Twenty-eight acres make up Rackow Park, located at 1363 Romke Road, and is Hampshire’s newest recreational facility. The park has three lighted youth baseball fields, a restroom, playground, dog park, primitive campsites, interpretive nature trails, shelters and seasonal ice rink. Off-street parking and an additional gravel area is available for overflow parking. Please note that registration is required for use of Dr. Tom Getzelman Dog Park through the Administration Office.
Rackow Park was funded through an Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant. Additional funding for the natural area of a 8 acre woods and 6 acre pollinator meadow was provided through a TC Energy Foundation Grant, a ComEd Openlands Grant and an Illinois Energy Conservation Foundation Grant. All of these partnerships were greatly appreciated to develop our first natural area for all to enjoy!
Dr. Tom getzelman dog park
Dr. Tom Getzelman Dog Park Registration Form
Dog park rules
- Hours are from dawn to dusk daily
- Dogs must be cleaned up after. Bags and receptacles are available onsite.
- Dogs must be leashed until inside the gated area. Please have a leash with you at all times.
- It is recommended that dog(s) receive the canine influenza vaccine before visiting the park.
- Dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior will not be allowed in the park. Aggressive behavior may result in revocation of dog park membership with no refund.
- Owners are responsible for any harm their dog(s) inflict on any other dog(s) or human(s).
- Owners are responsible for any damage their dog(s) inflict on any property within the park.
- Dogs in heat are not allowed in the park.
- Unhealthy dogs are not allowed in the park.
- Dogs must have a handler over the age of 18 present at all times.
- Children must be age 6 or older to be in the park and must be accompanied by an adult.
- Dog equipment must only be used by dogs, no adults or children permitted on equipment.
- Handlers are responsible for controlling their dogs at all times.
- There is a limit of two (2) dogs per person/handler.
- Water is available onsite during warm season months (fountain turned off during the winter). If you bring a water dish, take it home with you when leaving the park.
- Smoking is NOT ALLOWED at the park.
- Do not let non-members into the park, or allow other dog(s) who are not registered use your key fob to enter the park.
Failure to abide by these rules may result in the revocation of dog park membership without refund.
Ice Rink
Ice rink is located on Field 1 at Rackow Park, 1363 Romke Road.
Season is December 15-February 15 (weather-permitting)
Skating areas typically open on or after December 15; however, they can open only after a period of extreme cold. Weather and conditions permitting, the skating season continues through February 15.
Please check the sign out front for RED or GREEN status before using the rink. You can also download the Rainout Line app to check the status of the skating area.
USE DESIGNATED PATH TO RINK ONLY. It is staked with red arrows. This park is currently a construction site.
Skating hours are from dawn to dusk. Night skate hours can be reserved for $20, rental form and fee must be paid in 72 hours in advance of skate time. Night skating will end at 9 p.m. Lights may be turned off early in the event of low attendance.
Please do not skate on soft ice, it ruins the ice. Great cooperation from the community will make this rink successful. Damage will result in rink closure.
Ice Rink Reminders
- The ice rinks are dependent on weather conditions for ice quality.
- The rinks are designed for recreational skating only and are not maintained at professional or competitive skating standards.
- A minimum of 72 hours of constant temperatures of 15° or below is necessary before the ice-making process may begin.
- Ice skating season is December 15-February 15, weather permitting.
Ice Rink Rules and Regulations
- No pucks or sticks are allowed when others are free-skating.
- Hockey and broomball play is allowed only when no one is free-skating.
- No alcoholic beverages are allowed.
- Skate safely and in a controlled manner to avoid collisions with other skaters.
- Refrain from offensive language and behavior.
- No bottles or glass are allowed on rinks.
- Children ages 8 and younger must be supervised by an adult.
- Use the garbage cans for garbage.
- Violation of posted rules may result in suspension from the ice rink and/or a fine.
