Weather Cancellations & Facility Closures

Welcome to the Rockford Park District’s weather cancellations and facility closures information page.

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Weather Cancellation Guidelines for Activities

Winter Weather

Snow and ice are common causes for winter program cancellations and facility closures, however, cold temperatures is another factor that is considered during the winter season.

The Rockford Park District uses the following guidelines and procedures in the determination of winter weather cancellations and closures.

For winter storms, the Rockford Park District monitors National Weather Service alerts for Winter Storm watches, advisories, and warnings, and then makes an appropriate decision for each facility or program.

Cold Temperatures

Outdoor activities may be modified or cancelled by the Rockford Park District due to cold temperatures. Participants in programs that meet outdoors during cold temperatures should wear:

  • a hat

  • a scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth

  • sleeves that are snug at the wrist

  • mittens (they are warmer than gloves)

  • water-resistant coat and boots

  • several layers of loose-fitting clothing

The following guidelines will be used to determine the modification of activities.

  • Wind Chill of 15 to 30 degrees – Parents and participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for weather conditions using clothing suggested above. Programs may be modified to reduce the length of outdoor activities.

  • Wind Chill of 0 to 14 degrees – Parents and participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for weather conditions using clothing suggested above. Programs may be modified to reduce the length of outdoor activities. Programs will be moved indoors if an indoor option is available.

  • Wind Chill below 0 degrees – Programs will be moved indoors if an indoor option is available. All other outdoor activities may be cancelled.

The above are merely guidelines and participants and parents of participants have the ultimate responsibility to make decisions regarding participation in an outdoor activity based on weather conditions. All temperatures noted above are in degrees Fahrenheit.

Snow Clearing

The Park District recognizes that there’s a lot of recreation to be enjoyed during the winter months. However, please understand that while we cannot clear all of the sidewalks or park and facility parking lots when it snows, we do have snow-clearing standards that help improve residents’ and patrons’ access to parks and facilities that are open for use during the winter.

  • In order of priority, sidewalks and parking lots where Park District programs are held and that are currently open for use.

  • Trails/paths located in select parks across the community (clearing of trails occurs after the primary routes are completed)