“First and foremost, he was an advocate and passionate promoter of parks. He just loved parks and really believed that parks made people’s lives better.”

-Chris Camp

David Lose, 1940-2017

National Association of Park Foundations

Inaugural Member-Advisory Council

Trusted and Passionate Visionary

Advocate for Park Foundations and Friends Groups 

Advocate for Parks and Recreation Systems 

Effective Citizen Voice on Capitol Hill

NRPA Chairman of the Board from 2000 to 2004

NRPA's Board of Directors from 1997 to 1999

Founder - Lose and Associates circa 1982

Currently employs nearly 60 people.

Over 600 park projects in planning, design, master planning and system-wide analysis, totaling more than $1 billion of work. 

“The Park District is in the business of solving problems and filling needs.”

-Webbs Norman

Webbs Norman, 1933-2019

University of Illinois

Bachelor of Science degree - 1957

Master’s Degree - Parks and Recreation Administration – 1960

Executive Director - Rockford Park District (34 years!)

Led decades of Rockford Park District parkland growth to 4,574 acres and 173 local parks

National Gold Medal for Parks and Recreation in 1989

National Gold Medal for Therapeutic Recreation in 1995 and in 2004

Earned the designation of Sportstown USA by Sports Illustrated magazine and the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA)

Instrumental in the development and growth of the Rockford Park District Foundation

Webbs could often be found in a local coffee shop meeting daily with citizens and community leaders, listening to their ideas. He was a leader with an open mind to any and all ideas that led the Rockford Park District to innovations, new programs, generous gifts and partnerships that saved taxpayers millions of dollars

Remained an integral part of the Rock Board of Directors of the Rockford Park District Foundation until his passing in 2019