Construction Begins on Perks Family Equine Center at Lockwood Park, a Lifechanging Facility Providing Hope and Healing with Horses

ROCKFORD, IL – Area youth and teens are in crisis experiencing alarming rates of violence, depression, anxiety, and the recent stress of the pandemic, putting them at an overwhelming disadvantage. Today, the Rockford Park District broke ground on the Perks Family Equine Center at Lockwood Park, 5201 Safford Road, Rockford. Once built, this will be a lifechanging facility serving the needs of youth and teens living with mental health issues, developmental disabilities, trauma, domestic abuse, substance abuse, and other needs. It will be a vital addition to the community, and play a major role in the intervention needed to improve lives and even save lives.

Perks Family Equine Center Officially Named After Lead Donor

The Perks Family Foundation has supported the Rockford Park District with donations that have contributed to making numerous community assets a reality, such as the Eclipse Lagoon, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Alpine Hills, and Levings Park. The Perks Family Foundation in addition to Lach and Doug Perks set the stage for fundraising for the Indoor Equine Center by collectively giving $1 million and are actively fundraising across the country for the project.

“Our family foundation is proud to be a part of this groundbreaking project for our region. We are also lifelong horse people. We love them. We grew up with them and are still surrounded by them. We feel their healing powers every day,” said Doug Perks.

In April, the Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners voted to name the Indoor Equine Center at Lockwood Park the Perks Family Equine Center.

“Their philanthropy has made a significant impact on the Rockford Park District's ability to fulfill its mission of “helping people enjoy life.” The best way we can honor this family who was the driving force behind the vision for the facility is to put their name on it. The Rockford Park District is a stronger organization because of the Perks Family Foundation,” said Rockford Park District Executive Director Jay Sandine.

Design Features for Perks Family Equine Center

The Perks Family Equine Center will provide a state-of-the-art year-round facility for equine assisted learning and therapy (EAL/EAP) programming. This will provide a unique opportunity to serve our community and address the social, emotional, and behavioral struggles of youth and teens. The Park District will work with mental health experts to incorporate horses into traditional clinical interventions. The Perks Family Equine Center will provide 35,500 square feet of indoor space and includes: 8 horse stalls, arena, break out area for horses, offices, classrooms, wash bays, grooming area, tack room, laundry, gathering room, consultation rooms, bathrooms, and storage. The center will also have infrared heat and LED lighting along with a covered drop off at the entrance and parking. Outdoor pens for training and holding areas. Construction is expected to be complete in spring 2024.

Fundraising Continues for Perks Family Equine Center

The Rockford Park District Foundation has been focused on raising $10 million to build and sustain the Perks Family Equine Center at Lockwood Park. To date $5.4 million dollars has been raised and committed to the project. The Perks Family Equine Center is the largest capital campaign that the Rockford Park District Foundation has taken on since fundraising to build Nicholas Conservatory& Gardens. Through the leadership of the Perks Family Foundation and their lead gift, fundraising momentum is building. Most recently, the Winnebago County Mental Health Board awarded $550,000 to the Perks Family Equine Center project for operational expenses that focus on the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of individuals. Donations can be made online or by calling 815-987-1675.

About the Foundation

The Rockford Park District Foundation was founded in 1979 to provide philanthropic support to the Rockford Park District and to enhance awareness of the District’s benefits to the community. The Foundation responds to the needs of the citizens served by the Rockford Park District. The Foundation receives monetary, land, and various other donations on behalf of the Park District, and administers the donations to ensure the donor’s intent is fulfilled. To date, more than $50 million has been raised, thanks to the generosity of friends and donors of the Rockford Park District Foundation.