Sun Singer

For 50 years, the Rockford Park District's iconic “Sun Singer” logo has been more than just a symbol. On August 12, 1975, the "Sun Singer" became the official logo of the Rockford Park District and has become one of the region's most recognized and meaningful symbols. The logo serves as a recognizable mark of quality, inclusion, and commitment to public service, reminding residents that the Rockford Park District is dedicated to enhancing their quality of life by providing opportunities for people to enjoy life through parks, recreation, and culture.

The Man Behind the “Sun Singer” Logo

Before 1975, the Rockford Park District's logo featured a simple picnic table set against a backdrop of trees. However, as the Rockford Park District expanded to offer more programs, facilities, and services, a new identity was required. US Marine Corps veteran, graphic designer, and community leader Eugene "Gene" Holmberg was commissioned to create a logo that better reflected the Rockford Park District’s mission. He conceived a bold, modern silhouetted figure known as a "Sun Singer" that represents the primary purpose of establishing a park district: the citizens. Behind the silhouetted figure is a radiant sun, yellow and orange, which represents a source of energy that sustains all living things. In 1975, Former Rockford Park District Commissioner Jo Baker stated that the logo was a “turning point for the Rockford Park District. We are transitioning from 'old' thinking about our role in providing picnic tables to 'new' thinking, which is that we are here to serve people. The new Sun Singer logo will change the way we look at ourselves.”

Although Gene has passed away, his legacy lives on.

The Year of the “Sun Singer”

This year, we’re shining a spotlight on 50 years of the “Sun Singer” and the story it tells about Rockford Park District. Like the sun, the Rockford Park District is everywhere, every day, helping communities thrive through the power of play. "The meaning of the Sun Singer logo depends on the lens through which you view it. It represents something different to everyone, but no matter how you look at it, it’s really about one thing: helping people enjoy life,” said Rockford Park District Executive Director Jay Sandine.

Stories and facts will be shared throughout the year about how the Rockford Park District improves the quality of life for citizens by providing a vibrant and relevant park system, which increases property values, stimulates economic development, creates economic impact, increases positive outcomes for youth, and improves our community’s physical and mental well-being. Additional information will be shared about how the Rockford Park District protects the environment, employs hundreds of area teens, and brings our diverse community together in unity, through the common love of play.