The Ken-Rock Community Center began as a Junior League project over 50 years ago. With the help of experienced staff and dedicated volunteers, Ken-Rock has grown into a neighborhood anchor. Ken-Rock's mission of "People Enjoying Positive Opportunities" has been realized by quality recreational social service and educational programs provided to citizens of all ages.

1930 Junior League of Rockford's first service project was construction of 4-room building at 2905 Bildahl Street

1936 First addition to building completed.

1940 Name changed from Junior League House to Ken-Rock Community Center.

1948 Center becomes full fledged member of the Community Chest.

1950 Center becomes incorporated as a not-for-profit organization.

1951 Second addition to building completed.

1953 Junior League of Rockford deeds building and grounds to Ken-Rock Community Center Board of Directors.

1954 Ken-Rock begins operation of Sabrooke Community Center in Nokomo Heights House Project (Orton Keyes).

1963 Third addition to building completed

1970 Mortgage Burning Ceremony. Center is now debt free.

1971 Fourth addition to building completed

1975 Approval given by National Lock co. for use of 40 acres for 19 ball diamonds.

1976 Ken-Rock begins operation of Blackhawk Community Center in Blackhawk Housing Project.

1977 Submitted application to Rockford Community Development Department for funds to acquire and renovate Morris Kennedy School

1979 City of Rockford deeds former Morris Kennedy School to Ken-Rock Community Center

1980 Ken-Rock Community Center programs and services move to new location at 3218 - 11th Street.

1985 Elco Industries provides 16 acre field to be used as 12 softball diamonds for Ken-Rock.

1986 Ken-Rock Elderly Apartments, Inc. a 31 unit elderly apartment complex opens.

1988 Rockford Park District & the Rockford Public School dedicates Don Schmid. New name The Don Schmid Youth Sports Center

1995 Capital Improvement Grant provided by the Rockford Park District provides funds for the renovation of The Don Schmid Youth Sports Center into a first class softball recreational facility

2001 The Ken-Rock Center began a partnership with the Little Peoples Place Day Care that will host over 90 children daily. Also, a $170,000 capitol improvement project began to renovate the facility. Upgrades that were accomplished were new plumbing and bathroom fixtures, brand new gymnasium floor, central air condition in the banquet facility, new roof and the building was completely rewired.

Another partnership was formed with the Rock River Valley Food Pantry. As Ken-Rock will be an emergency service provider of food on Saturdays. The only weekend provider in the city of Rockford.

2006 The Sonlight Daycare began a new partnership with the Ken-Rock Center serving over 60 children each day.

2008 Ken-Rock Community Center sells the building and becomes a tenant of the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Academy. This downsizing was to solidify Ken-Rock Community Center's future and place in the Rockford community for years to come.