Potential State Park Closures
by Lindsay Banks
9.15.08
Due to recent budget cuts, Illinois’ Department of Natural Resources may be forced to close 10 state parks in October and 14 historic sites in November. According to Environment Illinois, IDNR’s funding has been cut by “25 percent in the past several years and Illinois ranks last among Midwestern states in state-owned protected lands.[1]” The House has approved restoration of $221 million to Governor Blagojevich’s proposed cuts from restricted state funds that could prevent the closure of parks and prevent layoffs of hundreds of workers[2] and the Senate may vote to approve the action taken by the House or propose restoration measures of their own when they reconvene in November.
Will County forest preserve officials recently passed a resolution opposing the proposed cuts and plan to discuss the measure at their board meeting on Thursday[3]. Other local groups are uniting in different ways to help maintain parks—State Rep. JoAnn Osmond (R-61 of Antioch) met with park officials to help find ways for local groups to help IDNR maintain facilities[4]. The League of Illinois Bicyclists warns that the closing of one trail could result in the loss of federal funds.
Our recently released strategy report on the Preservation of Parks and Open Space presents a thorough look at the benefits our region receives from preserved green space—including improved air quality, improved public health, and increased land value. One conclusion in the paper is that parks that are not properly maintained can have a deleterious effect on property values--which would be another reason to maintain current funding levels. The paper invites readers to share their opinions on how CMAP can take a role in influencing park planning throughout the metropolitan region.
I think that it would be a shame to lose our valuable state parks and historic sites.
Thanks to Life in Elgin for all the great links!
UPDATE (9/24): Senate votes to restore historic sites. Now Governor Blagojevich must approve it.
[1] Environment Illinois, “Save Our State Parks.”
http://www.environmentillinois.org/action/stateparks [2] Chicago Tribune, “Just another ethics dodge,” September 15, 2008.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0915edit2sep15,0,1956853.story [3] Chicago Tribune, “Will County forest preserve officials oppose closing state parks,” September 12, 2008.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-channahon-park-12-sep12,0,4832588.story [4] Sun-Times News Group Lake Forester, “Lake County residents unite to save parks,” September 15, 2008.
http://www.pioneerlocal.com/lakeforest/news/1164191,g3-INTparks-091508-s1.article