Stadelman-funded boat docks to open by Memorial Day in Davis Park

Boaters on the Rock River will be able to dock at Davis Park to dine at Embassy Suites or take a stroll on the nearby Rails to Trails Bridge as soon as Memorial Day weekend, owing to $450,000 in funding State Senator Steve Stadelman secured for the project. The floating docks represent the first step in a full-blown redevelopment of the riverfront space, spurred by more than $4 million in Stadelman-delivered state investment.

The sea wall on the Rock River shoreline is being replaced and hand railings are being installed before the floating docks are hoisted into place over the next three weeks. Another $500,000 in Rebuild Illinois capital funds is paying for construction of a canopy stage for open-air performances on the Davis Park lawn between Embassy Suites on the river's west bank and UW Health Sports Factory on the east bank.

"I’m committed to DavisPark reaching its unfulfilled potential as an entertainment venue and as a complementary attraction to Embassy Suites, which is the downtown hotel Rockford had long awaited," Stadelman said. "The more inviting gathering spots we have in our community, the better our quality of life. Each of these assests is a piece in the puzzle for a lasting, robust local economy."

A private donation in the 1990s established Davis Park as a festival grounds, but the original vision never was realized. Stadelman stepped in after plans stalled to give Davis Park a facelift to coincide with the opening of Embassy Suites in 2020. The transformation of the long-vacant 13-story Amerock industrial building followed a nearly $90-million public-private renovation and years of planning.

Stadelman's efforts also will fund construction of a skatepark, splashpad and native garden, among other future improvements.



State sending nearly $9 million for new early childhood education center in Machesney Park: Stadelman

Harlem Community Center will begin construction this summer on a new $13.5 facility thanks to its receipt of $8.9 million in Rebuild Illinois funds to replace its existing early childhood education center as part of the project, State Senator Steve Stadelman announced this week.

Stadelman said Harlem was one of only 8 public school systems or nonprofits to win the highly competitive Early Childhood Construction Grant from among 239 applicants across Illinois.

"Rebuild Illinois continues to make possible a wide variety of local construction needs, and I'm proud to have been part of enacting this historic legislation," Stadelman said. "I salute Harlem Community Center for recognizing the value of early childhood education in building strong communities, and I'm pleased the state has recognized HCC's singular role in providing that service to families in Machesney Park by funding two-thirds of the cost of an entirely new community center."

In winning the grant, HCC benefitted from a shortage of early childhood options in Machesney Park where Hand-N-Hand Child Care Center is the only licensed facility, according to HCC Executive Director Shannon Sheffel. Construction on the nonprofit's current 5-acre site on Forest Hills Road will start with the early childhood center, offices, playgrounds and gymnasium with a second gym, community rooms and a space for senior programming to occur in a second phase.

"HCC has provided recreational, social and educational programming since 1957," Sheffel said, "and as the recipient of this grant will be able to continue to best meet the needs of our neighbors."


Locally-inspired 'Zachary's Law' advances in House, awaits final vote
 
Legislation sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman and State Representative Maurice A. West II that would provide workplace support for parents grieving the loss of a child won approval of the House Labor and Commerce Committee this week, having passed in the Illinois Senate last month.
 

Senate Bill 2034 would establish Zachary's Parernts Protection Act and require businesses to give employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in cases of homicide or suicide. The legislation pays tribute to Zachary Birkholz, a Harlem High School freshman who struggled with depression and ended his life in 2018.

Zachary's mom, Laura Kane was forced to return to her job only three days later and subsequently fired when her grief interferred with performance of her duties. Kane later formed the nonprofit Marshmallow's Hope to pursue legislation to spare other parents from workplace trauma.

"This is very bittersweet,," Kane said during a news conference in Springfield this week. "This bill will give families the job protection they deserve during this type of crisis. I truly hope no one has to use this, but ... the bill will provide protection in what may be their darkest hours."
 

Click on the photo below to view video from a news conference in Springfield this week:


 

In case you missed me on Facebook ...

State Senator Steve Stadelman
April 26 at 1:10 PM

Great to see members of the NorthWest Illinois Alliance of Realtors at the Capitol advocating for legislation!

State Senator Steve Stadelman
April 19 at 1:45 PM

Today I am wearing purple in support of the 230,000 Illinoisans living with dementia and more than 300,000 individuals who care for them. Thanks to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Week of Action, I am hearing from advocates in my district on how we can best work together to make our state dementia capable!

 

Steve Stadelman
April 22 at 3:29 PM

Great turnout for the RAMI - Rockford Area Music Industry awards! Congrats to all the nominees!