Keeling Trailhead Park
6540 Garrett Lane
Rockford, IL 61107
About the Park
In May 2020, the Rockford Park District closed and removed what was known at the time as Saturn Park Playground due to its deteriorating condition. Saturn Park Playground was installed in 1996 and typically a playgrounds useful lifetime is 15 to 20 years. Due to the playground being in the middle of a stormwater detention area, the only space that could be reimagined was the playground. The Rockford Park District engaged several times with residents living around the playground to gather input regarding wants and needs of one of the most heavily used playgrounds in the Park District. Citizens had the final say regarding the playground theme and design elements. The new playground equipment is designed for ages 5-12 and a garden theme was the preference. The total project cost was roughly $175,000 and was funded through the Park District’s capital improvement project budget. Grant funding to assist with all neighborhood outreach efforts was provided by NorthWest Illinois Alliance of REALTORS.
In April 2022, the Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners officially renamed Saturn Park to Keeling Trailhead Park in recognition of Jim Keeling. The name is fitting as the park located at the point at which the Perryville Path intersects with the Midway Village Museum Loop, providing access to both trails. Jim was a trailblazer in creating this heavily utilized path for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Generation after generation has been able to connect to the past, present, and future, thanks to his generosity, ideas, years of planning, and financial underwriting. The Rockford Park District would not be where it is today without Jim Keeling.
“Jim has worked collaboratively and selflessly to improve the quality of life for all citizens, especially our youth and families. Thanks to Jim’s advocacy and fundraising efforts, thousands of citizens can improve their health and well-being by utilizing the Perryville Path; youth are introduced to the game of golf; tubing and snowboarding can take place in the heart of the city; the beauty inside and outside of the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens campus is enjoyed year-round; people come from far and wide to take part in various sports or tournaments; and the community has a place to celebrate diversity at the Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza,” said Rockford Park District Executive Director Jay Sandine.