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Sinnissippi Gardens

Sinnissippi Gardens is located along the Rock River.

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SINNISSIPPI GARDENS, ROCKFORD

The land now known as Sinnissippi Gardens was purchased in 1909 by the newly formed Rockford Park District.

Sinnissippi is the Native American word for the Rock River, translated to mean ‘clear flowing.’

Bioswale and Monarch Waystation: Bioswale for reducing runoff pollutants to the river, and
Monarch Waystation to create, conserve and protect monarch habitats.

The Nicholas Conservatory: which opened in October 2011. It was a centennial project of the Rockford Park District.

Eclipse Lagoon: the is 500 feet long lagoon, and has been a landmark in the community since the 1920s.

Rock River Recreation Path: Eleven public sculptures have been installed along the Rock River recreation path.
A “Sculpture Walk” brochure is available at the Nicholas Conservatory information desk.

 

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BIOSWALE and MONARCH WAYSTATION

BIOSWALE: The depression planted adjacent to the parking lot is known as bioswale. It is to reduce the harmful effects of pollutants. It was engineered to collect storm water runoff and has been planted with native plants to keep the river cleaner and healthier. Whe it rains, oil, grass clippings, and sediments are washed off the parking lot and the deep rooted native plants catch and filter out these contaminants. The native plants include: Cardinal Flower, Big Bluestem, Foxglove Beardtongue and Swamp Milkweed.

MONARCH WAYSTATION: The site provides milkweed, nectare sources and shelter needed to sustain monarch butterfly as they migrate through North America. It is certified and registered by Monarch Watch as an official Monarch Waystation to create, conserve and protect monarch habitats.

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NICHOLAS CONSERVATORY and GARDENS

The Nicholas Conservatory opened in October 2011. It was a centennial project of the Rockford Park District.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is named after the Nicholas family, who in March 2006 announced their donation of $2,150,000 toward the Conservatory project in honor of their parents, William and Ruby Nicholas. In addition to the generous donation from the Nicholas family, nearly 1,600 donors, along with several other partners, invested $13.5 million to complete the project. All construction‐related expenses for the Conservatory project were funded by private donations, along with state and private grants.
Highlights:
It is a 11,000-square-foot plant exhibition that reaches up to 52 feet tall at its tallest point.
There are amazing sculptures, tropical flora, a rose garden and a lagoon.
The conservatory is now LEED Silver certified.

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River Within – by Linda Beaumont: The main lobby also has “Art beneath your feet”! The terrazzo art flooring in the Nicholas Conservatory lobby titled “River Within,” is by artist Linda Beaumont, and portrays the local river system. Much of the floor is made from recycled materials.

Rock River Influences – by Wlliam Heug: he main lobby has 142-foot long hand-painted mural by William Hueg. It depicts the incredible story of life along the Rock River.

 

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ECLIPSE LAGOON

The Eclipse Lagoon is 500 feet long, and has been a landmark in the community since the 1920s. The loggon has the fish, ducks, swans, and herons. In 2011, after the opening of Nicholas Conservatory, the lagoon area underwent significant restoration, and was re-opened in the fall of 2012. In the summer, many stroll along the lagoon on the way to the Rock River Recreation Path or the Sinnissippi Park rose garden. In the winter, the lagoon often serves as an outdoor skating rink.

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SINNISSIPPI ROSE GARDEN

Built in 1924, Rockford’s All-American Rose Selection [AARS] accredited rose garden, the Sinnissippi Rose Garden, contains approximately 2,000 rose bushes of 62 varieties. Sinnissippi is one of the few rose gardens in the United States allowed to show the latest award-winning roses before they reach the market. The garden also features a 32-foot diameter floral clock, built between 1984 and 1987, housing annuals every summer.

 

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Forest City Queen & Trolley Transportation

Take a scenic ride to or from Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens via river or rail! Ride the historic Trolley Car 36 or the one-of-akind Forest City Queen riverboat to discover the beautiful gardens, sculptures, and scenery in the Sinnissippi Gardens, Eclipse Lagoon, and along the Rock River!

 

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Rock River Recreation Path: Eleven public sculptures have been installed along the Rock River recreation path.
A “Sculpture Walk” brochure is available at the Nicholas Conservatory information desk.
For images of Public Art along the Rock River Recreation Path.. click here..

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Public Art along the Rock River Recreation Path
Symbol – by Alexander Liberman
Flame – by Leonard Nierman
Inlet markers – by Robert McCuley
Sinnissippin Crab – by Gene Horvath
Dancers – by O.V.Shaffer
Sight Seeing – by J. Seward Johnson
Wild Flower – by Jerry Peart
Coneflower – by Joe Mongan
Anemotive Kinetic – by Robert Mangold
Rock Men Guardians – by Terese Agnew
The Sinnissippi Guardian – by Terry Karpowicz

Art inside the Nicholas Conservatory
River Within – by Linda Beaumont
Rock River Influences – by William Hueg
Generale – by Silvio Vigiaturo
Caras – by Juan Pipolles
King and Queen – by Christoph Kiefhaber

 

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Related Links:

Rockford Attractions.. click here..
Exploring Home State Illinois.. click here..

My Vacations Photo Gallery.. click here..

Vacation: USA / Illinois.. click here..
Vacation: USA.. click here..
Vacation: UK.. click here..
Vacation: India.. click here..
UNESCO World Heritage Site.. click here..

Home: Public Art in Chicago.. click here..

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