their own

Below are conceptual drawings to show the features of the new dog park.  We’re excited to continue moving this vision forward and will keep you updated as plans progress.  The Rockford Park District will now be focused on getting this project ready to bid.  This new dog park will not only replace the existing one at Elliot but also provide an opportunity to enhance amenities, improve accessibility, and create an even better experience for dogs and their owners.