Clarence Hicks Memorial Sports Park begins Phase 1 of improvements

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Phase one of construction to improve the Clarence Hicks Memorial Sports Park begins with a celebration.

The ceremony was held at 10 a.m. Oct. 12 at the Clarence Hicks Memorial Sports Park, 2240 Ogilby Road.

The park hosts sports programs such as NFL Flag Football, NFL Cheer, Rockford FIRE Track and Field, Youth Sports Outreach, Rockford Wolves Youth Football, AAU Northern Cross Country National Championship and District Qualifier, and the Chicago Bears Outreach Camp.

The park district says on-site facilities do not currently meet the needs of athletes, leading to the first phase of construction.

Phase one includes an artificial turf field, an eight-lane running track, an area for throwing and jumping events, a spectator area with bleachers for 1,000 people, a parking lot with solar lighting and other landscaping improvements.

Lamont Jones, general manager of the Clarence Hicks Memorial Sports Park and Youth Sports Programs, says, “We’re investing in this community, it’s going to have an impact on the citizens in this area, but also some of the local businesses.”

Phase one will cost over $7.5 million. The turf was donated by the Chicago Bears from the Walter Payton Center to create a warm-up area.

Jones says the second phase of construction will include a maintenance garage and office space.

For more information, visit the Rockford Park District website.

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