Campus News

Rockford Park District and Rockford University announced plans for an expanded partnership today, January 17, 2019, at a joint press conference that will provide even more opportunities for area collegiate athletes. Rockford University Athletics, an NCAA Division III institution, will call Mercyhealth Sportscore Two campus, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, home for all its field sports, practices, and local competitions. Collegiate athletes were already utilizing Mercyhealth Sportscore Two to play soccer, but now all men’s and women’s soccer games will also be played at the facility.  Softball, baseball, and indoor football will also be played at the venue. “Rockford University is excited to be able to build an even stronger relationship with the Park District. The Mercyhealth Sportscore Two campus is exceptional and provides our student-athletes access to world-class practice and competition space. I look forward to cheering on our teams here and to welcoming families and fans from near and far to experience all that these facilities have to offer,” said Eric Fulcomer, Ph.D., Rockford University President.

Throughout 2018 community engagement sessions, the Rockford Park District heard from taxpayers about how important it is to align with organizations that share the vision, mission, and values of the Park District, and to make sure partnerships are mutually beneficial. “We are very excited to expand our relationship with such an outstanding organization, and support the success of area collegiate athletes.  This is an example of how District assets and resources can be leveraged to enhance and strengthen achievement of District priorities. Equal efforts and outcomes will have a positive impact on our community,” said Rockford Park District Executive Director Jay Sandine.

Photos from the announcement made at the Mercyhealth Sportscore Two facility are posted on the University’s Facebook page.

About Rockford University
Rockford University is a four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers approximately 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including the adult accelerated degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Rockford University is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and as a US News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University. Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,200 full-and part-time students.

About Rockford Park District

The Rockford Park District was proudly citizen-created in 1909, and is the third largest park and recreation system in Illinois, with more than 180 parks and facilities.  The Rockford Park District improves the quality of life for citizens by providing a vibrant and relevant park system that increases property values, stimulates economic development, decreases juvenile crime, and improves our community’s health. A vibrant and relevant park system also protects the environment, employs hundreds of area teens, and brings our diverse community together in unity through the common love of play.