Oakdale Tabernacle

02/17/2026

Friends of the Pecatonica River Foundation is seeking new board members! The mission of Friends of the Pec is to preserve, protect, and foster the vitality of the Pecatonica River within its watershed in Stephenson County. They seek new board members who can take the organization's work well into future.

If you have questions or are interested in getting involved, visit their website at www.pecriver.org and send them a message, or email them at [email protected]. Or contact us at The Foundation and we'll be happy to make a connection for you.

01/18/2026

Something fun about oaks you may see at Oakdale!

01/16/2026

Public Notice: Krape Park South Entrance Improvement Project

The Freeport Park District announces the Krape Park South Entrance Improvement Project, a planned investment to enhance safety, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience at one of the District’s most visited parks.

Krape Park receives more visitors than any other park in the Freeport Park District. Currently, the south entrance is limited to a single lane and frequently experiences traffic congestion during peak visitation times. These conditions can create delays for park users and challenges for safe traffic flow.

In addition, the north entrance bridge has a weight restriction that prevents many emergency vehicles and school buses from crossing. Improving and expanding access at the south entrance will help ensure emergency responders, school groups, and families can enter the park quickly and safely, especially during high-use periods.

The project also addresses potentially hazardous trees located along the south entrance corridor. These trees have begun to damage the roadway, increasing maintenance costs and creating ongoing safety concerns. Planned improvements will allow the Park District to address these issues proactively and sustainably.

In January, the Freeport Park Board of Commissioners will meet with the intent of the Park District to issue a bond pursuant to the requirements of the Bond Issue Notification Act (30 ILCS 352/5) to support this important infrastructure project.

Pending approvals, construction is anticipated to begin April of 2026 and be complete by Fall of 2026. A reminder that vehicles that surpass the north entrance bridge weight restriction should utilize Woodside Drive to enter and exit Krape Park.

The Freeport Park District is committed to maintaining safe, welcoming, and accessible parks for all visitors, and these improvements are a key step toward enhancing the long-term enjoyment and functionality of Krape Park.

01/15/2026

Great news!

Public Announcement: Freeport Park District Awarded Funding through Open Space Land Acquisition and Development

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced that the Freeport Park District has been awarded grant funding as part of the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program. The Freeport Park District is among 67 park projects across Illinois receiving funding to support land acquisition and the development of recreational opportunities that strengthen local communities.

Through this program, the Freeport Park District was awarded $582,445.50 with equal matching to support a wide range of improvements at Krape Park, one of the community’s most cherished and highly visited destinations.

Krape Park is an award-winning park and a major recreational hub in the City of Freeport, attracting visitors from throughout the region each year. The planned improvements will enhance accessibility, safety, and recreational offerings for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.

Proposed project elements include the addition of a scenic nature overlook with seating, an ADA-accessible fishing pier and related accessibility improvements, lighting for pickleball courts, two new playgrounds, a rock-climbing boulder, disc golf equipment, parking lot improvements, and updated wayfinding signage. Project work is anticipated to begin in Summer of 2026 and be complete by December of 2027.

Together, these enhancements will help ensure Krape Park continues to provide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment that encourages outdoor recreation, social interaction, and community gatherings for years to come.

12/19/2025

National Historic Landmarks Program in Illinois was a tremendous advocate to help us save the Tabernacle.

Learn about each of the sites on the 2025 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. Since 1995, Landmarks Illinois has published an annual list of the state’s top threatened culturally and architecturally significant sites threatened by deterioration, lack of maintenance, insufficient funds or ...

11/30/2025

Here's where we are at as of November 30, 2025. Here's the link to donate and thank you.
https://shorturl.at/YYnU3

11/30/2025

WILL YOU GIVE US YOUR CONCRETE SUPPORT?

Last week, we wrapped up a major round of prep work for the new concrete floor beneath the stage area. Over the years, three separate stages were built on top of each other—and once they were removed, we discovered only dirt underneath.

Now we’re ready for the next big step. We’ve secured a contractor and are officially “on the list” to begin work next spring, once the weather warms. This phase includes pouring a level concrete floor and installing new footings to stabilize the back walls.

Your donation—large or small—will directly support this crucial stage of the Tabernacle’s restoration.

You can make a personal contribution today by mailing a check to:
Save the Tabernacle
P.O. Box 725
Freeport, IL 61032

Or donate online: https://savethetabernacle.org/fundraising

Thank you for helping us keep this historic landmark standing strong.

10/10/2025

09/30/2025

Members of our Steering Committee met today at the historic Tabernacle to discuss forthcoming initiatives in restoring the building. We extend our gratitude for your likes, shares, and financial contributions, particularly in our recent fundraiser “Show your Concrete Support!”

Special thanks to the Boys and Girls Club and Freeport YIELD program for the repairs and painting to the exterior!

To obtain additional information regarding this upcoming project, please visit our website. The link is provided in the comments.

07/29/2025

Come celebrate the season with a cozy evening in nature this Saturday!
Take a short hike through the woods, gather around the fire for s’mores and stories, and get creative with rock painting.

It’s the perfect way to soak up the season with family, friends, and sweet treats.
Kids 10 and under must attend with a registered adult. Register online here: http://bit.ly/3ISwHi0

06/09/2025

🎉 A huge THANK YOU to our amazing donors — you helped raise $2,810 last week! 🙌

We're working toward a $40,000 goal to fill the hole and lay the concrete foundation for a new stage at the Oakdale Tabernacle next year. 🏗️

This is just the beginning — let’s keep the momentum going! Every donation brings us one step closer. 💪❤️

👉 Want to help?
During our Show Your Concrete Support Fundraiser this month, you can now donate with
- Venmo! Go to -theTabernacle (charity). Super easy
- Mail a check to: Save the Tabernacle, P.O. Box 725,
Freeport, IL 61032
- Paypal: bit.ly/3FyYu5T