From news release
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Saturn Park along the Perryville Path loop on the city’s east side will be renamed for Jim Keeling, an attorney and philanthropist who was instrumental in creating the path system.
The park at 6540 Garrett Lane will be called Keeling Trailhead Park, Rockford Park District commissioners decided Tuesday night. The park is under construction, and a new playground is expected to be complete this spring.
“Jim was a trailblazer in creating this heavily utilized path for walkers, runners and cyclists,” the Park District said in a news release. “Generation after generation has been able to connect to the past, present and future thanks to his generosity, ideas, years of planning and financial underwriting.”
Related: 2 ‘trailblazers’ behind Perryville Path celebrated. Here’s its next extension
Scott Olson, president of the Park District’s board of commissioners, said the district would not be where it is today without Keeling’s efforts.
“Jim has worked collaboratively and selflessly to improve the quality of life for all citizens, especially our youth and families. Thanks to Jim’s advocacy and fundraising efforts, thousands of citizens can improve their health and well-being by utilizing the Perryville Path; youth are introduced to the game of golf; tubing and snowboarding can take place in the heart of the city; the beauty inside and outside of the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens campus is enjoyed year-round; people come from far and wide to take part in various sports or tournaments; and the community has a place to celebrate diversity at the Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza.”
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Keeling and developer Sunil Puri proposed the Perryville Path in 1990 in a rapidly developing area of town. Keeling was also instrumental in the creation of Mercyhealth Sportscore Two and secured the support of local and state governments and legislators, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and sponsors and donors.
He is also the founding chairman of the Junior Golf Foundation of Greater Rockford. The Park District once lacked a facility where young players could learn and practice their golf skills, but Keeling led a $2 million fundraising campaign to create Learning Links at Ingersoll Golf Course and The First Tee at Patriot’s Gateway Center.
Related: Rockford Park District to borrow $6M for Riverview Ice House fixes
Keeling has volunteered as a Rockford Park District Foundation board member for 15 years, including service as board president from 2010-11. He led efforts to raise more than $40 million during his years of service, according to the Park District.
As president of the foundation, and through his active participation on the Nicholas Steering Committee, $13.5 million was raised over three years for Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. And in spring 2011, the Hansberger family donated the 52-acre facility known today as Alpine Hills Adventure Park to the Rockford Park District Foundation. Keeling led a $1 million fundraising campaign, which helped enhance the facility and provide year-round recreational opportunities for families.
“I am honored and humbled to get this recognition but none of what I have achieved has been done alone. Connecting people and linking efforts and resources is what really has the power to make our community great,” Keeling said in a news release. “The men and women of the Rockford Park District provide the community with amazing assets, and I am proud to work alongside them for the benefit of the young people and families in our community.”
Keeling is a partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson law firm and has received awards from the Rockford Cosmopolitan Club, Boy Scouts of America, Illinois Park and Recreation Association, and the Illinois Association of Park Districts. He has also been named Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year.
“The Rockford Park District can’t thank Jim enough for the significant impact he has had throughout the Park District,” the district said in a news release, “and for his outstanding ability to build long-term public and private partnerships necessary to achieve the mission of the Rockford Park District.”