Dear Editor,
The Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the community of Rochelle for their volunteer hours during the Kids Ground rebuild.
Over the course of six days, we had more than 700 volunteers working to help us rebuild the beloved playground. To complete a project of this size, with this many people, and without a single injury is no small feat. We’re proud of our community and we are sure Kids Ground will continue to touch the hearts of all who visit. 
Kids Ground was built in 1991 through a community build with Leathers & Associates. The playground became a staple in Rochelle from day one and our goal was to continue that legacy with another community build. Thanks to the generosity of Rochelle and the surrounding communities, this goal became a reality. 
Though the project was fully funded, businesses and individuals came forward to donate certain pieces to the playground. We’d like to specifically thank: 
IlliniCare Health: Covered Bench & Rock-Climbing Wall 
Johnson Tractor: Red Tractor with Wobble Floor 

Rochelle Fire Department Social Organization: Fire Pole 
Art and Kathy Stevens family: Tire Walk 
Terry and Jackie Dickow: Wobble Beam 
Auto Hub: Hidden Ladder 
The Family of Phil Rodriguez: Phone 
We had a wonderful group of committee chairs who were instrumental in seeing this project completed. Thank you to: Andrew Macklin, Bonnie Sanford, Brent Ohlinger, Carolyn Brown, Chico Thiravong, Chris Alfano, Dave Kinn, Jay Mulholland, Joe Lenkaitis, Joel Thompson, Kevin Dewey, Kurt Wolter, Maureen Stevens, Ryan Andrist, Shane Bays, Sherry Murphy and Tim Bruns 
General Monetary Donations: 
Dr. Dean and Linda Cater, Evelyn Hintzsche, Fat Cat Slots, Kathy Hollonbeck, Rochelle Rotary, RTHS Interact Club and Wills Chiropractic 
Supplies and Equipment Donations: 
ABC Supply, Alfano’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant, Amy Hayden, Anderson Plumbing, Danette Kirchner - Cintas of Rockford, Ben Johnson, Big R Rochelle, Boise Cascade, Bruns Construction, Cain Millwork, City of Rochelle, Comfort Inn & Suites, Dave Benner Jr., David and Anna Schabacker, Dimond Bros Insurance, Dick Gensler, Dunkin’ Donuts, Fastenal, Fehr Graham, Rochelle Fire Department, Flagg Township - Scott Seebach, Hayden Real Estate Inc., Hub Printing, Joanne Henry, Karen and Spin Hayden, Katie Roush, KEC, Kitchen Table, Macklin’s Inc., Marvin and Shawn Schabacker, NIU Science Club, Northern IL Disposal, Patrick Stevens, Queens Trucking, Ralfie’s BBQ, Ringland Johnson, Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, Rochelle Disposal, Rochelle Elementary District 231, Rochelle Municipal Utilities, Rochelle Police Department, Rochelle Street Department, Rochelle Vet Clinic, Rochelle Water Department, Rockford Home Depot – Manager Ed Ward, Seth Gittleson, Stillman Bank, Subway Rochelle, Super 8, Thiravong Family, Tom and Margaret Reed, Tony Doyle, United Rentals, Walgreens of Rochelle and Ware Crane.

Jackee Ohlinger
Flagg-Rochelle Community
Park District