Staff Report

ROCKFORD – The Rockford Park District continued to deter people from gathering in groups Monday by removing more outdoor recreational amenities.

Last week, maintenance crews removed all outdoor basketball rims, soccer nets, and futsal nets. Monday, they too down tennis and pickleball nets and covered all disc golf cages.

Additional signage will also be placed at playgrounds, sports fields, and golf courses to help educate the community.

“Unfortunately, these additional amenities need to be temporarily removed as we continue to see heavy use and large gatherings of people,” Rockford Park District Executive Director Jay Sandine said.  “We also want to limit any transmission through common sharing and handling of things like tennis balls, net posts, and court surfaces.”

Sandine said this is a critical time for Rockford, and in order to help flatten the coronavirus curve, the district is asking everyone to make short-term sacrifices by giving up group outings.

“Let’s do our part so that our nurses, doctors, and first responders can do theirs,” he said. “Rockford Park District parks, paths, trails, and dog parks will remain open at this time.  Walking, hiking, biking, and running keep people moving and allow for plenty of space to recreate as long as social distancing guidelines are being followed.”

The Rockford Park District has been following and supporting guidelines and recommendations made by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), State of Illinois, along with Winnebago County Health Department (WCHD), and will continue to do so until this health emergency subsides.

The community may call the Rockford Park District Police non-emergency line at 815-966-2900 to report large-group gatherings.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order lasts through April 30, with the possibility of extension.