Staff Report

ROCKFORD – The Rockford Park District, on Thursday, March 12, was directed by the Winnebago County Health Department to suspend, effective immediately, all its non-essential events and gatherings as a way to reduce and prevent community transmission of COVID-10, also known as coronavirus

Public events were categorized as gatherings with more than 25 people. Officials say certain Rockford Park District facilities have large amounts of customers and guests utilizing the facility and it would be extremely difficult to implement social distancing (6 feet apart) at specific locations.

A variety of facility users have also already decided to cancel or reschedule their events, rentals, or tournaments at the district’s sports facilities.

As of this report, the following Rockford Park District facilities will be closed until further notice:

Mercyhealth Sportscore Two and Skybox

Mercyhealth Sportscore One

UW Health Sports Factory

Carlson Ice Arena

Riverview Ice House

Sapora Playworld

“We have never been in this position before, but we know this is going to have a major impact on the services we provide citizens, and especially area youth,” Executive Director Jay Sandine said. “The safety of our participants, guests, team members, and community is the top priority at the Rockford Park District. We have been following and supporting the guidelines and recommendations made by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and Winnebago County Health Department (WCHD), and will continue to do so until concerns about this health emergency subside.”

Nicholas Conservatory remains open.

The park district says its COVID-19 response team has been monitoring the latest information, and will continue to provide additional updates as needed. The district will also continue with enhanced cleaning protocols, hand sanitizer opportunities, and informational signage about the virus.