Rockford Park District Foundation

10/14/2026

Well deserved recognition for Schmeling Construction Company! Thank you for helping to give kids a special place to be kids!

The Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) held its annual “Best of the Best” Awards Gala on Friday, October 9, recognizing those who advance parks, recreation, and conservation.

Schmeling Construction Company received the “Best Friend of IL Parks” award for donating their time and talent to build Home Base Sports Fields at Lindberg Park in Loves Park!

Home Base Sports Fields provides a permanent home for All Stars Baseball and Buddy Baseball, giving every athlete an equal opportunity to play, learn, compete, make friends, and feel like they belong.

10/08/2026

10/08/2026

Today, Director of the Rockford Park District Foundation, Lori Berkes-Nelson and Lisa Alexander accepted a donation from Gemini Solar for our Help Me Play program. Help Me Play provides financial assistance so kids in our community can participate in Rockford Park District programs, camps, and activities. These experiences not only keep kids active, but help reduce stress, learn teamwork, develop discipline, and support healthy minds.

For nearly 6,000 children in our community, Help Me Play represents the opportunity to get off the sidelines and onto the field, into a program, or onto a playground where they feel included and supported.
Thank you Gemini Solar for supporting this important work.

10/05/2026

09/23/2026

We're very excited to have Steve Shannon join the Rockford Park District family!

09/09/2026

Giving to Help Me Play provides financial support, so all youth can access and experience the lifelong benefits of play through the Rockford Park District.

09/04/2026

09/01/2026

State Senator Steve Stadelman's FREE 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament returns to the Sports Factory on Labor Day!

🏀 https://tinyurl.com/6sw32c7c

08/25/2026

What started as one mother’s hope to give her son a chance to play baseball has grown into a permanent home for athletes of all abilities.