TAKE TIME FOR FUN
THE FIRST MEETING To organize the Coloma Township Park District was held on April 16, 1925. The members met in Attorney Jacob Cantlin's office for the purpose of organizing and electing officers. The officers that were nominated and elected were:
Jacob Cantlin - President
Charles A. Smith - Secretary, Treasurer
H.W. Moates - Commissioner
On a motion by H.W. Moates, Hereafter this Board will be called and known as "The Park District at the Town of Coloma". The motion was seconded by Jacob Cantlin and thus the organization of the Park District Board and it's officers was declared complete. Three months later on July 20, 1925 the first Park District levy was approved. A levy of 1.6 mils against the total assessed valuation of $1,593,821 generated an aggregate dollar amount of $2,550.11 in tax dollars.
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Listing of Park Sites & Other Information.pdf Size : 1412 Kb Type : pdf |
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
508 EAST 11TH STREET
ROCK FALLS, ILLINOIS 61071
(815) 625-0272
October
of 1979 saw the Park District dedicate its new Administrative Office
Headquarters located at 508 East 11th Street at the entrance to
Centennial Park. The office grounds as well as the entire park system
contain some interesting floral, fauna and wooded areas for all of the
citizens of Coloma Township to enjoy. The Administrative Office serves
as headquarters for all the park and recreational services provided by
the district. In addition, The Park Office is used for a registration
center for the Rock Falls Little League Association, Rock Falls Junior
Tackle Football, and other not for profit activities sponsored by
community groups.
A.V. SIEGLINGER MEMORIAL PARK
9TH AVENUE & WEST 22ND STREET
A.V. Sieglinger Memorial Park, a 17-acre park, was a donation made to the Coloma Township Park District in the Fall of 1982 by the A.V. Sieglinger Memorial and Endowment Committee. The Committee was created in the Spring of 1973, when Allan V. Sieglinger died at the age of 83, leaving part of his estate to the A.V. Sieglinger Memorial and Endowment Trust Fund Committee. The total endowment was almost $105,000 but the stipulation on the money stated that only the interest could be spent and not the principal, and that the money should be used for the youth and youth related activities.
During the years of 1973 through 1981, the committee invested the money wisely, building up substantial cash reserves. Several small projects during this time were funded but the bulk of the money was reinvested. In 1981, the A.V. Sieglinger Memorial and Endowment Committee began serious discussions to purchase a Park Site in Mr. Sieglinger's honor. A satisfactory site was found and purchased with the Park District taking possession in 1982.
In the Spring of 1983, a Master Development Plan was proposed for the park. Development of the facility began in May of 1983 which included the construction of four baseball diamonds and a Concession/Storage/Restroom Facility to be used by the Park District's Tee Baseball League. The ball diamonds are completely enclosed with 4' and 10' high chain link fence. The fields measure 125' from home plate to the outfield fence. All of the diamonds were graded, fertilized and seeded in 1983 and the fencing was installed in 1984. The diamonds also feature fenced dugouts with permanent players’ benches as well as multi-colored bleachers for the spectators.
The Decorative Brick Building constructed in the center of the four diamonds, features a 30’ octagon building containing a Concession Stand for use by the Tee Baseball Auxiliary, two restrooms equipped with handicap stalls and fixtures as well as two storage rooms, one for Tee Baseball and one for the Park District's use. The building is constructed of concrete block with a finished brick face. All concession windows, doors, frames, and casings are made of steel. The roof is a free spanning truss roof with cedar shake shingles. The roof also features a cupola at the peak of the roofline to add to the aesthetics of the building. The entire inside of the building offers fluorescent lighting, modern restrooms on city services, hot and cold running water in the restrooms and a concession stand with a full kitchen complete with wood cabinets and counter tops. The building is illuminated with dusk to dawn security lighting to protect the facilities at night. The entire area around the building is covered in wood chips to add a more rustic atmosphere to the facility.
In addition to the ball diamonds and Tee Baseball Building, the construction
of a large 120-car parking lot was completed to accommodate the many visitors to
the Park.
Since November 1, 1982 approximately $238,100 has been spent on the Park including the cost of the 17 acre site. The cost breakdown is as follows: Property $102,000; Tee Baseball Building $24,800; landscaping $53,000; Parking lot and curb $44,000; Park Sign and Memorial Area $1,800 (Donated by the Garden Department of the Rock Falls Womans Club) and a new Family Picnic Shelter $12,500. In 1991, a new $10,000 playground was installed. The Park District has paid only $67,800 out of the total $238,100 spent on the Park. The balance of the money some $161,300 has been acquired in gifts and grants by the Park System.
The Sterling-Rock Falls JCA's in November of 1985 donated a new flag, flagpole and memorial plaque to the Coloma Township Park District. The flagpole was installed on the South side of the Concession/Storage/Restroom Facility in A.V. Sieglinger Memorial Park at 21st Street and 9th Avenue. The flag is put out and brought in each day at the beginning and conclusion of the Tee Baseball League nightly games.
The Coloma Township Park District Board of Commissioners in November 1985 dedicated four Horseshoe Pitching Courts in A.V. Sieglinger Memorial Park. The family of the late Mr. Darrell McNitt of Rock Falls donated the Horseshoe Pitching Courts.
Darrell McNitt and his wife Helen moved to their home on 8th Avenue in Rock Falls from a farm South of town in March of 1954. Darrell had helped farm the land where A.V. Sieglinger Memorial Park is now located. Darrell McNitt was always an avid sports fan and while on the farm, Horseshoe pitching was his favorite form of recreation.Mrs. Helen McNitt also knew Mr. Sieglinger very well from having worked with him for many years at the Prince Ice Cream Castles, Inc. and People Ice and Coal Company in Sterling.
The construction of the four Horseshoe Courts was done by the Coloma Township
Park District Maintenance Operation. The Horseshoe Courts are official size and
measure 6' by 50' overall. A 30" cedar wood backboard sets on either end of the
courts to protect the thrower from being hit by bouncing horseshoes. The
Horseshoe Pits are themselves surrounded by a concrete retaining wall and filled
with clay. The concrete slabs also serve as the pitching platform for the
players to throw from. In August of 1989 a new all Cedar Wood Family Picnic
Shelter was completed and dedicated. The A.V. Sieglinger Memorial and Endowment
Committee again provided funding. Future development plans for the Park include
tennis courts, park shelters, ice skating area, a
creative playground miniature golf, parking lots, practice ball diamonds, tree
nursery and flower and rock garden areas.
BENNETT PARK
WEST BENNETT DRIVE
Developed in 1968, Bennett Park began as a small 2-acre park area at the West End of Bennett Drive. The park was later dedicated Bennett Park. The Park District leases the property from the City of Rock Falls and Bennett Park contains Playground Equipment and Picnic Facilities for everyone to enjoy.
JOHN W. BOWMAN FAMILY PARK
DOWNTOWN RIVERFRONT
On May 9, 1989, the Coloma Township Park District Board of Commissioners officially accepted the financial gift of Mr. John W. Bowman to purchase and begin the planning, design, engineering and eventual development of a one acre riverfront site in downtown Rock Falls. The site is named the John W. Bowman Family Park in memory of his late wife Crete Dillon Bowman.
Mr. John Bowman, who is now 85 years old, worked at Northwestern Steel & Wire for 47 years and at the time of his retirement in 1981 was the Executive Vice President of the mill. Mr. Bowman, during his tenure at Northwestern Steel & Wire, was well known for his expertise in purchasing everything that went into the development of Northwestern Steel & Wire Company in Sterling.
Bowman Park features a number of special attractions with several others proposed for the future. decorative "Lannon Cut Stone" retaining wall was constructed adjacent to the boardwalk along the river and it runs up the Second Avenue side of the Park coming up from the Lower Dam area. The Park has of course been back filled and graded to the desired slopes that gradually run down to the retaining walls for easy walking by pedestrians. These gentle slopes are landscaped in a variety of trees and plant materials located throughout the entire site. Decorative Rip rap Material has been carefully placed along the river banks to hide the hodge podge of concrete and other miscellaneous materials dumped there over the last several decades. A new sidewalk with adjacent "Skyline Locust" trees has been installed at street level along West First Street. Included in these plans and partially completed is a pedestrian boardwalk constructed of concrete that will run the entire length of the park along the river. The boardwalk will have some old time benches incorporated in the design so those visitors to the park will have a chance to rest and enjoy the river. Security lighting will be incorporated on the site to protect the facility as well as visitors to the park.
A special Memorial Area, which was completed in 1998, includes an architecturally unique gazebo with a drinking fountain, flagpole, and memorial bronze plaques recognizing the generous donors to the Park.
Before Mr. Bowman's gift, John Dillon made a donation in the fall of 1988 to the Coloma Township Park District of a parcel of land he subdivided along the riverfront. The parcel was located on the north portion of the land now known as Bowman Park along the riverfront and it ran for approximately 230'. At the same time the Peterson, Detweiler, Book, Quigg & Inboden Ltd. Insurance Company donated 100' of riverfront property that was also situated along the river. When these three parcels the Bowman, Dillon and Peterson tracts are combined with the existing Lower Dam Park that lies adjacent to the donated land, the Park District controls some 736' of riverfront real estate in uptown Rock Falls.
DILLON PARK
WEST 19TH STREET & 11TH AVENUE
February 8, 1956 the Board motioned and approved to purchase 10 lots of land
from the Dillon Estate at a price of $6,600.00. On May 4, 1956 the Board purchased
an additional 6 lots West of the previous 10 lots to increase the size of the
Park. The Park was dedicated in Honor of Washington Dillon. Dillon Park serves
as the home of the Rock Falls Senior Boys Little League (formerly Rock Falls
Babe Ruth League) with support facilities such as restrooms, Concessions,
Playground Equipment and a Lighted Ball Diamond for night play. The Park today
measures about seven acres in area. The Coloma Township Park District and the
Rock Falls Babe Ruth League officials held a dedication ceremony in May, 1985
marking the completion of construction of a new two story Concession/Storage
Facility at Dillon Park. The facility was constructed at the Southwest corner of
Dillon Park on the site of the old concession stand constructed in 1954.
The Concession/Storage Facility was made possible by the joint cooperation between the Rock Falls Babe Ruth Officials and the Coloma Township Park District Board of Commissioners. In the Fall of 1984 Babe Ruth Officials attended a Park Board Meeting and requested funding to purchase materials to replace the old and deteriorating concession stand at Dillon Park. In exchange for the materials, the Babe Ruth League would provide the labor to construct the New facility. The Park Board agreed to the arrangement and construction on the New facility began in November 1984.
The 22' by 18' Concession/Storage structure features a two story concrete block building containing a Concession Stand for use by the Babe Ruth Auxiliary on the first floor and a large storage area for equipment and uniforms is located on the second floor. The building is illuminated with dusk to dawn security lights to protect the facilities at night. The entire area around the building is covered in wood chips to add a more rustic atmosphere to the facility.
Volunteers from the Rock Falls Babe Ruth League together with employees of the Coloma Township Park District Maintenance Operation performed the construction work.
LIBERTY BELL MONUMENT PARK
ROUTE 40 & 2ND AVENUE
On September 11, 1976 dedication of Liberty Bell Monument Park occurred. This park became the twelfth park in the District. Although the park covers less than a quarter of an acre of ground, it signifies something much more important. The Liberty Bell Monument, located at the intersection of Route 40 and Second Avenue is a Bicentennial Monument completed as a Special Project in honor of our country’s 200th Birthday and it features a replica of the Liberty Bell. The Rock Falls Bicentennial Committee constructed the Monument. Citizens may view the lighted monument year round at any time during the day or evening.
CENTENNIAL PARK
Shuffleboard Courts in Centennial Park
The Chicken in Storybook Village ~ Centennial Park
AVENUE D & EAST 11th STREET
On December 6, 1967 the Park Board President Ivan Larson and Mayor Pignatelli journeyed to Springfield to begin work on a matching grant application to purchase property known as the West Canal Development Project. The West Canal Development Project was dedicated Centennial Park in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the City of Rock Falls. The 50 acre park is located at Avenue D and East 11th Street. It is the largest and most developed of all the Rock Falls parks. As you enter the Park, a fenced in playground area for young children called Storybook Village, contains much to see and do. There is also a shelter inside this area for family picnics or a place for parents to rest while their children play.
A boating area for the rental of paddleboats and canoes was added to the park in 1975.
In 1976, an outdoor six court tennis complex was dedicated in a Memorial Day Ceremony. The complex was dedicated the Harry L. Helgason Tennis Complex in honor of his efforts to bring quality tennis to Rock Falls High School and the Park District. Harry Helgason was also a former Park District Commissioner serving on the Board for ? years before his health forced his retirement.
The first shelter on the left as you enter the park (Lions Shelter) was graciously donated by the Rock Falls Lions Club. This is one of our best-suited shelters for family picnics, with playground equipment available for young children and plenty of grills for cooking out. The shelter features electricity, lights, and water is available in a rather unique Lions Head Drinking Fountain.
Centennial Park has three softball Diamonds located near the center of the Park for use by our Mens Softball Leagues during the week and by the public on weekends. In the center of the Baseball Diamond Complex stands a large open air pavilion, which was constructed with the generous financial support of Federal Revenue Sharing Funds. The 'Larson Shelter' is equipped with restrooms, picnic tables, electricity and drinking water, as well as lights for night use. The Larson Shelter was dedicated to the Memory of Ivan Larson a long time Park Board Commissioner and President.
The Krug Family constructed a beautiful Cedar Wood Picnic Shelter near the Tennis Courts for everyone to enjoy as a memorial to their father, the late Don Krug. The Shelter has electricity and is available to rent under the Park District's Summer Rental Policy.
Also located on the West Border of the Park is a cedar wood picnic shelter donated by the "Aid Association for Lutherans" (AAL) which was completed in the Summer of 1983. The adjacent parking lot located neat the AAL Shelter is convenient for patrons wishing to use the facility. In 2004, the Park District received an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant from the State of Illinois for Centennial Park and added a fenced in playground in the area immediately west of the AAL Shelter.
In the Spring of 1979 the Park District purchased and renovated a house at the entrance to Centennial Park. After some significant renovations on October 1, 1979, the Park District officially dedicated its new Administrative Headquarters. The headquarters have increased the public image of the Park District significantly over the years!
As an added attraction, the Park is located adjacent to the Illinois Mississippi Feeder Canal, which makes the East Side of the park perfect for nature hikes and outdoor enthusiasts. Two pedestrian footbridges connect the canal property to the park. Citizens of the Park District may also enjoy the large open play areas in the Park, which are used for soccer games, ball practice, and flag football as well as a variety of other outdoor field games.
In 1982 the Park District took possession of four lots adjacent to the North Border of Centennial Park and renovated an existing 30' by 45' frame structure into the Park District's New Year Round Maintenance Facility. Also that same year the Park District completed the New Pedestrian Footbridge that opened an additional eight acres of property on the West Border of the Park for future development.
THE LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE
Pictured above are Mr. Hal Cantrell (left) and his son Michael in front of the Little Red Schoolhouse, pausing from a game of shuffleboard. Mr. Cantrell served on the Coloma Township Park District Board of Commissioners for 33 years.
THE LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE AND HISTORICAL MUSEUM
INSIDE CENTENNIAL PARK
The Little Red Schoolhouse and Historical Museum is located in the Northeast corner of Centennial Park. One-room schoolhouses were abundant in Whiteside County in 1925 and the Coloma Township Park District felt it only appropriate to dedicate such a facility to tie the past to the present. The dedication took place in July 1985 as part of the 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Coloma Township Park District.
The Little Red Schoolhouse was made possible by a gift received from the A.V. Sieglinger Memorial and Endowment Committee. The Endowment Committee stated that Allan V. Sieglinger had attended a one-room country school in his youth and they felt that such a facility was needed to preserve a major part of history here in Whiteside County.
The Little Red Schoolhouse has been constructed to look as authentic as possible. The all-wood building was constructed on a raised concrete foundation and features a crawl space underneath the floor. The roof is a free spanning truss roof with a steep 6/12 pitch. The building measures 18' wide by 38' long overall with the first 4' of the building being a cloak room and two storage rooms. The next 28’ contains the main body of the school, and the last 6' features a lean-to type structure containing the restrooms and the woodshed. The outside of the building is constructed of 4" siding with long narrow windows, a cedar shake shingle roof, a wooden porch, and a school bell cupola at the peak of the roof line toward the front of the building to add to the authenticity and aesthetics of the building. The school is illuminated with dusk to dawn security lights to protect the facility at night. The area around the structure has been enclosed with a split rail fence to add a more rustic atmosphere to the facility.
The inside of the schoolhouse appears authentic with the old wooden desks, wood planked floor, cloak room, slate blackboard, raised teachers area and an old pot belly stove. However, due to present fire codes, modern conveniences are available such as modern restrooms, heating, air conditioning, telephone, and smoke/fire/burglar alarms and electric light fixtures. A parking lot is located just south of the school for the public's convenience.
The schoolhouse performs two functions. First, it is a museum to the past that is open to the public by appointment. As many original authentic one room schoolhouse items as possible are located in the facility and marked accordingly for the general public’s interest. It also serves as a tangible relic and an ongoing reminder of an age almost forgotten in today’s society that helped in shaping this great country. Youngsters of today and generations of tomorrow can relive a part of the history that their parents, grandparents and ancestors endured.
The second function is that it is a working facility. The Coloma Township Park District is holding the recreational orientated preschool "Tot Time" program in the facility 4 days per week in the Mornings. In the evenings, the Park District is holding youth and adult skill programs such as art classes and craft classes. The facility serves as sort of a miniature recreation center for the Park District.
The construction of the Little Red Schoolhouse and Historical Museum was performed by the employees of the Coloma Township Park District Maintenance Operation. A memorial plaque was installed in the schoolhouse recognizing the individuals and organizations that made the various donations of furnishings for the schoolhouse.
The Garden Department of the Rock Falls Womans Club in October 1985 donated a new flag and flagpole to the Little Red Schoolhouse and Historical Museum. The flag and flagpole were donated in honor of the official opening of the Little Red Schoolhouse commemorating the 60th Anniversary year of the Coloma Township Park District. The flagpole was installed on the South side of the Schoolhouse.
KIWANIS PLAYGROUND PARK
WEST 12TH STREET & 7TH AVENUE
August 17, 1976
The Park Board and the Rock Falls Kiwanis Club jointly leased and dedicated property South of the Rock Falls Municipal Complex from the City of Rock Falls which became Kiwanis Playground Park. Kiwanis Playground Park has a picnic shelter including a brick fireplace for the citizens of the District to enjoy. In addition, a practice ball diamond, playground equipment, drinking water and some very pretty foliage are available in the park.
LOGAN MEMORIAL PARK
EAST ROUTE 30
September 6, 1990
The Coloma Township Park District Board of Commissioners officially accepted the land gift of Audrey Logan and began the planning, design, engineering and eventual development of a four acre site on East Route 30 near McNeil Road in Rock Falls. The site was named Logan Memorial Park in memory of her late husband Ellsworth Logan.
Logan Park features two practice ball diamonds, a family picnic shelter, playground equipment, restrooms, drinking fountain and a parking lot near the entrance to the park.
LOWER DAM PARK
DOWNTOWN RIVERFRONT
February 20, 1959
A portion of the Lower Dam area and surrounding land was transferred to Coloma Township Park District from Sterling Hydraulic Company. The one acre park offers an exciting view of the Rock River and features excellent fishing just below the Lower Dam.
The Coloma Township Park District was notified in October 1985 that it had been awarded a $67,000 Illinois Department of Conservation grant for a boat access area at Lower Dam Park. The grant provided 100% funding for improvements to the Park as well as access to the Rock River for boaters, fishermen and river rescue purposes. Prescott Construction Company was awarded the low bid in May 1986 and construction was begun in early June. Willett Hofmann and Associates of Dixon was awarded the engineering contract for the project and oversaw the entire construction phase.
Among the many improvements made at the site were the construction of a concrete boat ramp complete with curbing on either side; 20' by 4' wide courtesy boat docks extending out into the river; a bituminous surface, parking area to accommodate 30 car/boat trailers complete with concrete parking bumpers to designate the stalls and three Pin Oak Trees have been planted to add a little aesthetic beauty to the site. For safety, there has been installed a steel cable and buoy system that extends east to the 1st Avenue Bridge and then north across the river to National Manufacturing to prevent boaters from being swept over the dam. An additional safety feature included the installation of a new steel cable and post guard rail along the entire length of the high wall above and below the dam, a favorite fishing spot for the local anglers.
The City of Rock Falls has installed three dusk to dawn security lights to protect the facility and persons fishing after dark. In addition to the grant money, the Park District has spent considerable time clearing the site of brush and rubble as well as painting all the existing steel pedestrian railings. To control erosion the Park District also constructed a railroad tie seawall at the West end of the Park, hauled in dirt, and seeded the steep bank behind the seawall.
The Coloma Township Park District Board of Commissioners and staff invite all residents of the Park District to view and enjoy the boat access area at Lower Dam Park.
MISS ISABEL JOHNSTON PROPERTY
As Of March 21, 1991, the Park District took possession of three lots on the South side of East Second Street near Seward-Riverside Park. This site will remain in a natural state for the public to enjoy. The lots were donated by Miss Isabel Johnston a retired school teacher and long time conservationist, environmentalist and horticulturist. The lots are located on the Rock River and now that they are under the Park District stewardship, their availability and usage will be guaranteed for the enjoyment of generations to come.
NIMS PARK
NIMS PARK
EAST 3RD STREET & AVENUE E
May 2, 1941, Charles and Bessie Nims Schoof donated 5.4 acres of land on Avenue E and East 3rd Street, which is known as Nims Park. The park was donated in memory of Mrs. Schoof's parents. Nims Park is one of the most scenic and wooded parks in the district. Nims Park contains a large picnic shelter, restrooms, playground equipment, a basketball court, a Frisbee golf course, a baseball diamond and drinking water. Furthermore, on April 15, 1947, the Coloma Township Park District leased the canal property from the U.S. Corp of Engineers at Nims Park to use for recreational purposes. The Park also provides fishing and canoeing to many recreational enthusiasts.
14TH AVENUE & PROPHET ROAD
In 1968, the Park Board leased and later purchased 1/5 acres of land from the Rock Falls Elementary School District #13 and dedicated the land as Optimist Park. The Park District and the Rock Falls Optimist Club agreed to help develop Optimist Park jointly. Facilities at Optimist Park include restrooms, playground equipment, picnic tables and 2 small ball diamonds.
Dedication Ceremony at Optimist Park
New playground equipment was installed by the Coloma Township Park District through donations made by the Rock Falls Optimist Club.
THE RED CABOOSE
THE RED CABOOSE
The Antique Rock Island Line Red
Caboose, originally donated to the City of
During the negotiating period Sterba
was able to convince members of the Schreiner Family to donate the necessary
funds to move the Caboose to Rock Falls.
The Schreiner Family generously donated the money in Honor of Husband
and Father, the late Lyle Schreiner.
Lyle was a long time successful businessman and founder of Schreiner Oil
Company in Rock Falls.
Prior to its arrival the Park
District’s Maintenance Crew constructed the stone rail bed, laid the railroad
ties, and secured the rails to the ties.
The Caboose was placed in its current resting place in January
2003.
Over the last 18 months various staff members of the Coloma Township Park District Maintenance Operation worked diligently on restoring the Caboose to its Original Condition. Items included removal of the chairs, stove, toilet, etc. and restoring them, grinding down the old paint, priming and final painting of the entire Caboose. Other work included repair to electrical, replacement of the windows throughout, installing security bars on the windows and constructing a Split Rail Fence around the perimeter. To add to the flavor of the times a wooden deck and sidewalk was added around all four sides so that interested citizens could walk around and enjoy a piece of history. A number of inside items were donated by Ray Fetzner of Rock Falls and Larry Mayberry of Sterling both train enthusiast. Another item the Park District will be receiving is Railroad Crossing Gates with Wooden Arms currently in place in Peoria. The Park District would gladly accept any other donations of railroad paraphernalia to be displayed inside and out of our New Caboose.
A Dedication Ceremony was held with the Schreiner Family to officially open the Caboose to the
public. Two plaques were placed on the
site, one commemorating the Official Dedication Ceremony with Schreiner Family
and the other thanking the Schreiner Family and the Morrison City Council for
their generosity in preserving a piece of history for future generations to
enjoy.
Tours of the Caboose are
welcome, but need to be made by calling the Park District Office at 625-0272.
Dedication ceremony for the Red Caboose in Centennial Park
ROCK FALLS ROTARY PARK
ROCK FALLS ROTARY PARK
EAST MINKLE ROAD
August 12, 1975, the Coloma Township Park District Board
approved Robert Hampton’s three and one half acre land donation at the
East end of Minkle Street. The land was later dedicated Rotary
International Park when the Rock Falls Rotary Club offered to help
develop the park over a period of years. The Park has since made
several improvements including the construction of Parking facilities,
a practice ball diamond and installation of playground Equipment. A
Picnic Shelter was completed in the Summer of 1984. Modern Restrooms
were added in 2000. Also in 2000 the Rock Falls Rotary Club donated a
new Flagpole and floral planting around the Park Sign is honor of the
Park District's 75th Anniversary.
SEWARD/RIVERSIDE PARK
EAST 2ND STREET & AVENUE C
On May 5, 1951, the Park District leased 1.6 acres along the Rock River on East Second Street for one dollar per year from Northwestern Steel & Wire Company for use by the citizens for recreational purposes. The park was named P.W. Dillon Park at first but was later changed to Seward Riverside Park in honor of Frank Seward who served for 29 years as a Park District commissioner. The Park contains a beautiful scenic view of the Rock River and the upper dam. The Park is abundant in wildlife along the river and contains a picnic area, playground equipment and a boat launch area for local fisherman. Northwestern Steel & Wire Company has since donated the Park for future generations. The Park District is currently reclaiming land at both the East and West ends of the Park that have eroded away over the years, due to the natural actions of the Rock River.
VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK
WEST 5TH STREET & GALT AVENUE
The first park, Veterans Memorial Park (formerly known as Triangle Park),
located at 5th Street and 5th Avenue, is owned by the City of Rock Falls and
maintained by the Coloma Township Park District. The land was first
donated to the City of Rock Falls by ? Merrill in 18?.
Veterans Memorial Park is home of the Rock Falls Band Shell. The Rock Falls
Rockets and many other churches and organizations use it throughout the summer
months for concerts, religious rallies, and other cultural activities. Veterans
Memorial Park measuring about 1 acre, is a beautifully shaded facility which
also contains dedicated monuments to all of the Veterans of Rock Falls who
fought to keep our country free.
WALLINGFORD PARK
July 29, 1941, land was issued to develop Firemans Park, which is now Wallingford Park on East 7th Street and Avenue C. Wallingford Park was named in honor of E.J. Wallingford who served 17 years on the Park Board and served 14 years of those as president. Wallingford Park consists of 4.7 acres and has been the home of the Rock Falls Little League for the last 50 years. The Park contains 3 baseball diamonds (one lighted) including the Ike Rubin Diamond dedicated on the Rock Falls Little League's 25th Anniversary and constructed with funds provided by the Ike Rubin Estate. Restroom facilities, concession stand, a family picnic shelter, an outdoor basketball court and playground equipment are available at Wallingford Park.
