NEWS RELEASE

Rebuilding Aspects of Shorewood Park in Loves Park Now Possible Thanks to Funding Secured by Illinois State Representative Dave Vella

Illinois State Representative Dave Vella, the City of Loves Park, Loves Park Ski Broncs, The Parks Chamber of Commerce, and Rockford Park District held a news conference to share details about a major investment being made at Shorewood Park, 235 Evelyn Avenue, Loves Park. Shorewood Park is home to the Loves Park Ski Broncs and has a popular recreational path for walking, hiking, and biking along with a recently built disc golf course.

Over the years, Shorewood Park has been severely impacted by flooding along the Rock River. “Shorewood Park is essential to the health and well-being of our citizens, but this is an area that is in a flood plain, and at times has been underwater, causing ongoing erosion and inconveniencing citizens. Flooding issues have cancelled free family friendly activities, numerous times like Loves Park Ski Broncs water ski shows, so we are thankful to Representative Vella and the State of Illinois for providing resources for a more permanent solution,” said City of Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury.

An Illinois grant for $800,000 has been secured by Illinois State Representative Dave Vella, that will cover renovation costs to repair what has been washed away and destroyed over the years.

Shorewood Park site improvements (see attached) include:

A renovated seawall and shoreline stabilization to minimize erosion
A new and expanded show stage will replace the existing stage
New accessible pavement to replace surfacing in and around the bleacher area
Expanded boat staging area and reconfigured pathway through the boat staging area to create better traffic flow for park users and ski show performers

“When I was elected, I made it my priority to give us a voice in Springfield and to bring something back for the stateline. Naturally, helping the Loves Park Ski Broncs became very important to me. They have been an institution here since before I was born, providing free family entertainment and teaching our kids the value of hard work and being on a team. This infusion of capital will make sure they can host more and bigger events, bringing much needed tourism dollars to the area and further cementing the Loves Park Ski Broncs as the premier water ski show team in Illinois. I am very proud to have championed this initiative in my first year in office, and look forward to a bright future for this great group,” said Illinois State Representative Dave Vella, 68th District.

The City of Loves Park and Rockford Park District will work together on grant details to submit to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). Site improvements are part of the Rockford Park District’s Shorewood Park master plan that was developed in 2014. The District has made minimal improvements at the park over the years due to limited funding, and the Loves Park Ski Broncs have raised funds to cover specific equipment storage needs. “We are extremely grateful to Representative Vella for seeing the need to invest in this regional park. Strong neighborhood parks is a top priority for the citizens we serve, and this investment will help increase property values, stimulate economic development, and improves our communities’ health,” said Rockford Park District Executive Director Jay Sandine.

Loves Park Ski Broncs has been a longstanding partner of the Rockford Park District, and have utilized Shorewood Park since 1967. Over the years, the Ski Broncs have performed water ski shows throughout the summer on the Rock River, and have hosted numerous regional, state, and national level water ski show tournaments. "Loves Park Ski Broncs leadership is beyond ecstatic,” said Loves Park Ski Broncs Vice President and Resource Development Director Steve Kling. “Revitalizing the shoreline at Shorewood Park supports our efforts to host spectacular events; perform safe enjoyable shows for our community; and promote the beauty of our river, our city, and our park district. It is clear to see these shoreline improvements will ultimately boost the local economy, improve quality of life, and preserve the Rock River as our area's greatest asset."

Construction is expected to begin after the Loves Park Ski Broncs season ends in 2022, and work is expected to be complete (weather permitting) in spring of 2023.

FORE MORE INFORMATION

Tonya Lamia, The Parks Chamber

815.633.3999 / tonya@ParksChamber.com