The recipients of the 2009 Seth B. Atwood Memorial Park and Conservation Service Award will be honored at the Rockford Park District’s City of Gardens Kick-Off Dinner at Cliffbreakers on May 5, 2009. The Atwood Awards are presented by the Rockford Park District, Rockford Park District Foundation, and Winnebago County Forest Preserve District. This year’s awards will be presented to Bruce Ross-Shannon, in the individual category, and to the Rock River Times, Frank Schier, Editor, in the business category. 

 

The Atwood Award is named in honor of Seth B. Atwood, the late industrialist who preserved and donated more than 1,000 acres of valuable land for the citizens of Winnebago County. “Thanks to Mr. Atwood, we can all enjoy the beauty that is found in Atwood Park along the Kishwaukee River and Atwood Homestead Forest Preserve beside the Rock River,” said City of Gardens Program Coordinator Ruth Miller.

 

To date, 29 recipients have received this award, which recognizes individuals and organizations for their exceptional volunteer contributions in providing facilities, programs or services in areas of preservation of natural areas and park spaces, recreation, and education.  

 

“The selection team was delighted with the number and quality of this year’s’ nominees and is grateful to those who took the time to honor them,” said Elaine Harrington, Rockford Park District Foundation Deputy Director of Fund Development.

 

Reservations for the dinner are $35 per person or $280 for a table of eight and can be made by calling the Rockford Park District’s City of Gardens at 815-987-1689. 

 

The Rockford Park District’s City of Gardens mission is to provide community-wide enhancement of public and private places in order to create a beautiful, healthy, and safe environment in which to live, work, and play. 

 

For more information, contact Elaine Harrington at 815-987-1670 or elaineharrington@rockfordparkdistrict.org.