🚧 Oxford Park Renovation
July 2023 Update
Construction fencing will go up around the playground on 7/10 and construction of a new playground will officially begin. We apologize for this inconvenience but it’s a short sacrifice as construction will be wrapped up likely in September. Signage about the new playground will also be on site.
May 2022 Update
Construction of the new playground will begin in July, right after the 4th of July festivities in the neighborhood.
February 2022 Playground Renovation Update
Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners approved a construction contract for Oxford Park Playground Renovation. The playground has a garden theme which residents selected and will also include unitary playground surfacing, accessible pathway, picnic area, along with concrete footings for a future picnic shelter will also be installed.
Funding for the renovation comes from the Park District’s Capital budget. Construction could begin in June, but is subject to change based on weather conditions and timely delivery of playground equipment and surfacing materials. The completion of the new playground is expected to take place in the fall of 2023.
PROJECT HISTORY
A new place to play! Oxford Park playground will be getting a makeover! As one of the most heavily utilized playgrounds in the Rockford Park District, it's next on the list to be renovated. There are no immediate dangers but the playground was installed in 1999 so it is well beyond it’s useful lifecycle. The Park District has budgeted $165,000 for the new playground. The new playground is scheduled to be complete by next summer. The District has also developed a master plan for the park in collaboration with the Edgewater Neighborhood Association.
July 2022 Update
The first round of feedback from residents helped the Park District with the playground design process and provided more input regarding an overall master plan for the park. Two initial master plan concepts had been developed based on initial feedback collected by the Neighborhood Association of wants and needs. These plans show additional improvements that could be made if future fundraising allows. We received 194 responses to the first online survey so thank you to everyone who took time to give us your feedback! Top responses regarding playground design elements were:
Garden or treehouse theme
Include rock or wall climber
Include belt swing, tot swings, and multi-user swings
Include zipline
Include rung ladder or ring ladder
Utilize interactive play panels
Include a winding slide
Of the two master plan park concepts that were presented, Concept B (see photo below) was the favorite. The Park District will conduct another survey to have residents pick out a favorite playground design.
September 2022 Update
As part two of the playground design process, we need feedback on which playground design you would most like to be installed. Please utilize the link below to review the three playground concepts and pick the one you like best.
We ask that you provide your input by Sunday, October 9, 2022. You can also vote at the park on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 6 p.m. We are encouraging youth and teens to attend but adults are welcome too. Games and a sweet treat will also be provided!