Keep Illinois Parks Open
* Castle Rock State Park, Oregon
* Lowden State Park, Oregon
* Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, Sheffield
* Illini State Park, Marseilles
* Channahon Parkway State Park, Channahon
* Gebhard Woods State Park, Morris
* Hidden Springs State Forrest, Strasburg
* Kickapoo State Park, Oakwood
* Moraine View State Park, Leroy
* Weldon Springs State Park, Clinton
* Wolf Creek State Park, Windsor
If you want these parks to remain open, let your voice be heard. Please sign the petition and share how you use these parks and the benefits you recieve by utilizing them.
Thanks for helping keep our parks open.
* Castle Rock State Park, Oregon
* Lowden State Park, Oregon
* Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, Sheffield
* Illini State Park, Marseilles
* Channahon Parkway State Park, Channahon
* Gebhard Woods State Park, Morris
* Hidden Springs State Forrest, Strasburg
* Kickapoo State Park, Oakwood
* Moraine View State Park, Leroy
* Weldon Springs State Park, Clinton
* Wolf Creek State Park, Windsor
If you want these parks to remain open, let your voice be heard. Please sign the petition and share how you use these parks and the benefits you recieve by utilizing them.
Thanks for helping keep our parks open.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Illinois Park Users
if u close one then you will cose them all
One of the highest expectations of our politicians is for them to be creative, please find another way to balance the budget that does not sacrifice our state parks. With two parks closing within 15 minutes of our house I am wondering how this is going to effect our local economy. People come from all over to these to parks to go hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and so forth-- these people also stop at the local grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants. With out this our local economy I fear will suffer greatly.
With any of our local parks closing you might as well shut down every little town around these parks and put them on welfare. This is a catastrophe and a more creative solution should be found to balance our state budget.
This is important to me because my family lives near a silver springs state park which is not closing, but I know how important state parks are to familys that use them on a regular basis. Walking, hiking fishing and other things you can't experience just anywhere. I have a friend whos state park is on the list with a son a bit younger than mine and they go there all the time. WE need to stop this.
Natural areas are important both now and for future generations. They provide habitat for wildlife, and a healthful enjoyable recreation area for children and adults. Closing parks hurts everyone.
I am a student, and am often stressed out by maintaing a full time work and full time school schedule, I live in the city and do not have a yard; parks provide a place for me and my dog to exercise and relax.
I take my grandchildren to the park and they enjoy it very much.
I grew up fishing and sledding in Kickapoo Park and hoped my grandsons, which live on the outskirts of Kickapoo Park would be able to enjoy the same.
I remember camping in the 60s and 70s with the Boy Scouts at several of the state parks being considered for closing. I continue to use them with my family to this day. In my opinion loosing these facilities would be a tragic loss that couldn't be replaced. Please reconsider this decision.
I have always thought of State Parks as places where people can visit without paying huge admission fees. My family uses the parks that have been targeted to be closed and feel that we could cut back in other ways. In the 1950s I trained at the Northern Illinois Outdoor Education Center at Blackhawk State Park. Now this is one of the parks that may be closed. How many teachers like myself will miss this opportunity to learn about outdoor education? Please reconsider this decision.
Our parks, in addition to being an incredible natural resource, are a place to go nearly any time of year for "quiet time" or to relax after work, sit by the river, watch a sunset, just sit in the vehicle and write or listen to music.
I mostly visit Kankakee River State Park as it is near my home. So far it is not on the list, however, ANY park is a wonderful place to spend quiet time - with friends, family, the dogs :) to photograph, to write, to just appreciate nature. I love sitting by the river, especially at sunset.
State Parks provide so many services at such a low cost. People need places to enjoy nature, take a hike, get an education, get away from the TV, get excercise and appreciate our Illinois natural history. Illinois should be encouraging people to explore their local areas and spend money locally at a time of high gas prices. Are we going to forgo maintaining these special areas too? We can't afford to lose them.
As an outdoor enthusiast, I enjoy fishing, hiking, picnics and other activities with my family in the state parks and forests aroung Oregon, IL.
A couple of times a year, we enjoy a picnic at the parks. We love to fish in those parks that offer fishing opportunities. Its a great sport to teach our grandchildren. In addition, Castle Rock State Park is a very convenient checkstation to register my harvested deer in the fall.
It is important to me because I hunt the parks in November and is the only place I can hunt. I have been hunting the park system for over 10 years and really enjoy the time I get to spend in the forest. Without the park system allowing a limited hunt I would not be able to hunt this fall. I do not have the resources to buy or lease land for hunting and really appreciate the opportunity to use the state land.
The people I see and meet in the park are all there to enjoy the resources of the State of Illinois. The number of people using the park may seem small compaired to the population of the major cities in Illinois but we are citizens of the state also and would like to continiue to have a place for recreation without traveling out of state. Please reconsider your decission to close the parks liste above.
For people to appreciate nature, they must be allowed in it.
I loved going camping at Kickapoo in the fall. The colors of the leaves and the lake were very beautiful.
My family and I have enjoyed Castle Rock and Lowden for 4 generations. We consider it a great trajedy to lose them. They are beloved places for us to visit because of the fond memories we have.
This issue is very important to me!! I was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in a very small town, Gilman, Illinois. I learned to swim in the Kankakee river, yes, I would say yuck now, but, 50 some yrs. ago our cabin, duck blind and boat dock was on the river....I was able to be raised in a beautiful atmosphere and learned more about nature than the average young lady of my time, thanks to my father!!
As a child I was very fortunate to visit the Illinois State Park in Marseilles...my husband is a retired USMC Marine and we were able to travel and introduce our children to the grand state parks....ie., Castle Rock State Park, Kanakakee State Park, Bernheim Forest, Mammoth Cave, and the Illinois State Park in Marseilles. They were also able to walk the Oregon trail in Wyoming and Nebraska. The times were fond memories and priceless to their growing up and appreciating nature and all it had to offer.
The history of these parks is priceless to the residents of Illinois and others. Although I live in Georgia now, I still visit the parks when I come back to Illinois to visit friends and family. I cannot imagine these parks ever being closed. It breaks my heart.
My family spent quality family time that is so needed in this day and age hiking, grilling, and camping at these state parks. Please don't close them.
The Hennepin Canal is a vital receational area for many families in the midwest section of Illinois. With rising gas prices and limited funds to travel very far this state park facility offers families a weekend recreational area close to home. As a tax payer I strongly suggest that the decision to close this facility be reversed so this park can continue to provide enjoyment to thousands of Illinois families in the future years.
My Mother, Step-father, brother, children and grandchildren have enjoyed fishing the Hennepin canal for many years. My granddaughter at 3yrs old caught her very first fish in the canal and every year we spend many summer days fishing the canal and adding to the memories of our time together on this waterway. This is truly a very valuable Illinois asset, please don't let it slip away due to state politics and poor money management.
We visit the Oregon area twice a year. Have been going there for the past eight years. It would be a shame to close these parks as they have alot to offer.
Illinois has always been my home. I return from where ever my husband's job has taken us to family and the state I feel most attached to for all my memories. The land in Illinois is so beautiful, the trees, the grasses, the birds and animals. The parks allow farmers to get out of the fields and communities who view fields to get into the woods and camp, city dwellers to have peace from all the noise that surrounds them constantly. Parks, especially State Parks are like a mini vacation that does not cost much in gas, time or money. It is so important to keep them open.
My husband and I, who are in our 50's and 60's love to walk the trails in as many state parks as we can. That kind of walking is so nurturing to our hearts and minds and not like walking a side walk in come community. The state parks are a must for families staying in touch with each other. Dad's with their kids, teaching them to build fires, cook outside, fish, and mom's get to show their kids that they can be taken from the home and will be like pioneer woman, instilling in both their boys and girls that women are tough and can still function away from the stoves and washers and dryers and even telephones and all can just create memories together. We have done this and it has let even our grandchildren see that we are still excited about nature and science and to bring great discussions that fill the generation gaps. Please keep open the State Parks in Illinois, or the American Dream will die even more through all the change that has taken place in the past 8 years! Thank you so much for listening Michelle & Bill Scott
i live near Gebhard woods i played their as a kid and when i get my kids in the states they will love to play their too it is where the military do their runs boyscouts do events and they have all sort of festivals going on all the time bring new people to our town
I FISH THEIR ON SUNDAY EVERY SUNDAY I a birthday party their
Please keep these parks open . They are an important part of what makes our state unique and special.
Our family often enjoys picnics and walking the trails of our local parks. Thay are an important part of what keeps us together and healthy.
Many of the state parks at issue, I have visited at one time or another and I have always enjoyed visiting them. It would be taking much away from the people of this state. Just because the politicians in Illinois can't get it together. Its not fair to the people of Illinois.
The state parks belong to the people of Illinois. We should not be kept out of them. I understand that Lowden actually MAKES money - so why close it?
Lowden State Park & the Blackhawk statue have always been a family favorite. I have taken many people out there - including some of my visiting European relatives. When my son comes home for a visit once or twice a year, we always go visit Blackhawk. And it's a great place to birdwatch! Castle Rock is such a peaceful place to visit - and peace is something we all need in this crazy world !
I have so many fond memories at Kickapoo park. I go there every summer.
I love Kickapoo State Park. I bicycle to there, and in there, regularly. It's a lovely place to go for a walk on a brisk afternoon and a great place to see in the winter when the lakes freeze up. I've camped and had an equally good time. It's one of the few really big parks within the Champaign-Urbana area that I can get to without a car.
I think this is bullshit closing the parks and campgrounds. I do go camping and to state parks. I do allot of hiking. Keeping the parks open does keep the younger generation interested in wildlife. Closing these state facilities still is not going to keep people out. Come back a year from now and look how the parks look then after kids are using them as party spots. The state paerks and camp grounds will then be trashed. Keeping the parks open keeps the parting kids out that just trash everything anyways.How about giving future generations something to look forward to besides partying. The communities around these areas surrvive from the tourists. If one hundred thousand people visit a camp site and spend just twenty dollars that is two million dollars. What if five hundred thousand people visit and spend just twenty dollars that is ten million dollars. What the govenor is doing is a crime, he is taking away my freedom to enjoy Illinois natural enviroment. Mr. Goerge Ryan was a better govenor than Mr. Blagoevich could ever think of being and has lost my vote. If the State house and senate let this pass they also will lose my vote. Our presidential nominates are preaching change. That will fall at the state level also. Who cares about our roads they are in terrible shape anyways even after our govenor has had them repaired just two years ago. What a great job. NOT. This govenor needs to go. When did loving the outdoors become a crime?
My family, friends and myself have been going to the state parks such as Lowdens in Oregon and Castle Rock State park for thirty years. My parents have been going to lowdens Campground for about fifty years. We bring revenue into the state that way as well by being tourists. Loving the outdoors
We have always taken the children to the parks....and the Blackhawk park now we have grandchildren...we need to keep these parks open...if you close these parks we will ahve mor poeple out of work and no places to share in good family enviromental education.
Kickapoo is the only place I like to take my family for our family vacations. We camp, fish, and go goating there. We don't have very many places that we can afford to go to get away a few weekends out of the year and we are outraged that the Govenor of Illinois would ever consider closing these great parks that many families enjoy.
This effects my family and the are we live in everyday. Many people come to our area each year to enjoy the beauty, serenity and surroundings that are being proposed to close. This is a travesity to even consider this.
These STATE PARKS are very important to me, and to all people of Illinois. They are so beautiful and need to be enjoyed by all people for many, many years. This is the most obserb thing I have ever heard of.
I have been to the Blackhawk Statue many times. It is a tribute to all AMERICAN INDIANS that once lived in this area. It is a historical site and should not be closed just for that reason alone!!!!!
the closing of any park is a sad comment. we need more open spaces...and closing the ones we already have is not an answer.
while not Illinois residents any longer, i grew up in Northern Illinois and have fond memories of many trips to the Channahon park, and a have a long family history with the Oregon parks...My father actually played at castle rock when it was a private residence in the early 1900's, and I remember his stories about area, and the blackhawk statue growing up. What fun when i was able to pass those stories on to my children on trips back to Illinois to these parks...a small link to a grandfather they would never know.
I live right across from the Park in Channahon Illinois and I use the bike path for biking and walking. I enjoy fishing there too. It's a beautiful place.
I truly enjoy all the nature....like watching the deer feed on the grass. A snake swimming in the water. The water spilling over the dam....fantastic!!!
These Parks are very important to the welfare of people. If Gov. Blagojevich would just stay in Springfield instead of commuting at great tax payer expense there would be plenty of funds for the parks for the people ! Lowden Park actually generates revenue so why close this park - because it is in a Republican district ????
Because our kids are losing more and more places to play. The Governor tries to imply that he's for our future, yet he wants them to have to play in the streets. Our kids need to get away from video games and the television, and parks give them that opportunity.
Our kids are in scouting, and several of the parks listed here offer camping. I simply can't fathom that the Governor can't find the funds to keep these parks open.
THEY ARE GREAT PLACES TO SEE THE BEAUTY IN NATURE AND RELIEVE STRESS AND IT IS A GREAT FAMILY OUTING
I love going to parks and getting away from it all
I frequently run at these parks. Particularly, Kickapoo has become my favorite run. I often see others running the trails there, and I'm sure that they would be as unhappy to have their park taken away from them as I am. These parks showcase the natural beauty that Illinois has to offer. They are an important resource for the people of Illinois. Please don't close these parks! We need them.
For years my family has been to Lowden State Park and enjoyed the the outdoor, relaxing expierience. We have been to and enjoyed Castle Park too. Love the hiking.
My daughter has crossed county skied here with her friends along with camped for the weekend. I meet friends here for the day and my friends drive 2 hours to get here. My son and his friends have run the stairs for cardio reason while in track. And now I look forward to taking my 8 month old grandson when he gets older to the park to see Blackhawk Statue and have wienie roast ands make smores.
The state parks are one of the largest tourism draw to IL. In my area, the two parks in Oregon get a large amount of use. I also believe strongly in the inportance to parks and it connection to strong families. In our area there are not many low cost options for family time together. The parks provide the not only the physical fit families who hike and such but also to the families who enjoy lower key entertainment. The parks help to form community which is also much needed in these times. Why would we get rid of low cost physical fitness options when the obesity rate is so high???
This summer I brought two children to a park in Oregon who have not had much experience outdoors. They were able to have many first time experiences for which they enjoyed greatly.
The reason why it is important to me is this I lived in Rockford and they have a good park system as I remember it like Sinnissipi Gardens Talcut Park, and others that I am familiar with. I may not live here but I am signing the pettion.
I believe parks should remain open for family gatherings.
State Parks are a valuable resource for families and individuals throughout our state. Please do whatever it takes to keep them open. We have personally enjoyed walking the paths at Weldon Springs as well as spending quality family time at Lowden State Park. It would be a very sad situation to close these parks when they mean so much to the people who live here as well as visitors.
Working for the Illinois State Geological Survey, I can verify the importance of having these particular natural areas available to the public.
I have chaperoned many field trips to parks within the state sponsored by the ISGS. Myself and other attendees have enjoyed the relaxation and learning experience that these state parks offer.
Because the suburbs are becoming one giant mini-mall. By keeping and adding future parks we will give our children a place to play as well as make out landscape look better.
Balanced state budgets are indeed a necessity, but is the item "maintaining Illinois' beautiful natural resources and public spaces" really so far down on the list as to force the government to deprive everyone -- Illinois residents as well as visitors -- of their benefits? What really is the point of having such places if they're not available, and if events are cancelled? I sincerely hope that the elected officials of this state can get their acts together in a way that represents their constituencies on this issue.
I grew up going to and hiking in the beautiful parks of Northern Illinois and it saddens me that many young people now might not have the same chance.
We moved to Ogle County, from Sycamore, Il. 13 years ago, when our youngest went off to college. We've always enjoyed the area, camping, hiking and taking day trips to the State Parks, in Oregon. Our kids were "raised" in the parks, enjoying camping so much, each weekend of the summer. When they grew up and left, we moved here, to be closer to the only place we love in Illinois. You will be taking away our beloved fishing from us, Jim and I go under the dam, launch at Castle Rock and spend hours upon hours sitting and fishing, having fun, talking and just relaxing. If you close these parks, I guarantee you we will no longer get an Illinois Fishing license, we'll go to Wisconsin, not only to fish, but move there. You're taking away the BEAUTY of our area from people who travel here, from all over Illinois.
This issue is important to me because my family really enjoys these parks and recreational areas. The scenery is so beautiful and it's great to be able to visit these areas and enjoy nature. The parks are important for children, families, everyone! Please do not close these sites!!!
Preservation of our natural resources should be a top priority for our local governments. This includes, but is not limited to, resources which appeal to recreational and aesthetic applications as well as industrial and corporate.
I cannot fathom the reason(s) for closing these long-time recreational areas! Lowden Park operates at a profit; what sense does it make to shut down a facility like that!
we need more public lands not less, especially in heavily populated areas with few public places. they're saviors for kids like me. IN WILDNESS IS THE PRESERVATION OF MAN Henry David Thourough
Given the fact that so many people in this great nation are over weight, the last thing our government should be doing is closing a park of any kind. Parks are one of the last places that families and friends can gather and enjoy nature. Parks are a welcome respite from the every day hustle and bustle of so many lives. It gives us the opportunity to conncet with each other on a more personal level without the interruptions of telephones, televisions, and computers. Keep all of our parks open so that the neighboring communities can benefit from the revenus that are brought in by tourism.
My family and I are regular campers and outdoor visitors. I have personally been to Lowden State Park on several occasions through out my life. It is a well maintained park and my family has always have a great time there.
I am an elementary teacher who uses these parks for educational purposes. These parks are an important part of Oregon's history as well, and local children should be aware of all that they have to offer.
The Channahon Park provides a needed open recreation area for canoeing and fishing and should be left open. If the state closes the park, it should be made to account for what is being done with the Federal Government Money allocated to be used for the park.
