06/11/2026
The City of Rockford is proud to announce that the Garden Club Park improvement project has received the American Public Works Association (APWA) Project of the Year Award in the Quality of Life category for projects under $1 million.
What began as a community vision for a vibrant gathering space has become a destination that enhances downtown Rockford. The project created a welcoming public space featuring green space, barrier-free access, enhanced seating, ambient lighting, a fireplace gathering area, and a beautiful Gold and Blue Star Garden.
This recognition reflects the dedication and collaboration of many partners, including Prein&Newhof, Katerberg VerHage, the Rockford Garden Club, the Rockford Lions Club, Extremis, The Right Place, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which provided a $335,000 placemaking grant to help bring the project to life.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this award-winning project possible and to our community members whose vision and feedback helped shape this special place for generations to come.