As we turn over a new year in the Rockford Region it seems fitting that we reminisce about the many accomplishments that have been achieved along the way.
Rockford is made up of a strong community with creative thinkers, determined leaders and forward-thinking people. We are able to reach our goals because we understand the importance of working well together to make the place we call home a great place for people to visit too! Let's take a moment to look back over the last 30 years to see just how far we've come...
Did you know in...
1984
Symbol was installed at Sinnissippi
Magic Waters Waterpark opens
1986
Snow Sculpting Competition comes to Rockford
First Annual Head of the Rock Regatta hosted on the Rock River
1987
First Fall Artscene takes place
1988
Rock Guardians of Rockford installed at Sinnissippi
1991
Davis Park opens
1996
Young at Heart Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary
1998
Anderson Japanese Gardens opens to the public
Carlson Ice Arena opens to the public
1999
Total visitor spending passes $300 million
Ice Hogs come to Rockford
2001
Coronado Theatre reopens after renovations
2002
Sportscore Two Grand Opening
Discovery Center Museum recognized as one of the top 20 science museums in the country by "Child Magazine"
2003
Starlight Theatre new building completed
2005
Jane exhibit unveiled at Burpee Museum of Natural History
2006
Founding RACVB President Wendy Fisher retires
2010
First season of Rockford City Market
2012
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens opens
Rick's Picks Exhibit on display at Burpee Museum of Natural History
First season of Tuesday Evening in the Gardens
2013
Rockford Art Museum celebrates 100th anniversary
First Stroll on State event in downtown Rockford
2014
Laurent House opens to the public
West Rock Wake Park opens to the public at Levings Lake
Alpine Hills Adventure Park opens to the public
And that's not even all! We have plenty of things to be excited about for the next 30 years and beyond. The Amtrak train route to connect in Rockford, the former Amerock/Ziock building to be converted into a 160-room boutique style hotel in downtown Rockford, the former Ingersoll building to be converted into a multi-use downtown sports facility, the Forest City Beautiful initiative coming to life through public art features and beautification efforts. We are definitely on the rise and our future is so bright. Looking forward to a wonderful 2015 and the next 30 years!
To learn more about the Rockford Region and all the fun things to do around the area, visit gorockford.com! A complete list of events happening weekly can be found here!
