Eclipse Lagoon restoration project earns two top awards

The oldest and most heavily-used park in the Rockford Park District is the recent recipient of two awards.

Work on the Eclipse Lagoon, located within the Sinnissippi Park Riverfront, has been recognized by two different professional organizations for a single restoration project.

The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA) last week presented the Rockford Park District and Rockford-based Sanders Design Group the Excellence in Landscape Silver Award in the Commercial Construction category for the Eclipse project. 

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC-IL) will present the Rockford Park District and Loves Park’s Arc Design Resources, a 2014 Engineering Excellence Award – Special Achievement. 

The Engineering Excellence Awards Competition recognizes projects of engineering achievement by Illinois consulting engineering firms. 

Special Achievement Awards are given for those projects worthy of special recognition of the engineer and the owner/client for achieving engineering excellence.

“These two awards would not be possible without the help of Sanders Design Group and Arc Design Resources, Inc. and William Charles, Ltd.,” said Laura Pigatti Williamson, Deputy Director of Capital Planning & Management. “By collaborating together, we were able to develop lush gardens, create tranquil reflection places, renovate Eclipse Lagoon and Tea House, and plant natural and informal landscape plantings that are best suited for areas near Eclipse Lagoon,” 

Sinnissippi Park Riverfront is the oldest and one of the most heavily-utilized parks in the Rockford Park District. On average, nearly 143,000 people visit the riverfront and gardens located along the Rock River. 

The area is an easily accessible cultural venue, which over the last few years has transformed by the merging of some familiar favorites with new highlights, all for the enjoyment of citizens and visitors now, and for many generations to come.

Completed in the spring of 2013, the Eclipse Lagoon Restoration Project began as part of the District’s 100th anniversary riverfront restoration program, which included repairing and improving the lagoon and surrounding grounds.

The Eclipse Lagoon Restoration Project included:

*  Water features including two fountains and one waterfall

*  Tea House pergola, a replica of the former structure

*  New north patio with special engraved bricks

*  Pond

*  Paths, benches, and new seat wall

*  Landscape plantings including natural plantings along the east bank slope

 

–News Bulletin news sources