Weather Cancellation Guidelines for Activities
⛈️ Closing and cancellation alerts will be posted on our website(s), appropriate social media channels, and in the Rockford Park District Mobile App.
Storms
Rockford Park District staff closely monitor severe weather watches and warnings from the National Weather Service to determine potential effects on programming.
When lightning is present, it is the district’s policy to suspend outdoor programs for a minimum of 30 minutes after the last sign of lightning or thunder.
All programs are subject to cancellation or may be moved to a safe indoor facility when deemed necessary.
Unseasonably Cool Temperatures
When the forecast is 68 degrees or below, Rockford Park District pools will be closed.
Heat Index
Rockford Park District staff closely monitor heat advisories, watches, and warnings to determine potential effects on programming.
When the heat index is above 100 degrees programs may be moved indoors. All other outdoor activities may be cancelled.
When the heat index is 90-100 degrees, programs may be modified to reduce the length of outdoor activities. Programs can be moved indoors or cancelled if necessary.
Air Quality
Rockford Park District staff closely monitor the Air Quality Index to determine potential effects on programming.
All programs are subject to modifications and cancellations when air quality reaches dangerous levels, as determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
View Current Air Quality Report >
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)