For more than 25 years, parks and recreation have been part of my life through volunteering, professional leadership, community service, and now serving on the Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners.
I believe parks are more than places to visit. They are where people connect, families make memories, kids discover new opportunities, and communities come alive. Parks and recreation help shape quality of life, strengthen neighborhoods, support healthy lifestyles, and create spaces where everyone can feel welcome and experience a true sense of belonging.
As Board President, I am proud to help support the programs, spaces, and experiences that help people enjoy life, while also supporting a park system that works to ensure belonging for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
I have had the opportunity to work alongside fellow commissioners, staff, community partners, and residents who care deeply about creating meaningful experiences throughout our community.
For me, this work is about service, connection, belonging, and making sure our Park District continues to evolve with the needs of the people it serves. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and excited to continue helping create a stronger, more connected Rockford for years to come.
Strong park systems do not happen by accident. They are strengthened through advocacy, partnerships, funding, and a shared commitment to the value parks and recreation bring to communities.
I am proud to represent Rockford while also serving at the state level through the Illinois Association of Park Districts. That involvement allows me to help elevate the importance of parks and recreation for you and your family, support policies and resources that benefit local agencies, and stay connected to ideas and best practices from across Illinois.
My goal is to make sure Rockford continues to have a strong voice in conversations that impact the future of parks, recreation, funding, and community quality of life.
Strong leadership means making responsible decisions with the future in mind. I am committed to strong stewardship, meaningful partnerships, and pursuing resources that help protect and strengthen our park system for generations to come.
Our community deserves parks, facilities, and recreational experiences that are safe, relevant, well cared for, and responsive to changing needs. I support strategic investments that strengthen quality of life, generate positive economic impact, and deliver meaningful return on investment for residents, neighborhoods, and the broader Rockford community.
The Rockford Park District is your Park District, and its future should continue to be shaped by the people and communities it serves. I believe strong leadership starts with listening, staying connected, and creating meaningful opportunities for residents to share their ideas, experiences, and priorities.
I am committed to supporting a Park District that remains responsive to our community, guided by your feedback, and connected to the neighborhoods and people who make Rockford special. Whether through community conversations, partnerships, neighborhood engagement, or simply showing up and listening, your voice matters.Continuing to build a park system that reflects our community, responds to its changing needs.
Parks and recreation can open doors, create opportunities, and strengthen families and communities. I want to continue supporting a park system that helps children and teens stay active, build confidence, discover new interests, develop positive relationships, and create memories that last.
At the same time, strong parks should benefit everyone. I believe in creating spaces, programs, and experiences that support youth and families while also serving people of all ages and stages of life throughout our community.
By investing in opportunities that bring people together, encourage healthy lifestyles, and create positive experiences, we can continue building a park system that strengthens families and adds value to the entire Rockford community.
Welcoming & Belonging
Everyone should be able to see themselves in our park system and feel that there is a place for them to participate, connect, and enjoy life.
I am committed to supporting welcoming spaces, inclusive programs, and meaningful experiences for people of all ages, backgrounds, neighborhoods, and abilities. That means continuing to look at how our parks, facilities, programs, and partnerships can reduce barriers, expand access, and create more opportunities for people to feel connected.
Belonging is about more than being invited. It is about creating a park system where people feel welcomed, valued, represented, and able to fully take part in what our community has to offer.
Stay Connected
Have a question, want to get involved, or simply want to stay connected with the campaign?
Email: info@mbforparks.com
Call or Text: 815-601-4374
Website: MBForParks.com
Facebook: Friends of Martesha Brown