Stable supporters need to be heard

Thank you for bringing attention to the issue of the Palatine Park District’s rushed and rash decision to close the Palatine Stables with your cartoon that was published online May 20 and in print on May 23.

An abrupt decision was made to close the stable at the May 13 Palatine Park District Board meeting. No advance notification was given to the stable community or equestrian staff that the closure of the stables was to be considered at this meeting.

Palatine Stables has provided families and children in the community with the opportunity to enjoy horses since 1989. Riders of all ages come from surrounding towns to enjoy this facility. Riders at all levels grow their confidence, learn responsibility and build important peer relationships.

The stables offer volunteer and youth employment opportunities to teach the value of hard work to children at a young age. Children also learn to take care of the horses, teaching them empathy and respect for animals. This facility has changed people’s lives for decades.

The park district claims one of the reasons for closure of this facility is due to the cost of repairs that are immediately required for operations to continue and that is incongruent with the recent engineering report. The park district made this decision outside of their required bidding process and is inconsistent with their investment in other park district facilities.

I am a Palatine resident, a small-business owner, and proud horse owner, Our voices need to be heard.

Jamie Berger

Palatine