The Smile Politely Editors are comprised of Justine Bursoni, Seth Fein, Joel Gillespie, Doug Hoepker, Brian McGovern, Ryan Neaveill and Dan Schreiber. They, along with the website designer Mason Kessinger and founding Editor-in-Chief Chris Maier, decide to highlight certain events going on in Champaign-Urbana in a democratic fashion, without bias, in order to best bring to you the finest information on the entertainment around town.
What is your favorite state park? It might be closing.
Kickapoo State Park located in nearby Oakwood will close Nov. 1 due to state-wide budget cuts that will also shut down several other state parks and historic sites throughout Illinois. The closures were recently announced by Gov. Rod Blagojevich's office as a way to counter Illinois’ $2 billion budget shortfall.
Other parks and sites in the area affected by the closures inlude Moraine View State Park in Leroy, Bryant Cottage in Bement, Weldon Springs State Park in Clinton and Lincoln Log Cabin near Charleston.
Once closed, the public will no longer have access to the parks which will then be staffed with minimum personnel.
So, what do you think of these park closings and how will it affect you? Is it an appropriate way to make up our state’s budget deficit? Do you have any fond memories of these parks? And where will you go instead to appreciate and enjoy nature in our state?
Comments (5)
Friday, August 29, 2008 6:09 PM
This is a really terrible thing. I've already contacted my government officials. So should you. Before closing down, they should at least charge at the parks. Here's the contact info:
Office of the Governor
207 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
Phone: 217-782-0244 or 312-814-2121
Senator Michael W. Frerichs
Springfield Office:
Senator 52nd District
118 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-2507
District Office:
45 E. University Ave.
Suite 206
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 355-5252
Representative Naomi D. Jakobsson
Springfield Office:
257-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 558-1009
(217) 557-7680 FAX
District Office:
206 N. Randolph
Suite 120
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 373-5000
(217) 373-8679 FAX
If those aren't your legislators, you can find their contact info at http://www.ilga.gov/
Friday, August 29, 2008 10:05 PM
I agree with Greg. It's a travesty that these parks are closing down without pursuing other options (i.e. charging entrance fees).
Walnut Point and Kickapoo are always packed with campers and other users. It is a shame that these parks are just going to be sitting empty.
Other sites (Bryant Cottage, Fort Chartres, etc) are invaluable school field trip destinations. Sad.
Though honestly, I think plenty outdoor enthusiasts with show up anyway ... making use of "back doors." Are these skeleton crews really going to stand in their way?
Saturday, August 30, 2008 8:07 AM
the state has also reduced funding to Developmental Disability Services and Providers by $60.9 million for 2009. There's a november veto session but does not look good. That affects alot of local providers, not to mention drug and alcohol centers, such as the Prairie Center. But apparently a news article referred to these items, in addition to the parks, as "useless" so I suppose bankrupt could refer to morality, humanity and compassion as well as the economy.
Saturday, August 30, 2008 12:53 PM
I sent a note to the Gov and the DNR. Closing Kickapoo would be a serious strike against CU. Anyone tired of flat and corn will have one less place to go to.
Personally I think its ridiculous to "close" the parks. Perhaps leave them open to walkers, hikers, and cyclists. Doubt that a single care taker of the park could do much to chase folks out - so backdoor entry to the park is likely.
Charging an entry fee is also a good idea. Lots of states do this. $2-5 per vehicle would add up and perhaps allow the park to support some staff and general maintenance.
Seems like some silly political wrangling to me.
Monday, September 1, 2008 11:52 AM
Hikers,hunters and horsemen have a common purpose to unite over the long list of closing parks.
Weldon Springs hosts endless school trips to its one of kind historic and nature library, Morrain view provides fishing, biking in full view of wind turbines, both provide low cost camping about as close as Kickapoo. Let's take veteran celebrations to the parks monuments exclusivly next year.
Whether the debt is Ryan's or Blago's, the cost of keeping parks open needs to be supplemented fast. Kickapoo is on the right track. These parks need corporate sponsorhip that support outdoor concert/food fundraisers. Write not only to the governor but to corporations like CrackerBarrel,Sierra Club, Cabelas, and Schwinn.
We ALREADY pay an entry fee when we camp. Maybe not providing electricity would be best cut before charging people to walk on their on land for an afternoon.
There is also a great danger to unpatroled parks, just because they sign says closed does not mean people will not dump, vandal, or burn. This is a matter of public safety.
How much debt did Ryan leave? How uncoperative have house republicans been? Republicans have been calling for closure of anything not near an expensive subdivision and entry fees. Don't get called into a blame game, when its solutions we need.
Anyone who goes to these parks knows they have been hurting for years, is it not about time we got off our buts and helped them?