Don’t charge us to enter our state parks

How dare the Illinois House of Representatives overwhelmingly vote to propose a charge of $25 to enjoy our free state parks. I hope the Illinois Senate is smart enough to shoot this unwelcome proposal down. This is a slap in the face of every Illinois resident, especially those of us who pay taxes. The state parks were created and established to help citizens freely unwind from the grind, the daily life that squeezes on us.

For instance, recreational activities such as at Adeline Jay Geo-Karis State Park (formerly Illinois Beach) include boating, swimming, hiking, bicycling, camping, bird watching and picnicking. Known primarily for the beach, it also includes dune areas, wetlands, prairie and woodlands. The area at the far southern end of the park is a designated nature preserve, which was named a National Natural Landmark in 1980.

Let’s not vacate the name of a great Illinois leader. A person’s name and what it represents is all that remains when he or she passes (Geo, as she was known, died in 2008). Known for her no-nonsense attitude and her ability to work across party lines, she was prolific for woman entering public service and even retired with a top security clearance in the Naval reserves.

So why is all this money needed? We have the cooperation and creativity of Illinois citizens at our disposal: Scout troops, ecology groups, volunteers to clean up the damage storms have done in the past. Ever venture to Geo-Karis State Park? You’ll find ordinary citizens escaping the pressures and relaxing in nature. Don’t diminish our spaces. Don’t encapsulate us into dogs in the yard. Spend our money wisely. We’re not cash machines. We work hard, and we need to unwind without penalties!

Randy F. Gollay

Buffalo Grove