News

Funding for Joint Venture Park in Jeopardy

Continued operation of a 500-acre preserve near Bartlett, Illinois, developed in a unique partnership between the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County (FPD), hung precariously in the balance this fall. First known as Tri-County Park, the preserve opened in 2003 with $20 million in land acquisition and investment from the state. But the building and preserve lands were to be maintained under an agreement by the Forest Preserve District, which also owns neighboring Pratt’s Wayne Woods. Under the joint agreement, the FPD supported programs and land management at the park. The visitor’s center has an exhibit with information about the ecosystems of the region and a self-guided tour. But state funding to support park operations was not renewed in June.

The FPD had been restoring the site, which offers important grassland habitat for birds and invertebrates. (It was renamed James “Pate” Philip State Park in 2005 in honor of the DuPage resident and one-time Speaker of the Illinois House.) By September, an agreement had been reached to allow the park to remain open through June 30, 2006. FPD President D. “Dewey” Pierotti said he was extremely pleased that the district and the IDNR were able to ensure the operation of the park until a permanent solution can be found.

“The important point is that this valuable natural resource and educational center will remain open to the public, especially for the many school children who participate in educational programs at the site,” said Pierotti.

— Debra Shore