WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderPassion For Two Oregon State Parks Fuels Community

Passion For Two Oregon State Parks Fuels Community

By Laura Gibbs

OREGON - There's only a short time left for two recreational sites in Oregon. By November 1st both Lowden and Castle Rock State park's close.

The State of Illinois' budget forced the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to cut. But some people think it's a matter of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich punishing the area. Nobody ever expected hundreds of people to show up to a meeting at the Oregon Coliseum. But each person in attendance shares a passion for these parks.

A packed but united room expresses outrage that 13 historic sights and 11 state parks close soon.  Richard Day spent the last 45 years of his life camping at the two parks. Day says, "We don't want to see our Blackhawk go to waste. We don't want to see these parks go to waste."

Rose Avey lives in Mount Morris but questions, "We're going to close a park. How you do you lock a door on a park? How you going to keep people out? It's going to cost more money to keep people out then it does to let them in."

Supporters argue the entire community could lose out on thousands of dollars. These parks generate tourists who spend money. Bill Palmer lives near Castle Rock State Park. Palmer tells 13 News, "On the weekends you can't find a place to pack your truck or trailer down there."

But nobody on the other side was there to hear the praise. Illinois State Senator Tim Bivins, a Republican from the 38th District asked, "Is anyone here from the DNR or the Governor's office? I guess that speaks volumes."

Senators Brad Burzynski and Bivins think the closing's a payback. The two Republicans aren't shy about setting the Democratic Governor straight. Bivins says, "It smacks of politics. It smacks of the style of this Governor, reward and retribution."

Bivins interrupted the forum after getting a text message from a member of the House. A bill restoring the $5 million needed passed but the Senate and governor still have a say.