If a pregnant woman on bed rest can fight for our state parks, we all can.
While doing interviews for today's story on Morris officials fighting our Governor's attempt to close 11 state parks, I spoke with the woman who started the online petition.
The petition, which can be accessed here, currently has almost 1,500 signatures and has been posted for less than two full days. I am writing this on Wednesday so by the time you read this I'm betting it has over 2,000 signatures.
Rachel Pfaff is not a Morris, or even an Illinois native, but her husband is. He grew up playing and fishing in Gebhard Woods and now the couple has decided to raise their children in Morris so they can too.
I quote Rachel briefly in today's story, but she made so many good points I couldn't fit all that she said in the article so I thought I'd share them here.
In addition to wanting to bring her unborn son to Gebhard Woods just as she has with her other three children, Rachel pointed out that this state park, and all state parks, offers more than just a nice atmosphere, but memories, food and a place to keep children busy and out of trouble.
"We don't have a parks and recreation (district) in Morris and now they're taking this away, these kids are going to end up getting into trouble," Rachel said.
She also said that although her family is not poor, they often get their dinner from the park by fishing. This is a smart move for all families, especially during these economic times.
Rachel was also not afraid to say that the state is not going to be able to keep her out and she expects this to be the same for many park lovers. Because of this she fears the police are going to be given an extra burden by having to deal with trespassers.
Today's story is the third one I've written about the state park closures. Each time a new person tells me that they don't' understand why the state doesn't start charging a fee for the parks.
Although it is nice that Illinois is one of eight states left that doesn't charge a fee for the parks, it sounds to me like people would rather pay to enter the parks than lose the parks all together.
I have written about the surrounding state parks many times, but have not spent a great deal of time in any of them. But I think anyone can understand the loss of such a community asset.
I signed the petition yesterday. I hope you will right now.
Mallory Medved is an assistant managing editor of weekly publications for
the Sun-Times News Group. She helps cover the Lincoln-Way area and towns
southwest of Joliet. Being naturally nosy has led her to a career in
journalism and fulfilled her dream of getting paid to read. Being a new
homeowner and a future bride, she's also perpetually broke, but enjoys
hearing about other people in the same situation. She lives in Plainfield
but is a native of New Lenox.
Christina Chapman is a Will County resident who desperately wants to live in Grundy County. But since she lost that battle with her boyfriend when they bought a house, she makes due covering Grundy County news for The Herald News in Joliet. When not covering municipal meetings, school events and finding the truth behind the latest coffee talk, she is trying to balance life as a young home owner who is fighting the stereotype that she is living in sin because she is not yet married. She hopes to share with you her perspective on life and the news in hopes that you’ll share yours.
It's time for Illinois citizens to stand up against the politicians that believe this is the solution to the budget crisis. Why not cut wasteful spending-and there's plenty of it-instead of closing these parks? These state parks have been in existence since the 1900's and need to be protected for all of us and future generations as well.
Please sign the petition. We have so much to lose.
Christina,
I hope this helps people in understanding you can be anyone and do anything as long as your heart is in it.
Thank you so much for making this blog. I have my husband making a copy of it for me to add to our familys scrapbook.
I will keep you updated with everything I know that is going on.
Rachel Pfaff