New $15.5M plan could have long-awaited revamp of Rockford’s Davis Park complete in 2026

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Two weeks after considering a piecemeal approach to revamping Davis Park, the city has now put forward a $15.5 million plan that would complete renovations by early summer 2026.

The city had initially proposed going forward with half the project while leaving out a portion of the work that included a concert stage, concession stand and restrooms. That was done after construction bids on those buildings came in over budget.

Now, the city says it has secured additional funding and worked with the contractor on potential material costs savings that will allow both portions of the development to move forward. The goal would be to complete the work next year in time for the June 21 Ironman 70.3, which uses Davis Park as a key race transition area and site for pre- and post-race activities.

“Davis Park sits on the ground where Rockford began. Where industry, ingenuity, and grit built our city’s foundation,” John Groh, president and CEO of GoRockford, wrote in a letter of support for the project. “Now, we can transform this land once again, this time into a vibrant, inclusive civic gathering place that reflects who we are and what we aspire to be.”

Plans to improve the city-owned park at 320 S. Wyman St. along the Rock River have been in the works since the city obtained the land in 1989. The goal has been to turn the park into a hub of activity that draws people to downtown with concerts, festivals and other events.

It’s moving forward now with multiple letters of support from organizations such as GoRockford, the Rockford Area Arts Council, Embassy Suites and the River District Association. But the plan also faces pushback from aldermen who challenge whether all aspects of the development are the right use for Davis Park.

The work includes building a concert stage, concession stand and restrooms with a great lawn for festival-goers and event attendees. There would also be new multiuse paths, lighting, public art, a skatepark and playground. Floating boat docks were previously installed.

Aldermen Kevin Frost and Chad Tuneberg, who both support the overall effort to revamp Davis Park, have raised issue with the inclusion of the skatepark and playground.

Frost said a skatepark doesn’t make sense at that riverfront location. He thinks it’s a better fit elsewhere, such as near the Rockford BMX track at Searls Park. He said the skatepark and the playground doesn’t match what should be the priority for the park, which is activating it with events that draw people to the city.

“I’ve seen Linda Ronstadt there. I’ve seen Billy Idol there. We’ve had big music acts there in the past, and there’s no reason why it can’t be programmed like that in the future,” Frost said. “I’m not trying to say let’s kill a park at Davis Park by any means. I just think we’ve got one shot at it and it should be done better.”

Tuneberg said the city’s funding priorities should be on the stage, concession and restrooms ahead of the skatepark and playground. He also questions whether the city should be involved in managing a skatepark and playground, duties typically handled on sites owned by the Rockford Park District.

“My main focus has been to ensure that the stage and the concession/bathrooms were prioritized,” said Tuneberg, who asked for a delay in voting two weeks ago when the proposal initially came forward. “The venue of Davis Park being for entertainment purposes is going to be a very nice addition to the Coronado and the BMO. … It just hasn’t been utilized to the extent that it could be. Now, with or without the skatepark and playground, I think it will be.”

Alderwoman Gabrielle Torina, who represents the 5th Ward where the park is located, said the plan puts something for everyone in Davis Park. That includes aspects for youth, families and teens with the playground and skatepark.

“I can understand their concerns, but I think so often we forget about the youth when it comes to our planning and the recreation that we consider for our city,” Torina said. “So much of the entertainment is centered for adults, and I think this gives the youth something else to look forward to.”

Torina said City Council members should consider who lives downtown and who they’re trying to attract to downtown.

“That’s not just single people, it’s families,” Torina said. “We also bring a lot of tourists into town, and they come with families. Ironman, these people brought their families, and how nice would it be for us to offer something additional for teens.”

Next steps

The City Council’s Finance & Personnel Committee will consider the proposal Monday night. It calls for the approval of a $5.6 million contract with Stenstrom Construction to build the stage, concession stand and restrooms. That contract would have an additional $500,000 contingency fund set aside for unexpected cost overruns. A separate $7.5 million contract would go to Stenstrom Excavation for the paths, skatepark, playground, lighting and other site work including ground preparation and seawall repairs. A previous proposal for electric vehicle parking has been removed.

The remainder of the $15.5 million price tag largely comes from design engineering and construction inspection. There is also $40,500 set aside for public art installations.

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The project is funded in part by $6.5 million in state tax dollars, including an additional $1 million grant recently secured by state Sen. Steve Stadelman. GoRockford has also pledged $50,000 a year for 10 years by selling naming rights or drawing from its own capital funds.

“The new vision for Davis Park — featuring concerts, family-friendly amenities and year-round activation — represents an opportunity to serve a diverse cross-section of the Rockford community,” Tony Beer, general manager of the adjacent Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront, wrote in a letter of support. “We are especially excited about the city’s plans for regular special events and live performances. These events will not only enhance the visitor experience for our hotel guests but also provide meaningful cultural and economic value to those who call this area home.”

Tiana McCall said in a support letter that she has long attended outdoor concerts and festivals in Davis Park. She wants her children and future generations to enjoy the same experience. McCall was part of a task force formed in 2018 to develop a vision for Davis Park.

“I believe strongly that every person, regardless of zip code or background, should have access to the kind of dynamic, vibrant public spaces that foster joy, creativity, and belonging,” McCall wrote in her letter of support. “Davis Park once was and now has the potential to become exactly that kind of place, again: a front porch for Rockford, alive with rhythm, light, laughter, and opportunity.”

If the Finance and Personnel Committee approves the contracts, it would go forward to the City Council on Aug. 4.

How it’s funded

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas