New recreational amenities coming This summer at Harmon Park

Residents living near Harmon Park, 1924 East Gate Parkway, Rockford will have new park amenities to utilize to improve their quality of life. Construction began last week on a variety of park improvements including: a new recreation path with fitness stations and pathway lighting.

The asphalt pathway will be 8’ wide and a total of 1/3 mile in length and go around the perimeter of the park maintaining existing trees and foliage.

Three fitness stations and 29 pathway lights will also be added and located along the pathway. This project was made possible by a $432,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) secured through the advocacy of Representative West.

Harmon Park is one of Representative West’s favorite parks in the 67th District. “Adding these amenities came up repeatedly when I was going door-to-door speaking to neighbors about what they wanted to see in their park.

“Park paths have a positive correlation to physical activity and health and can provide connectivity to the communities they reside in. I know these park improvements will allow for residents to invest in their health and build connections with each other,” said Representative Maurice West, 67th District.

During its community-led master plan process in 2018, the Rockford Park District heard that investing in neighborhood parks, trails, open space, and recreation paths are top priorities to citizens. Over the last five years, the Rockford Park District has been working hard to free up resources and invest in neighborhood parks to make sure that parks have amenities that are safe, well-maintained, and meet the needs of this and succeeding generations.

“Neighborhood parks are critical to the health and well-being of our community and investing in neighborhood parks is a top priority for the Park District as stated by the citizens we serve.

“We cannot t hank Representative West enough for advocating for us and valuing the importance of parks and recreation,” said Rockford Park District Executive Director Jay Sandine. Construction will be completed by Stenstrom Companies, Ltd. and is expected to be complete by the end of the summer.