Park District receives IDNR snowmobile grant

From press release

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has awarded a $13,100 state snowmobile trail grant to the Rockford Park District, in cooperation with local snowmobile clubs and volunteers, to build and install an information kiosk at Lockwood Park, to purchase basic life support kits for the Park District’s Police Department’s Snowmobile Response Team, and to purchase snowmobile trail signs and posts to better mark the area’s public snowmobile trails. Grant funds will reimburse 100 percent of the district’s expense.

Rockford Park District Chief of Police John Piccolin said: “Receiving this grant is a great example of how partnerships can work to leverage dollars to benefit our community. Without grant funds, we would not be able to fund these projects in 2011. We greatly appreciate the outstanding cooperation and trail maintenance services provided by our snowmobile club partners.”

The state snowmobile grant program is funded entirely by snowmobilers through the registration fees they pay. Nearly 38,000 registered snowmobiles are in Illinois.

The Rockford Park District Police and Illinois Conservation Police are reminding the public to act responsibly while riding this winter, to prevent avoidable accidents and serious injuries. The Rockford Park District Snowmobile Response Team is dispatched by 911 for any snow-related emergency.

State law requires that people at least 12 years of age and less than 16 years, or any unlicensed driver, must have in their possession a valid Snowmobile Safety Education Certificate of Competency issued by IDNR to operate a snowmobile. Snowmobile safety classes teach basic safety principles, maintenance, operation, winter survival, regulations, and a proper attitude of respect for the student’s fellow persons and the environment.

For snowmobile safety information or a list of upcoming snowmobile classes, see www.dnr.state.il.us/safety/snowmobile.htm.

Snowmobile trails originating at Lockwood Park are open and groomed Dec. 15 and after when there is a minimum of 4 inches of snow and favorable weather conditions. Call Lockwood Park at (815) 987-8809 for trail conditions or visit the website at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/lockwood.