Accessibility
Nicholas Conservatory (indoors)
Pathways
Mostly paved pathways (One short flagstone path with flagstone stairs)
Wheelchairs/Strollers
Accessible. House wheelchairs are available during Nicholas Conservatory's open hours and can be checked out on a first-come, first-served basis. Strollers are not allowed in the butterfly house during the Secret Life of Butterflies exhibit.
Benches
Available throughout
Restrooms
ADA-compliant. Lobby restrooms have power doors. Family/gender-neutral restrooms are inside the Tropical Exhibition Area. Changing tables (men’s and women’s lobby restrooms)
Animals
Task-oriented service animals only. (Therapy, emotional support, comfort, companion animals do not qualify as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act.)
Sinnissippi Gardens (outdoors)
Pathways
Paved pathways
Wheelchairs/Strollers
Accessible. House wheelchairs are available during Nicholas Conservatory's open hours and can be checked out on a first-come, first-served basis. Strollers are not allowed in the butterfly house during the Secret Life of Butterflies exhibit.
Benches
Available throughout
Restrooms
ADA-compliant with power doors. Changing tables (men’s and women’s restrooms)
Animals
Leashed pets are welcome
Accommodations
If you need an interpreter, sensory-friendly hours, or other accommodations in order to enjoy the gardens, please contact Lyndi Toohill at 815-987-1654 or lynditoohill@rockfordparkdistrict.org. Please contact us at least four days prior to your visit so arrangements can be made.
Visual Systems
In collaboration with the Rockford Park District’s Therapeutic Recreation Department and The Autism Program (TAP) Service Center, a program of Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago these Visual Systems have been created with the intention of providing accessibility for individuals who benefit from their use. Visual Systems are used as a communication tool and have numerous benefits. They can set a schedule for individuals and let them know what to expect for the day’s events, they can be used as a transition tool; they can be used when writing social stories, and so much more.