ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Phase One of construction to improve Clarence Hicks Memorial Sports Park begins with a celebration.

The celebration took place at 10 a.m. Oct. 12 at Clarence Hicks Memorial Sports Park, 2240 Ogilby Road.

The park hosts sports programs like NFL Flag Football, NFL Cheer, Rockford F.I.R.E. Track and Field, Youth Sports Outreach, Rockford Wolves Youth Football, AAU Northern Cross Country National Championship and District Qualifier and Chicago Bears Outreach Camp.

The park district says the on-site amenities do not currently meet the needs of the athletes, leading to Phase One of construction.

Phase One includes an artificial turf field, an eight-lane running track, a throw and jump event area, a spectator area with bleachers that can seat 1,000 people, a parking lot with solar lights and other landscape improvements.

Lamont Jones, General Manager of Clarence Hicks Memorial Sports Park and Youth Sports Programs, says, “We’re investing in this community, it’s gonna impact the citizens in this area, but also some of the local businesses as well.”

Phase one will cost over $7.5 million. The turf was donated by the Chicago Bears from the Walter Payton Center to create a warmup area.

Jones says the second phase of construction will include a maintenance garage and office space.

For more information, visit the Rockford Park District website.

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