Belvidere Park District outlines murals, nature playground and open‑air roof for ice arena

Jen Jackie, executive director of the Belvidere Park District, updated the City Council on several recreation projects the district plans to complete over the next 12–18 months. Jackie said the Arts Council has commissioned local artist Gary Simon to paint four 5‑by‑10‑foot murals on the silo at Glenn Green — one for each season — with installation expected late summer or early fall and a ribbon cutting to follow.

Jackie said the park district intends to build a nature‑themed playground in 2026 with features such as a log balance beam, tree‑stump swings, a dragonfly‑shaped seesaw and educational signage along the park’s walking path. She described the playground as unique to the community and intended to combine conservation with active play.

The district also plans a facelift for Kitty Land inside Belvidere Park and an open‑air roof at Riverside Ice Arena, a project supported in part by the Build Illinois Fund. Jackie said the roof will extend the skating season, allow summer activities such as pickleball and roller‑skating, and the district aims to have the rink ready for the Hometown Christmas opening on Dec. 5.

Jackie thanked the council for partnership on a planned bike‑path connection under the bridge to Dodie Park and invited council members to the park district’s Heritage Days activities on June 27–28. She said the district will send formal invitations for ribbon cuttings and other celebrations.

The presentation was offered during the council’s public comment portion; no formal council action on the park projects was recorded at the June 16 meeting.