The Rockford Park District was formed in 1909 and is governed by an elected five-member board of commissioners who serve six-year terms without compensation. It is the second largest municipal park system in Illinois, serving the communities of Rockford, Loves Park, Cherry Valley, New Milford, and adjacent unincorporated areas of Boone and Winnebago Counties.

As determined by Illinois Case law, the State's purpose in establishing park districts was to provide a structure for local communities to establish and maintain public park and recreation systems that provide for the health, well-being, and entertainment of their citizens. The Mission of the Rockford Park District is to "help people enjoy life" by providing a quality park and recreation system.

We are a local unit of municipal government. We are not a recreation department or a part of the city or county governments, nor part of the school district (this is often the case in other states). Illinois is unique in having Park Districts, and there are 357 members in the Illinois Association of Park Districts. Rockford is the second largest Park District in Illinois (next to Chicago).

The Rockford Park District is a stand-alone type of government with a specific role and designated responsibilities to provide to people by Illinois state statute.

Parks and recreation is an essential part of a healthy community. It positively impacts health, crime prevention, the environment, the economy, and the quality of life.