Ian Linnabary steps down from Rockford Park District board

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ROCKFORD — Rockford Park District Commissioner Ian Linnabary has stepped down from the board after 10 years of service.

The Park District’s board of commissioners accepted his letter of resignation on Tuesday.

“It has been among the greatest honors of my life to have served as a commissioner of the Rockford Park District for the past 10 years,” Linnabary, a former board president, said in a news release. “The Park District and all the people who work tirelessly to make it so exceptional are very special to me.”

Linnabary was appointed to the board in 2011 and then won election in 2013. He served five years as the board president.

“Although I am stepping down from my role as a commissioner, I plan to remain engaged with the Park District by focusing my limited time on select projects and programs where I can make the greatest contribution to my community,” he said.

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The district said Linnabary was instrumental in numerous projects, including the Atwood Silent Sports Trail, Rockford Bank & Trust Pavilion and the agreement for Six Flags to take over the former Magic Waters waterpark. He also devoted countless hours to the Reclaiming First initiative that transformed the former Ingersoll factory into the UW Health Sports Factory and expanded Mercyhealth Sportscore Two to grow sports tourism in the region.

In 2019, Linnabary received the Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award, one of the top awards given by the Illinois Association of Park Districts and Illinois Park and Recreation Association. The award goes to a commissioner who has demonstrated tireless assistance and leadership through contribution of time, services or volunteer efforts.

“The Park District is just one of many different boards and community groups that Commissioner Linnabary was splitting his time between, in addition to being there for his family,” Board President Scott Olson said in a news release. “We were very fortunate to have someone with such accolades and passion for parks and recreation serving the citizens of this community.”

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Most recently, Linnabary helped in the creation of Atwood Trails, a multiuse natural surface trails at Atwood Park for hikers, bikers and cross country skiers.

“Ian has always remained true to his core values and fought hard for opportunities for citizens to recreate outdoors or improve their physical and mental well-being,” Jay Sandine, executive director of the Park District, said in a news release. “He made a significant impact on our organization and the lives of many in our community. We can’t thank him enough for the countless hours he volunteered over the years to help improve the quality of life for citizens. We would not be where we are today without his contributions.”

Appointing a replacement

Linnabary’s seat will be filled by appointment of the board, and whomever is chosen will have to run for election in April 2023 to maintain the seat.

Anyone interested in the role may submit an application starting Friday through 5 p.m. Jan. 28. The forms can be found at rockfordparkdistrict.org/board starting Friday. You can also pick up an application at the UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, and Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd.

Park District commissioner is an unpaid position. You must be a registered voter and have lived in the Rockford Park District boundaries for at least one year to be qualified for appointment.