Roselle scout troop to reclaim lodge next week

The Roselle Park District has reversed course and will allow a local Scout troop to continue using a space it has used for the past five decades to hold meetings.

Park district officials last week informed Boy Scout Troop 194 last week that the meeting space at 304 E. Pine St. was going to be transformed into a storage facility for the Roselle Medinah Softball and Baseball Organization.

The park district has an agreement for the next year to provide fields and facilities, including equipment storage, for the local sports group.

The news prompted several residents to complain to park district officials last week and urge the board to find another location to store the equipment.

But parks commissioners informed parents during their Wednesday board meeting that the park district has found alternate storage space in a shed at the Clauss Recreation Center.

Parks Director Tom Kruse couldn't be reached Thursday for comment.

The Scout troop is expected to resume its weekly meetings at the lodge on Monday, said Ron Feldman, a parent volunteer.

"It's a facility that's unique to Roselle and the Scouting community," he said. "It was built with funds raised outside of taxes and referendums and constructed by volunteers. That's something you don't see too often anymore."

In 1954, the Scout lodge was built with the assistance of the local Lions Club, which helped get money and approvals processed by the village. Parks officials said the building no longer meets handicapped accessibility codes and is in need of repair that could cost up to $100,000.

Several parents have told park district officials they'd be willing to seek the money for the rehab work.