A Walk in the Park: Experience life on the farm with a visit to Rockford's Lockwood Park

A Walk in the Park is an ongoing series from Rockford Register Star photographer Kara Hawley, who plans to explore the Rockford area — one park at a time — to capture all of the beauty and recreation Rockford area parks have to offer. If you have a suggestion of a park she should visit, email her at kghawley@gannett.com .

Lockwood Park is home to both the Trailside Equestrian Centre and Sarver Children's Farm, home to dozens of animals from horses and mules to goats, ducks, sheep, rabbits and donkeys.

The park is has several winding trails surrounded by meadows, woods, streams and hills. It's open to visitors and children of all ages to connect with animals and nature throughout the summer.

More: A Walk in the Park: Searls Park is a favorite among Rockford area dog owners

Founded: 1970

Address: 5201 Safford Rd, Rockford, IL 61101

Acres: 146

Key amenities: Lockwood park is best known for its pony experiences and farm animals. It hosts the Sarver Children's Park, the Perks Family Equine Center, Trailside Stable and many more horse-related activities. Along with all that, there are paved and unpaved hiking trails, picnic tables, playgrounds and animal-related activities. The park offers horse riding classes, camps and field trips. Every Saturday, Sarvers Children's Farm hosts events for children to experience farm life.

History: Lockwood Park has a history that dates back to December 1954 when the Rockford Park District purchased 115 acres of the Quarry Hill Farm from Col. and Mrs. D.E. Wheeler. The children's farm opened in July of 1970 and the equestrian center opened in 1976.

In 2003, the park faced closure. In response, an organization called the Friends of Lockwood was formed to raise money for the park. This work eventually saved the park and kept it open for families and children to enjoy to this day.

The park added 20 acres of pasture for the horses and a 20-acre lot for riding and wagon trails. An additional 12 acres was acquired in 2007 for more trails and horseback riding paths.

The name "Lockwood" originates from a benefactor named James Lockwood, who made significant contributions to the park in its early days.

For more: Visit lockwoodpark.com or call 815-987-8809.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: A Walk in the Park: Experience life on the farm with a visit to Rockford's Lockwood Park