Experience a flurry of fun all winter long throughout the Rockford Park District

Experience a flurry of fun this winter! The Rockford Park District has officially  kicked off the Winter Flurry initiative which includes a variety of indoor/outdoor programs, activities, and facilities. This initiative provides residents of all ages an opportunity to enjoy life and recreate safely during the winter months.

 “The Winter Flurry initiative started in 2020 to help the community recreate safely outdoors during some of the darkest days amid a global pandemic.

“We know though that youth, teens, and families need an escape from the day-to-day stresses now more than ever.

“Our recreation experts came up with some new and expanded offerings for indoor and outdoor recreation over the winter months to help improve physical and mental wellness. It’s also extremely important that we do whatever we can to keep youth and teens active and engaged,” said Jessica Steinberg, Operations Director.

New this year, a chance to make a GLOWman! After a big snowfall this winter season, community members can utilize the kit to create a GLOWman. Everything is provided to create his look, except the snow of course! Collins Aerospace provided the funding for the Park District to purchase the supplies needed to give out 2,000 free GLOWman kits. For many years Collins Aerospace has been proud to support the Rockford Park District and the Help Me Play program.

Kits can be picked up at select Rockford Park District facilities and all Customer Experience locations.

Every kit contains black buttons, orange glow stick, red pom poms, and a plaid scarf. Post a picture of the completed GLOWman on a social  media platform using the hashtag: #rpdfun

Updated information about programs, activities, and outdoor facilities can be found all winter long at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/winterfun.

Below are just a few of the free or low fee Winter Flurry activities, programs, and facilities to utilize this winter:

Winter activities

• Skating – When conditions are right, outdoor skating will take place at Eclipse Lagoon in Sinnissippi Gardens. Ice skating and hockey are also available indoors at Carlson Ice Arena and Riverview Ice House.

• Sledding – When the snow falls, sledding is allowed at Sinnissippi Golf Course, and a familiar favorite, Twin Sister Hills Park

• Cross Country Skiing and Winter Hiking – When conditions are right, Aldeen Golf Club, Atwood Park, and Sinnissippi Golf Course will be groomed. A minimum of four inches of snow is required.

• Snowmobile Trails – When four or more inches of snow falls, snowmobile trails at Lockwood Park and Anna Page Park are open.

Multiple winter recreation opportunities available at the following facilities:

• Lockwood Park – Holiday wagon rides, photos with a holiday horse, luminary night

• Atwood Park – Outdoor recreation and environmental education programs such as “In the Outdoors,” Birds of Prey feedings, and multi-use trails

• Sinnissippi Park/Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens Campus – All Aglow, Sinnissippi Station Exhibit, and Festival of Lights

• Aldeen Golf Club – Bird walks and outdoor igloos to dine in, thanks to Alchemy at Aldeen

• Snow Park at Alpine Hills – Snow tubing, snowboarding, and skiing, along with special toddler snow play area. Fat tire bike rentals will also be available for the trails at Alpine Hills. An opening date has not been established, as the Park District needs to make snow.

Making Parks Bright began Dec. 1.

• Small winter light displays went on beginning Dec. 1, at Alpine Park entrance,

Brown Park, Fairgrounds, Sand Park Pool, and Wantz Park. Displays were done by Rockford Park District forestry and parks maintenance team members and are on from dusk till dawn through Jan. 9.

Updated information about programs, activities, and outdoor facilities can be found all winter long at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/winterfun.