Continuous Community Feedback Drives Proposed Updated Community Established Priorities

ROCKFORD IL – To make sure the Rockford Park District is meeting the recreational needs of this and succeeding generations, the Park District is updating its community-driven priorities and five-year strategic plan.

Revised priorities will guide the Park District in how to best accomplish its mission and fulfill its vision given the current economic conditions, demographic changes, along with physical, mental, and social emotional challenges facing our community, especially among youth and teens. Community needs identified through a variety of community feedback methods, local and national recreation trends, and industry experts are all resources being utilized by the Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners to update community-driven priorities.

Ongoing community engagement methods include:

Engagement methods outlined provided substantial citizen input to the Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners regarding what services or needs should be met, for whom the services should be provided, and at what cost. Feedback gathered over those past few months, as well as the information that is provided through daily citizen interaction will help guide the direction for the future of the District through revised and updated community-led Priority Results.

Community Feedback Regarding Top Reasons to Recreate

  1. For physical health/fitness

  2. To get outside and connect with nature

  3. For fun and entertainment

  4. For mental health and social/emotional wellness

  5. To spend time with family and friends

  6. To learn a new skill or sport

Additional key engagement feedback:

  • Programs and services that are most valued by the community are: parks, playgrounds, trails, paths, conservatory, gardens, arts and cultural events, swimming, outdoor education, youth programs, community center, and sports facilities

  • Citizens served want quality infrastructure and a diverse variety of amenities within parks. For example, cricket is surging in popularity locally and nationally

  • Rockford Park District programs offered should continue to be affordable, accessible, high-quality, and multigenerational catering to people of all ages of life

  • Youth at Time 2 Play Summer Playground programs also provided input regarding their favorite outdoor activity, what they wish the park had, and how they feel at a park. Feedback focused on the need for more park enhancements such as more water features, updated playground equipment, added shade structures, improved recreational spaces, and creative play options.

Community feedback presented to the Park Board will ensure that the Rockford Park District remains a vibrant and relevant park system that meets the needs of this and succeeding generations. The Park Board will also review and revise the current community-led Priority Results that have been in place since 2018. Revised priorities will also be utilized to update the District’s five-year strategic plan which will direct resource allocation and priorities for services and programming from 2025-2030.

Mike Costello