Oct
1
Written by:
c2itconsult
10/1/2009 9:26 AM
I went to an open house at Symington, IL, put on by the forest preserve district of Will County. The purpose of the open house was to get the public’s input on a proposed campground near the Wauponsee Trail south of Symington and Midewin. There was a reasonable turnout of horse people while I was there and numerous park people. There was a wide variety of trail knowledge among both the park and public attendees. There was one horse lady who let it be known that she thought putting a campground on the Wauponsee (approximately 23 miles, rails to trails, open to horses) was a waste of time and money. The park people debated her and a few of the rest of us let it be known we thought it was a wonderful idea. It was interesting to meet a new group of people and see a park department that doesn’t have to have their arms twisted to be concerned with the recreational horsemen receiving their share of the new facilities. 6-25-09 Bob Thomas and I attended another open house (Forest Preserve District of Will County) to get public input on a significant trail system (the Vincennes trail). At this time it’s still in the concept stage in Will and Kankakee Counties. This one was at the Plum Creek Nature Center at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve. It was a real pleasure to see a park district where the horse people are at least as well represented as the bicycle people. Both of their open houses were relevant for both groups and at each the horse people way out numbered the bicycle people. 6-27-09 Bob Thomas and I attended an open house (Meet the Superintendent) at the National Lake Shore. It was a small group in attendance (maybe 12 people) and as a result there was plenty of time to discuss the various issues with the man in charge. Costa Dillon, the superintendent, was an enjoyable person to visit with and listen to. The comments of the participants were sometimes interesting and sometimes frustrating. He agreed to ride the Lycokiwe Trail with us and we anxiously await the opportunity to spend 2 or 3 hours with his undivided attention.
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