Rockford Park District - "Free for All"

From: Rockford Park District - Marketing Department
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, July 8, 2009
For Additional Information Contact:
Denise Delanty, Marketing & Communications Manager
815-987-8691, denisedelanty@rockfordparkdistrict.org

Park District Launches “Free For All” Campaign to Promote Free and Low Fee Family Activities

ROCKFORD, IL – Go for a hike, pack a picnic, play on a playground, go swimming, visit a children’s farm, listen to live music outdoors. These are just a few of the many free or low fee activities offered by the Rockford Park District. With many families facing difficult economic times, the Park District has stepped up their efforts to get the word out about the many free and “low fee” programs, activities, and events the District currently offers area residents. To increase awareness, the Park District launched a “Free for All” campaign, which highlights and promotes these free and low fee offerings. A complete listing and downloadable flyer are accessible from the Park District’s web site at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org.

“Now more than ever, it is important for the Rockford Park District to promote the many fun and affordable activities that families can enjoy together. In difficult economic times, families are looking to the Park District as a resource to provide affordable things to do and places to go that are close to home. From free outdoor concerts and playground programs to low cost admittance fees to swimming pools and driving ranges, the Rockford Park District is providing a much-needed service to citizens who are looking for recreational activities, while at the same time, trying to make ends meet,” said Park District Board President Doug Brooks.

FREE & LOW FEE ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Below is a listing of nearly one dozen free and low fee activities and events offered by the Rockford Park District:

FREE
• Rec Path & Trails – Take a hike or have a picnic (over 60 parks and rec paths available)
• Lockwood Park Children’s Farm & Equestrian Centre – visit the animals (on Saturdays)
• Lockwood Park Observatory – Stargaze into the evening
• Courts & Sports – check out the many tennis and basketball courts, baseball diamonds, and skate parks
• Time 2 Play Playground Programs – free supervised activities at 10 neighborhood parks
• Anna Page Park – Play disc golf
• Harkins Pool & Aquatic Center – Swim for free
• Ski Broncs – Watch the show on Wednesdays and Fridays
• CherryVale Mall – visit the indoor play area
• Sounds of Summer Entertainment Series – enjoy outdoor concerts and entertainment all summer long
• Area Museums: Free Day – Each offers a day during the week that is free

LOW FEE
• Lockwood Park Children’s Farm & Equestrian Centre – go on a hayride or ride the pony ring
• Sapora Playworld – visit the indoor playground – enjoy half -priced Tuesdays
• Indoor Sports Center – open volleyball for just $5 a person
• Trolley – Take a historic ride along the Rock River
• Forest City Queen – Cruise the river and learn about Rockford’s history
• Golf Driving Ranges – Hit a bucket of balls at Ingersoll, Elliot or Aldeen
• Learning Links at Ingersoll – A family of 4 can golf 4 holes for just $4 (total cost)

The Park District’s Free For All campaign also coincides with National Parks and Recreation Month. Since 1985, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has celebrated this national designation during the month of July as a way to bring awareness to the health, lifestyle, and mental benefits of using parks.

For more information, please contact Denise Delanty at 815-987-8691 or denisedelanty@rockfordparkdistrict.org.