About Lockwood Park

In 1844 the 160-acre Quarry Hill Farm was first bought by James Sterling and Juliet Sterling for $ 1.25 an acre. In 1848 James Sterling built what was to become known as the Hill House on the property. On December 3, 1954, the Rockford Park District purchased the remaining 115 acres of the Quarry Hill Farm from Colonel and Mrs. D.E. Wheeler.

The Children’s Farm opened in July 1970. Many structures were constructed to display and house the wild and domestic animals on display at the Children’s Farm. Facilities added to the farm later included a bridal path, snowmobile trails, hayrides, sleigh rides, pony rides, wagon rides, and the Trailside Centre was constructed in 1976. A State of Illinois grant from snowmobile funds made the barn possible. On January 1, 2006, a lease was signed for the addition of 20 acres of pastureland for the horses to the north and a 20-acre wood lot for more riding and wagon trails. The wood lot contains a concrete pad, which back in the 1920’s hosted social dances on Saturday evenings and boxing matches on Sunday afternoons. An additional 12-acre wood lot to the east of the pasture was added to the lease later in 2007 for more trails for horses and wagons. A covered bridge was built over Kent Creek in 1970 to connect both parts of the park and give a taste of history.

The Park hosts the largest cow in the county, a large plastic cow formerly owned by the local Muller-Pinehurst Dairy and was donated to the park in the 1980s.

The park was named Lockwood Park in 1987. A benefactor named James Lockwood made several significant contributions to the Park District for the park. The Friends of Lockwood Park have also made significant contributions, including the new hay barn which was dedicated on October 14, 2008.

In 2003, the Rockford Park District threatened to shut Lockwood Park down, due to decreased income for the park. This prompted the formation of a volunteer organization called the Friends of Lockwood. In 2004 alone, the Friends of Lockwood volunteered over 1,250 hours to raise $25,000 to save Lockwood Park. Thanks to their efforts, Lockwood Park remains Rockford’s “best-kept secret,” and is given the ability to cater to young Rockford families. In 2006, the Friends of Lockwood shifted their mission from “saving the animals” to “feeding the animals.” As a result of their efforts, Lockwood Park was listed as one of the Park District’s top 10 attractions by attendance in 2008.

Tractor Display

Dedicated to Ronald F. Bodda, who was a man of character and integrity. He was a man who possessed a “heart of gold” and shared that blessing with those around him.

Ron spent most of his business career in a suit and tie, but felt most comfortable in jeans and a flannel shirt. His love of the outdoors brought him to Lockwood Park as a valued volunteer. Ron spent countless hours over many years, driving the tractor to pull the hay wagons for park visitors.

Ron was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who always had the right words at the right moment. He was a role model for his entire family. May all who come here enjoy, just as Ron did every time he drove the tractor for the visitors of Lockwood Park.

About Sarver Children’s Farm

Sarver Children’s Farm is named as such in recognition and thanks of Charlie and Margy Sarver. Charlie and his wife Margy have been instrumental in the development and success of Lockwood Park through their generous donation of time, talent, and the use of their land and resources to benefit Lockwood Park. Unfortunately, Margy passed away unexpectedly in November 2021.