Shorewood Park Improvements

A major investment is being made at Shorewood Park, 235 Evelyn Avenue, Loves Park.

Shorewood Park is home to the Loves Park Ski Broncs and has a popular recreational path for walking, hiking, and biking along with a recently built disc golf course. Over the years, Shorewood Park has been severely impacted by flooding along the Rock River. Flooding issues have cancelled free family friendly activities, numerous times like Loves Park Ski Broncs water ski shows. An Illinois grant for $800,000 was secured by Illinois State Representative Dave Vella and will cover renovation costs to repair what has been washed away and destroyed over the years.

Shorewood Park site improvements include:

  • A renovated seawall and shoreline stabilization to minimize erosion

  • A new and expanded show stage will replace the existing stage

  • New accessible pavement to replace surfacing in and around the bleacher area

  • Expanded boat staging area and reconfigured pathway through the boat staging area to create better traffic flow for park users and ski show performers

Loves Park Ski Broncs has been a longstanding partner of the Rockford Park District and have utilized Shorewood Park since 1967. Over the years, the Ski Broncs have performed water ski shows throughout the summer on the Rock River, and have hosted numerous regional, state, and national level water ski show tournaments.

"Loves Park Ski Broncs leadership is beyond ecstatic,” said Loves Park Ski Broncs Vice President and Resource Development Director Steve Kling. “Revitalizing the shoreline at Shorewood Park supports our efforts to host spectacular events; perform safe enjoyable shows for our community; and promote the beauty of our river, our city, and our park district. It is clear to see these shoreline improvements will ultimately boost the local economy, improve quality of life, and preserve the Rock River as our area's greatest asset."

Shorewood Park construction begins Monday, March 18, 2024 and is expected to be completed in May.

Due to this construction a portion of the Rock River Recreation Path is closed within Shorewood Park. Signage and maps will be posted at a variety of places along the path to share detour details. Users headed north should head east on Junius St., then north on Arlington St., then west on Pearl Ave., then resume north towards Martin Park on East Dr. Users headed south should head east on Pearl Ave., then south on Arlington St., then west on Junius St., then resume south towards Illinois Street Park.

Mike Costello