The Macomb Park District and the Western Illinois Museum are partnering to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Macomb Park District. A new exhibit Macomb Park District Legacy: A Patchwork of Community Parks is designed to show the role and service the Park District has historically brought to the community. The exhibit will open on Friday, July 8th, with a reception from 4:30 to 7:30 pm and includes a cash bar and live music. On Saturday, July 16th, the celebration continues with the unveiling of four new interactive sculptures at Citizen’s Plaza Park at 9:30 am; reception and viewing of the exhibit will follow from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm; donuts and coffee will be served.  Events are free and open to the public.

The exhibit Macomb Park District Legacy: A Patchwork of Community Parks has been researched and curated by Sir. Rok Locksley, a Peace Corps Fellow from the Fellows Program in Community Development and the Macomb Park Districts’ AmeriCorps member. The exhibit was developed from archives as well as interviewing past employees. The exhibit will demonstrate how each park throughout Macomb was patchworked together through various initiatives and community members to meet the needs of area residents. The exhibit includes a timeline, photographs, interactive opportunities, and related items from the Museum’s collection. Viewing the exhibit is a journey where guests learn about each park’s founding, and what role they play in the Park Districts’ service to the City of Macomb.

In addition to guest curating the exhibit, Locksley has designed four sculptures for the Park Districts’ newly acquired Citizen’s Plaza Park located in downtown Macomb.  Designed to be interactive and based on a recent series of Macomb School of Magic programs, these permanently installed artworks will evoke a playful sense of discovery and wonder. The sculptures have been made possible under the guidance of WIU Art Department professor, Duke Ousler.  

The Citizen’s Plaza Park is located at the intersection of Randolph and Washington Streets.  The Western Illinois Museum is located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb Courthouse Square. Free parking is available and the building is handicap accessible.  For more information, contact the Museum by phone at 309.837.2750, text at 309.837.2613, or by email at info@wimuseum.org or the Macomb Park District at 309.833.4652. Free parking is available.