Chamber study debunks rec center arguments

I find it very interesting why the Chamber of Commerce felt the need to hire a consultant to "debunk the rec center" in the first place. Are they looking out for the best interests of the residents of Naperville or are they protecting their members interests (i.e. YMCA, XSport, Edwards, etc.)

The Sun's allusion of the Park District to the Bush administration and the altering or ignoring of certain facts would appear to be another attempt by The Sun's editors to add fuel to the fire on this topic. Nothing like comparing the war in Iraq to the rec center in Naperville to bring out some negative feelings.

I am disappointed in the Sun's hard line tactics on the recreation center. They have taken such on one sided approach to this topic that it makes me question the true intent of their negative stance on this.

I also feel that the Chamber of Commerce is looking out for their members instead of Naperville residents you always have to take these type of studies with a grain of salt. You have to take in consideration if the consultant had said the recreation center was a good idea he probably would not get paid or it would not get printed.

I like the idea of a recreation center I have been for it all along. The competition it creates is a good thing for all especially the kids who would get additional choices of recreation and quality programs. It is nice to know that we could have many choices of indoor recreation to go with your children especially in the cold winter months.

I agree that the chamber is looking out for its own interests. And Tim West, in his columns and editorials, has made it clear his position on the rec center. I also believe our news stories on the topic are objective and fair. To refresh, The Sun would have absolutely no qualms about a rec center if a majority of residents supported it, and if the Park District adequately researched the proposal and could justify it. If we're criticized for doing our jobs by reporting and editorializing on the controversy, so be it. But I think you give us too much credit to say we're promulgating the rec center debate by reporting that there is opposition, and not just from chamber types.

The Naperville Sun is far from objective, and the Chamber of Commerce has stuck its nose where it does not belong. First, there are communities all over that have private and public health and fitness facilities that coexist. If the Naperville Sun wanted to serve the community they would conduct a simple research project and print the true results. Bartlett, Glenview, Downers Grove, Schaumburg, and Elgin are just a few communities with which they could start. If the Chamber of Commerce were interested in facts, this would not be an issue. The Chamber of Commerce didn’t hire a Parks and Recreation consultant. They hired someone who believes as they do, which sounds a lot like the Bush administration.

Don’t expect any change in the Naperville Sun or editors Lynch and West. They have always printed heavily slanted views regarding the rec center and have consistently omitted facts along the way. I canceled my subscription because of the way they have handled the rec center and Barbara Heller.

The sad thing is the vast majority of residents I have spoken to, who have families, support the Rec Center. They have just been misinformed by a handful of self-serving people and ultimately suffer from the lack of recreational opportunities.

I'm ready for a new rec center! There is more than enough demand!! Ask any parent--most of us patronize Park District programs, Wheatland Athletic Association programs, as well as programs offered by the Y, Lifetime Fitness, Rush Copley, Pelican Harbor, and Seven Bridges--heck I know folks who take their kids to Downers Grove for gymnastics!! Naperville is an active community. Classes fill and there are waitlists...ask any parent. No single facility will be able to meet all the varying demands of our diverse community. An interesting survey would be to ask the active community in Naperville "How many facilities are you currently using to meet your recreation needs"? I believe those results would show that we do need and would be able to support a new rec center!

Makes me glad I moved to Aurora, where they have not only one, but TWO community centers that offer residents health-club-like cardio and weigth machines, as well as dance classes, an open basketball gym, table-tennis (ping-pong, gymnastics and more.

I have gone to both facilities, and they are always PACKED. So, is there a need? Duh!

By the way....I know this post is WELL PAST the timeliness of the story about the Naperville rec center. The reason I was posting now is that I have a friend who is staying at a hotel in Naperville, and she wanted to know if there was a community center nearby where she could pay the non-resident fee and get a good workout (at least a better one than offered by most hotel workout rooms). So, I did a web search for one, and found this story. What she will do now is drive to the one in Aurora that I use...and give the extra money to the City of Aurora instead of stick-in-the-mud Naperville!

Hmmm, I came across this story in a similar fashion ... searching for information about a recreation facility in Naperville. It's too bad we don't have that luxury, and instead have to pay ridiculous fees (which I definitely DON'T) to private companies like LA Fitness and Lifetime Fitness. Naperville needs a rec center.