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.