Rockford Park District

09/30/2026

Rockford Park District facilities generate $14M per year in regional economic impact

09/30/2026

Fall on the Farm is back at Lockwood Park every Saturday and Sunday through November 7! Spend the day enjoying crisp fall air, farm fun, seasonal favorites and plenty of ways to make the most of the season with your family.

🍁 FREE admission (optional paid activities)
📍 Lockwood Park
⏰ Saturdays & Sundays, 11 AM–5 PM

09/29/2026

09/29/2026

Tonight will be the last Food Truck Tuesday of the season at the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens! 🌮 Come on out from 4–8PM and grab a bite before the season wraps up!

09/26/2026

09/25/2026

A piece of “ROCKFORD” history has been hiding between the fifth and sixth fairways at Sinnissippi Golf Course! Our golf maintenance team has been hard at work this summer restoring a piece of history that dates all the way back to the 1930s. Next time you’re traveling along Parkview Avenue, see if you can catch a glimpse of this piece of Rockford’s past!

09/23/2026

A familiar voice in the community is taking on a new role with the Rockford Park District. Steve Shannon has joined our team as a Community Engagement Specialist, bringing more than 30 years of experience in radio, communication, and connecting with audiences throughout the region.

In his new role, Steve will help connect the community to the impact of the Rockford Park District, highlighting how parks and recreation support health and wellness, help develop the next generation, and contribute to the region’s economic vitality.

Have a favorite Park District memory?
Know someone with a great RPD story?
Follow Steve at Steve Shannon
👉 Say hello. Tell him your story.

09/18/2026

🚨Know Before You Glow!🚨
Glow in the Garden is this Friday, Sept. 18, 6-9pm. There is no entry fee to the event.
🚙Parking is available in the main NCG lot, the south auxiliary lot, Symbol lot, and overflow is available at the YMCA to the south.
🚌Parking also available at Sinnissippi Park pickleball courts/maintenance shop and Sinnissippi Golf Course. There will be a shuttle picking up at these locations roughly every 15 minutes.
🚃Trolley Car 36 is shuttling between all riverfront lots. (FREE! But donations are much appreciated!)
🪷Lanterns are available for online pre-purchase until noon Friday. (https://runsignup.com/Race/Store/IL/Rockford/GlowintheGarden5k) Lanterns will be for sale on-site 6-9pm (or while supplies last!) Pre-purchased lanterns can be picked up at Will-Call/Information at the front door of Nicholas Conservatory anytime 6-9pm.
🪩Glow merch and lanterns are for sale under the terrace tent!
🏃FREE kids fun run at 7pm (no registration required, just show up at the glowing pillars on the rec path outside the conservatory!) The kids run will run south on the path towards the glowing arch.
🏃🏾‍♂️Glow 5k starts at 7:30. **5k is SOLD OUT!**
💜Thanks to 5k sponsors Rasmussen University, GreenState Credit Union , Peak Sports Club , Tylers Landscaping Service, and Tommy's Express Car Wash!
⚠️ Please CLEAR the Rec Path for 5k runners and walkers 7-8:30! (And give them a cheer!)
🍹 Cash bar by Disco Drinks Mobile Cocktail Bar
🌮 🌭🍜 Food by Cantina Taco , Bop Bop Food Truck , Cheezy’s Grilled Cheeses , and Tropic Like It’s Hot
✨🕺FREE Family Activities in the gardens include Glow in YOUR Garden Rock Monsters, Face Paint, Glow Golf, Flow Arts, and Just Dance!
🥳We’ve been crossing fingers and toes all week! Rain looks to be holding off until late in the evening.

09/17/2026

Due to equipment issues, the ice rink at Carlson Ice Arena is CLOSED until further notice.

As a result, Frosty Fridays have been postponed until later in the season.

Skating lessons, figure skating programs, and hockey programs will be moved to Riverview Ice House during this time. If you are signed up for these programs, you will be contacted with any time/schedule adjustments.

In addition, we are also offering as many public sessions as we can for public skate, freestyle, and hockey at Riverview Ice House. Please view the calendars below for the most up to date schedules.

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Carlson Ice Arena customer experience and Sapora Playworld will remain open with revised hours.

We appreciate your patience during this time and will provide further updates once available. If you have any questions, please call/text our Customer Experience team at 815-987-8800.

09/16/2026

Celebrate the end of summer with Glow in the Garden at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens this Friday, September 18, from 6–9 PM! 🌟 Enjoy free, family-friendly activities throughout the gardens, plus a kids fun run at 7 PM with no registration required. Glow merchandise and lagoon lanterns will also be available for purchase outside the conservatory while supplies last!

✨ nicholasconservatory.com/glow-in-the-garden