Wantz Park Improvements
Fall 2023 Update
Time 2 Play program participants and Rockford Park District team members took this picture at the end of the last session as a way to say goodbye to the playground. Construction fence is up at Wantz Park which symbolizes the start of the park renovations. The old playground was removed in October and donated to Kids Around the World. Work on the brick shelter will also begin soon.
During the summer we asked playground program participants and community members in the area to select their favorite playground design. This is the one that received the most votes.
Project history
The Rockford Park District is continuing to invest in neighborhood parks, a top priority for the citizens we serve. Ray Wantz Memorial Park is getting a makeover! This park is home to one of the most heavily attended free neighborhood park programs.
Rockford Park District is able to reinvest in Wantz Park thanks to being awarded $315,000 from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant. The Park District will utilize $405,000 out of its capital funds to fulfill the required grant match. Park renovations are expected to be completed in 2024.