In the 1960’s, the United States was on the leading edge of space exploration and it brought great pride and wonder to many. Parks all over the country celebrated the history being made by installing rocket slides or providing space travel themes for outdoor play, just like the one at Kehoe Park.

Yes, absolutely! Over the years, several park users have shared their stories of playing on St. Charles’ rocket slide. It is a symbol of many people’s childhood memories. And what better way can adults who grew up here cherish such a memory, especially when their own child or any child shares the same joy when playing on the rocket slide. It is this sentiment toward the park and the rocket slide that has led the District to leave it in its place for as long as safely possible.

 Rocket slide made its debut when Kehoe Park was established in 1962. Playground standards have changed significantly since rocket slide was installed. Typically, the Park District replaces playground components around 20-25 years.

The Park District will keep the rocket as a historical structure.

Park District staff propose putting a permanent, interpretive sign near the rocket structure with pictures, history and hopefully some anecdotes from the community that will tell the story for years to come.