Will County Board's message to Springfield: ‘Keep state park open'

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JOLIET - The Will County Board unanimously passed a resolution Thursday strongly opposing the closing of Channahon Parkway State Park. The closing of the park was recently cited by Governor Rod Blagojevich as a means to cut spending in the Illinois Depart-ment of Natural Re-sources' operating budget. In total, 11 state parks and 13 historic sites throughout the state will face closure by the end of November. “If the state could find the money to open the park in 1932, there is absolutely no reason they can't find the money to keep it open in 2008,” said board member Don Gould (R-Shorewood). Channahon Parkway State Park is the official trailhead for the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail and plays a vital role in the accessibility and functionality of this historic natural resource. With the I&M Canal being 160 years old, the park offers visitors unique educational and cultural opportunities through public programs and tours, as well as organized group and school group programs. All of this now stands to end, along with numerous recreational opportunities, such as camping, fishing, hiking, canoeing, and picnicking, if Governor Blagojevich does not change his mind. “This park is an essential piece of the Channahon community,” said board member Deborah Rozak (R-Wilmington). “Closing it will forever change this town and negatively alter a way of life for its business and citizens. The Will County Board is united in telling Springfield to keep Channahon State Park open.” The estimated $14 million in cuts to the IDNR is fairly meager when compared to the $2.1 billion budget shortfall the state of Illinois has to correct. However, the impact of this small cut could easily result in a $1 billion annual loss to the Illinois tourism industry that provides hotels, restaurants, and retail stores to the countless individuals who visit state parks and historic sites every year. “The closing of these parks and historic sites sends the wrong message to the people of Illinois,” said board member Joseph Baltz (R-Shorewood). “The state should be promoting the educational opportunities and the healthy lifestyle activities that Channahon State Park offers its visitors, instead of playing politics with valuable natural resources.” Will County Board members urge all local residents to contact the governor's office, as well as local representatives and senators, to voice their opposition to the closing of Channahon State Park and the elimination of public access to the I&M Canal State Trail.