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.

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.

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 Park 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.

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.

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 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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

Also developed in 1968 was 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.

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 has recently been 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 the 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.

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, 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.

A 20 Station Jogging/Fitness Course, which is located along the West Border of the Park, was added in the Spring on 1983. Also located on the West Border of the Park is a new Cedar Wood Picnic Shelter donated by the "Aid Association for Lutherans" (AAL) which was completed in the Summer of 1983 and it compliments the use of the jogging course.  Adjacent Parking Lot located neat the AAL Shelter is convenient for patrons wishing to use the facility

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.

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.

September 11, 1976 dedication of Liberty Bell Monument Park. 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 88 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.

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 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 in the concession area. 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.

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 wood shed. 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 publics’ 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 will be 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, photography and craft classes. The facility serves as sort of a miniature recreation center for the Park District.

The construction of the Little Red One Room 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. The flag is taken out and brought in each day at the beginning and conclusion of the Coloma Township Park District Tot Time Preschool Program conducted in the Schoolhouse.

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 will be 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. 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. A 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. 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, Memorial Bronze Plaques recognizing the generous donors to the Park.

Before Mr. Bowman's gift, in the fall of 1988, John Dillon made a donation 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.

It is hoped that additional development up and down the riverfront can be spurred along with the emergence of the park.  Future construction of a boardwalk area all along the river extending East from the Lower Dam to the Rock Falls Hydro Electric Plant located on the Hennepin Feeder Canal is planned in the foreseeable future.

On 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.

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.

Over the 66 year history of the Park District, the Board has enjoyed a tremendous degree of stability. A total of only 30 commissioners have had the privilege of serving on the board and of those 30, five commissioners died while in office. Many of the 30 past commissioners had outstanding records of longevity on the board and most held the office of Board President. Some of those most dedicated Commissioners included Attorney Jacob Cantlin who is considered the Father of the Park District and who was the District's 1st President; E.J. Wallingford served 17 years as president and H.W. Moates served 13 years, 11 of which as president. In 1967 three Commissioners namely N.A. Eichenberg, George Hinrichs and Floyd Balla each served 13, 16 and 18 years respectively, all retired. Ivan Larson was subsequently elected in 1967 and served until he died in office in 1979. Two deceased commissioners who hold the records for longevity include Frank Seward who served 29 years (1939 - 1968) and Charles A. Smith who was the District's only Secretary/Treasurer from 1925 through 1951 when he retired after 26 years of service.  The longest serving Park Commission is Leo J. Nardini, who was elected in 1971 and who is still active on the Park Board today.  We will complete his 32nd year in office in April.

The Present Board of Commissioners also enjoy a degree of longevity and they include:

John T. Sigel appointed in 1984 and elected in 1985 and present Board President;

Harold E. Cantrell appointed in 1974 and elected in 1975 and present Board Vice President;

Donald L. Nehrkorn elected in 1995 and present Board Secretary;

Leo J. Nardini elected in 1971 and present Board Treasurer;

and Robert C. Bubbers elected in 1997.

President John Sigel in his summation on the growth of the Park District praised the staff that has worked endless hours over the years to make the Coloma Township Park District a progressive institution in this community. Nardini stated that the present staff consists of Michael P. Sterba, Director of Parks and Recreation; Dawn Sterba, Finance & Bookkeeping; Mark M. Martin, Special Projects Coordinator/Public Safety Officer; David P. Brenner, Park Foreman; Joan Fritz, Recreation Supervisor and L. Renae Ellis, Office Assistant. On behalf of the Park Board and staff Nardini said the Park District is ready to accept the challenge of the future which is to do everything in their power to make Rock Falls a better place to live and play.

President Sigel stated that the current success of the Coloma Township Park District is not due to the efforts of one person or to the Park Board, but to the long-standing dedicated taxpayers of the district and to the thousands of hours put in by volunteers and staff to bring it to the current level of excellence the District enjoys today. THE PARK DISTRICT SALUTES YOU!!!

The Coloma Township Park District offers a program of tree relocation of larger trees from locations throughout the community. According to Park District Director Michael P. Sterba relocation of larger trees adds instant shade and beauty to an area in the Parks that otherwise would take years to accomplish. Relocation and transplantation of larger trees is now becoming much more popular and attractive to Park Systems such as ours. For approximately the cost of a small 1 1/2" - 2" diameter tree you can relocate a 15' - 25' tall 8" diameter tree anywhere in the park system. Sterba also pointed out that the Park District first acquires the trees either through donation or at a nominal fee and then finds a community minded person or organization willing to pay to relocate the tree. Tree accessibility on the donor’s property is essential due to the size of the semi tractor tree spade required to remove it from the ground. Size, shape, and health of the trees are also considered in transplanting larger trees so that every chance of future survival and beauty of the tree is maintained. Individuals who have trees that they might be interested in donating should contact the Coloma Township Park District Office at 625-0272.

The Coloma Township Park District operates what is termed a "three season" year round recreation program, with activities for summer, fall, and winter/spring. Programs are geared for four different age groups: preschool; youngsters; adults; and senior citizens. The program is divided into four segments; SKILL PROGRAMS, in which participants’ focus on physical development and prowess; RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, which develop talents in hobbies and other activities; and SPECIAL EVENTS, which feature programs that normally last one day, and feature a unique athletic or educational experience of some type; WORKSHOPS, a one day/night seminar emphasizing an idea and the practical methods involved in using it.

PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

Tot Time

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Field Trip and Special Event Program

Beginning Cheerleading and Gymnastics

Pom Pon Instruction

Jazz Dance

Advanced Cheerleading and Gymnastics

Children's Arts and Crafts

Youth Tennis

Little Dragons Karate

Tae-Kwon-Do (Korean Karate)

Beginng Fishing Clinic

Tee Baseball League

ADULT PROGRAMS

Aerobic Kick Boxing

Step Aerobics

Total Body Workout

Step and Tone

Weights

Men’s Slowpitch Softball League

Tennis Tournaments

Schreiner's Mobil Singles and Doubles Tennis Tournaments

Todd McThenia Memorial/Video Villager I Singles and Doubles Tennis Tournaments

PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

Tot Time

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Rocket Fundamemtals Football Clinic

Hunter Safety Instruction

Cheerleading and Gymnastics

Pom Pon Instruction

Jazz Dance

Youth Bowling Instruction

Children's Arts and Crafts

Tae-Kwon-Do (Korean Karate)

Little Dragons Karate

ADULT PROGRAMS

Step Aerobics

Total Body Workout

Weights

Beginning Dog Obedience Training

Membership Dog Obedience Training

Competition Training Dog Obedience Training

Co-Recreational Volleyball

Aerobic Kick Boxing

Men's 30 and Older Basketball League

Men's 40 and Older Basketball League

Workshops

Winter Landscape Oil Paining

Country at Heart Basket

Nightlite Basket

Hanging Christmas Tree Basket

Bow Making

Beginning Cake Decorating

Candy Making Demonstration

SENIOR PROGRAMS

Senior Citizens Bingo

SPECIAL EVENTS

Annual Punt, Pass and Kick

Annual Hot Shot Basketball Competition

Annual Turkey Give-Away Contest

Cheerleading Workshop

Halloween Coloring Contest

Letters to Santa

PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

Tot Time

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Youth Bowling Instructions

Children's Arts and Crafts

Cheerleading and Gymnastics

Pom Pon Instruction

Jazz Dance

Tae-Kwon-Do (Korean Karate)

Little Dragons Karate

ADULT PROGRAMS

Step Aerobics

Total Body Workout

Step and Tone

Weights

Co-recreational Volleyball

Basketball Open Gym

Beginning Dog Obedience Training

Membership Dog Obedience Training

Competition Training Dog Obedience Training

Aerobic Kick Boxing

Men's 30 and Older Basketball League

Men's 40 and Older Basketball League

Workshops

I Love Baskets

Large Market Basket

Colors of Spring Basket

Plaid Shoulder Tote Basket

Star Basket

Painting Old Glory

Painting a Cardinal on a Stone

Beginning Cake Decorating

Home Landscaping and Lawn Care

SENIOR PROGRAMS

Senior Citizens Bingo

SPECIAL EVENTS

Snow Sculpture Contest

Free Throw Contest

Silver Skates Ice Skating Derby

Snowball Archery

Easter Egg Hunt

Youth Bowling Tournament

IPRA/Bulls 2ball

Major League Baseball Diamond Skills Competition

Kids Fishing Expo