New floating boat docks were opened Friday, June 2, 2023, in the Rock River at Davis Park in downtown Rockford. (Photo provided by Laura Maher/City of Rockford)
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — New floating boat docks have officially opened along the Rock River at Davis Park. Now, city and state officials are preparing for the next steps of revamping the downtown city-owned park.

The docks, which opened Friday, measure 72-feet long by 16-feet wide and can accommodate up to six boats, depending on the size.

The project was paid for by a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity supported by state Sen. Steve Stadelman. The docks are part of a multifaceted plan to overhaul Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., which is just east of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront Hotel.

“The opening of the boat docks is the first step to transforming Davis Park into a vibrant gathering spot that capitalizes on the riverfront and its proximity to other public and private investments downtown, especially Embassy Suites,” Stadelman said in a news release.  “A strong downtown is essential to the economic growth of the entire Rockford region.”

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Stadelman was joined by Mayor Tom McNamara and other local officials Friday for the official opening of the docks.

Future renovations to Davis Park include an urban beach, splash pads, a playground, a multiuse trail, a skate park, an open-canopy stage and a pedestrian plaza with space for food trucks.

The city of Rockford will receive $500,000 to build an open canopy stage on the Great Lawn at Davis Park, shown on Friday, April 7, 2023, at Chestnut and Wyman streets in downtown Rockford. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

Stadelman dedicated $450,000 of Rebuild Illinois capital funds to purchase and install the docks this year and an additional $3 million to the overall project.

A $500,000 state grant will pay for construction of the canopy stage and outdoor concert venue.

“All of these features enhance the downtown experience, improve the quality of life for residents and attract tourists who spend money that supports small businesses,” Stadelman said. “I’m proud to be able to deliver a majority of the funding for this piece of the puzzle, and I will continue to work to rebuild our downtown.”

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During the state’s recent budget process, Stadelman said he secured an additional $250,000 to create a multi-use path in the park. That path connect the rails-to-trails bridge south of the park with a path under the Chestnut Street bridge, which connects to the south end of the Rock River Recreation Path at the Whitman Street bridge.

So far, the state has invested a total of $4.2 million in redeveloping Davis Park.

Signs announcing the opening of new public boat docks rest in Davis Park before an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, June 2, 2023, in Rockford. (Photo provided by Laura Maher/City of Rockford)

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

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