Signing off as Raceway stewards

Dear Dundee Township Board:

It is with great sadness and regret that we submit our resignation as stewards of Raceway Woods, Western Sector. We have served as stewards since shortly after its acquisition in December 2002. This was to have been our seventh season of restoration and maintenance to the 67 acres in the Western Sector.

The Raceway has come a long way since 2002. We have spent many hours cleaning up the site freeing it of garbage and cast off appliances, construction debris, old carpeting, tires, vehicle parts and many unknown objects. Tons of garbage have been hauled away.

Parts of the Raceway site have been totally transformed with the help of many others. We worked tireless hours developing the path system.

It is also important to note that during these financially difficult times we have taken on the task of negotiating for materials and services that would enhance the experience for visitors. Some negotiations resulted in free gravel for the area leading to Doane's Corner and free delivery arranged with the Village of Carpentersville. The village also responded to our request to sweep the track's hard surface as an additional cleanup effort. When no free resources could be located we filled in the gap with our own money, purchasing fencing materials, signage and picnic tables.

We do not take full credit for all that has improved at the Raceway. However, it is not uncommon for us to spend the better part of each week cutting the fields, repairing the washed out trails, removing fallen branches, cutting the upper branches from intruding on walkers and routinely collecting the cans and bottles following the heavy traffic of weekend users. And yes, we also have sprayed the paths about two to three times a year.

As we depart as stewards, we appreciate the opportunity we had been granted over the last 6-7 years and hope that we have added to the enjoyment of the users of the Raceway site. With new policies in place this year, our motivation to continue has greatly diminished.

Jack will continue in his role as historian of the Raceway to the Dundee Crown Environment Class under the direction of Gary Swick. Beyond that, we are now simply citizen users of the Raceway open space.

Donna and Jack Redmer

Dundee