Marianne Larson

Retired, Former Manager of Mercyhealth Sportscore One

Marianne Larson recently retired from the Rockford Park District after 38 years of service. She held several positions over the years starting out at t-ball coordinator and retiring as manager of Mercyhealth Sportscore One.

She worked when others wanted to play and over the years, she was in charge of playground programs, volleyball, track, youth sports, and much more. Marianne is a role model for women leaders and always advocated for gender equality by creating safe spaces for girls and women of all ages to play whatever sport or activity they were interested in.

She was creative with her programming and was always offering new recreational opportunities in the hopes of getting more people, especially women to spend more time at the fields.  She knew that sports could build bonds.  Marianne spent her life inspiring others and was an influencer in the local sports world which was traditionally dominated by men. She did it for the love of the game and earned the respect of many for always being kind, patient, but tough when necessary.

The Rockford Park District is better because of people like Marianne. Thank you, Marianne, for the tremendous impact you had on generations of youth, teens, families, and team members.