Rockford Park District completes Eclipse Lagoon renovations - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

Rockford Park District completes Eclipse Lagoon renovations

The Rockford community has more to enjoy at the Nicholas Conservatory, as the Eclipse Lagoon renovations are complete, after donations from families and organizations, help make the vision a reality.

"Just to think about the memories and the experiences people are gonna have for the next several generations really is pretty cool," Rockford Park District Executive Director, Tim Dimke says.

Tim dimke and the Rockford Park District are thrilled to open the newest expansion in their 100th anniversary restoration project. The Perks family, and owners of Eclipse Incorporated provided a significant donation. Without it, the renovation wouldn't have been possible.

"To just be able to stroll the lagoon, sit, feed the swans that'll be back here in the spring, and to just be able to enjoy the peacefulness and the beauty of this place, is really what it's all about," Dimke says.

The additions include water features, a pedestrian bridge, and a teahouse pergala. The patios are filled with engraved bricks, with names for dedication. Daniel Nicholas grew up in Rockford and remembers ice skating on the lagoon in the winters. He and his family, who the Nicholas Conservatory was named after, are proud of what the facility has become.

"Day in and day out, someone will come up to me and say, 'I just went to the conservatory and what a wonderful place for our community,' and I'm very thankful that people feel that way," Nicholas says.