The usual suspects of Ald. Waldorf and Ald Ankiewicz were drawn right into the whirlpool. Ald. Ferrari tried to explain that this was not about the game of pickle ball but about taking tennis courts away from the residents. Brian Hartman president of the Recreation Commission said they wanted a high visibility site and if they took it to Sunset Park, not only might things be damaged but no one would be seeing the game because of the location.
The arrogance I am seeing from the Recreation Commission is only surpassed by that exhibited by aldermen who I don't even have to name because you already know.
BTW I knew the game was over when Ald. Waldorf came to one of the pickle ball representatives and gave her a hug. Also the Hoffman Estate folks managed to get a plug in for Ald. Waldorf since he gave them a haircut that afternoon.
Cards stacked, you bet!
40 comments:
From the News Trib this morning.
5/17/2012 5:42:00 AM
Pickleball coming to Peru?
Tom Collins
Staff Writer
It looks as if pickleball is coming to Peru.
Wednesday, the council heard a presentation from recreation officials calling for the conversion of the 28th Street tennis court into four pickleball courts. No vote was taken on the proposal, but several aldermen expressed support despites opposition from neighbors and tennis devotees.
Pickleball is a hybrid of tennis, badminton and pingpong played on a surface one-third the size of a tennis court, making it less arduous on the body and therefore appealing to senior citizens.
The game has reportedly grown more popular and Peru officials have opted to phase out one of its five tennis courts to make space for pickleball, albeit with a plan in place to restore the tennis courts if, after three years, the game fails to catch on.
“But we don’t see it failing,” said Brian Hartman, president of the recreation commission. “We think it’s going to take off.”
Janice Grabowski, recreation commissioner and president of Illinois Valley Tennis Boosters, said she had no objection to altering one of the city’s tennis courts.
“Tennis has been fading since 1980,” she said.
Tennis is fading? How old is Pickle Ball? I've heard it's quite old and yet until now I've never heard of it. I too was shocked with the presence of these individuals from Hoffman Estates. I've never met them but obviously someone informed them that some citizens (including myself) were totally against Pickle Ball. We, the citizens of Peru, had to be on the defensive from the very beginning. This should not have been the confrontation it turned into (one alderman told a citizen to tell a tennis player to go and play elsewhere). I also don't feel that we were given the floor or the right to speak as freely as those who represented Mr. Grabowski's Pickleball club. We were constantly interrupted and if it hadn't been for Alderman Ferrari no one would have recognized us.
While on this topic it was stated by someone that 28th street park was the most visible and best location for this game because Sunset Park has too much "Vandalism". Isn't it ironic that we will be spending your tax dollar to fix up a tennis court that they say will probably be vandalized?
The American Way is that you accept what is offered when your the new kid on the block. You may express a preference but you do not get to pick and choose to push the old timer out of the way.
To insult law protection in the city and utilize vandalism as a excuse to take away a much used tennis court on 28th street is weak. It appears that certain people have become too big for their britches in Peru and others who are elected to prevent just this type of occurrence are shaking the wrong hands to obtain enough votes for reelection next April.
I enjoy playing tennis and have bought my own equipment such as a racquet and balls and never thought of asking the city for such but now I realize that they will supply all equipment as they have done for pickle ball. This new city practice is going to make it a lot easier on family budgets who have children who want to play tennis.
Last night, I attended the council meeting with the intention of being a voice for those tennis players who make use of the court at 28th St. Park. Once I was recognized to speak, I made it very clear that I was not against pickle ball, but rather, I was against the committee's decision to re-purpose the tennis court into a pickle ball court making it impossible for those who normally play tennis to do so. What's more, I was told by Alderman Ankeiwicz to inform all the tennis players who play on a regular basis at 28th Street to go elsewhere. And, that the committee has the authority to do anything w/in their power when it comes to Peru recreation. With that said, I tried tennis players! Now, it seems that you will have to do what the alderman said in so many words: go elsewhere. I am sorry that I was unable to convince the committee that the pickle ball nets should be taken down at the conclusion of play so that others could utilize the court for its original intended use - tennis!
Sincerely,
Jill Bernal
Because this park is so visible (as stated by B. Hartman) maybe it would be nice if someone could see how high the weeds are around and under the playground equipment. And, maybe, while the tennis court is being turned into a pickleball court the city could add the much needed benches for parents and grandparents who bring their children to the park to play. Today there were 5 adults at one time sitting on the ground or on their own lawn chair. We surrender to the Rec Commission and their significant others but refuse to at least listen to others in our town.
As per a quote by the Illinois Valley Tennis Boosters Club President Janice Grabowski,"tennis has been fading since 1980." With that being said, 15 years later her and her husband petitioned the residents around 28th St. Park with the hopes of adding a tennis court to the park. Obviously they succeeded. Now more than 15 years later they want that same court turned permanently into four pickle ball courts. And once again they succeeded.
Jill,
First and Foremost I want to "Thank"- You and all other guests for attending Wednesdays council meeting and voicing your thoughts,and concerns to the council and recreation commission.
I was the alderman that spoke on behalf of the "powers and duties" of the recreation commission.
To give you a better understanding of my point,I posted the ordinance below.
As an alderman we must do everything we can to follow these ordinances.If something isn't right,or UN-clear with a certain ordinance..then we should amend it.We can't pick and choose when, and who we are going to enforce, or follow ordinances with.(at least I'm not)
Perhaps the ordinance below needs to be amended- that's up to the council to decide and vote on.
My point in regards to the powers of the recreation wasn't directed at anyone saying to "go elsewhere." and I apologize if it came across that way.
My Point was this;The council (before my time)approved the below ordinance giving the recreation commission the authority,and management to control the parks,playgrounds,and equipment,etc. The aldermen of that ward had questions for the commission.The aldermen also spoke with residents within their ward and by the end of the presentation the first ward aldermen were in agreement to give it a try.
If there is a safety,or nuisance concern, then I would say the council should step in.Otherwise we have an ordinance in place. I feel if the city granted them those powers to manage parks,and playgrounds then we must follow that ordinance,or work to amend it.
Thanks again..
Sincerely,
Rodney Perez
Sec. 74-70. - Powers and duties.
(a) The playground and recreation board is hereby vested with the control and management of all existing and hereafter acquired parks, playgrounds and recreation centers and shall direct the equipment, maintenance and conduct thereof and shall make suitable rules and regulations for proper and orderly direction and management of the parks, playgrounds and recreation centers and the equipment, maintenance and conduct thereof.
(b) The playground and recreation board shall have the authority to conduct programs in playgrounds and recreation centers and in buildings located thereon and may, for the implementation of the purposes for which this article is adopted, employ such supervisors, playground leaders and other employees as it may deem proper and furnish and control such equipment and supplies as it may deem proper.
(Code 1996, § 33.049)
6:06 PM
Ald. Perez, I was personally offended by the attitude of the president of the rec commission when he stated why they wanted this in the 28th Street. He acted like the fact of Sunset Park being located in the south of the city made it a dangerous place where neither people or equipment are safe. We all know that is for nothing but convenience of the people involved. I also overheard that one of the people involved stated that if this works out the city will built them pickle ball courts. Since there is a very close affiliation with the entire rec board. I am feeling a huge ego and attitude emanating from the rec commission and associates.
This debacle is yet another example of Peru politics as usual. Not to mention another egotistical, self-proclaimed Peru "big-wig" (or lack thereof) getting his way at the expense of citizens even under such unreasonable circumstances. Big fish, small pond!
Next, I would also like to address the "vandalism" issue. Pardon my language, but this is bullshit! What's more probable is that it would be an inconvenient drive for the self-proclaimed "big wig" and his henchmen. Why drive all the way downtown when you can walk half a block. Talk about location, location, location! This is farcical!
Lastly, and correct me if I am wrong, but isn't pickleball a big part P.E. class at LP high school? If so, does LP have the pickleball approved courts like the one that is soon to be at 28th Street? Wait! That'll be next. I am Ready and waiting for this fiscally irresponsible idea to crash and burn. Three years? I give it three months before the only people utilizing the court is the self-proclaimed "big-wig" and those he has to beg to play in order to not look like fool for this debacle. Rise against people!!! V
The city of Peru needs more like Alderman Perez.
I sense his sincerity and passion to make a difference.
Thank you Alderman Rodney Perez.
Pickle ball, fireworks, city employment, road signs, increase in sales tax, swimming pool, splash pad, recreation committee, airport, Kid Rock concert, Superintendent of Public Works, Mayor performing weddings, farm land turned into parking lot, $75,000, $19,900, code enforcer, no city park maintenance,Illinois River declared a city park for the fireworks, electric plant demolition enters its second year,
city sheriff cuts grass, Amcore bank building enters its third year of being shut down waiting for it to fall apart without demolition, Superintendent of Parks MIA, $4,000 donation to American Nickeloid Park MIA, Hoffman Estates citizens interest in Peru Pickle ball, $3,000 to Chamlain for study on Veterans Park, proposal Of $100,000 travelling team diamond, purchase of pick up trucks for dept heads and new fire truck - just another week in the City of Peru.
It is a total lack of communication between the powers that be and the citizens of Peru. We pay the bills and all those involved at city hall make the decisions which are not communicated to the people of Peru. Even when you are observing our council at work at a meeting, they do not actually explain why and what they are doing.
Sure we could attend all the committee meetings where decisions are made but no one has the time to do that, so we mostly are surprised when we hear on the street or read in the news that something is going on in Peru.
And then when people do investigate and start asking questions about why money is spent or why projects have been started, they are talked down to or ignored.
We must start holding our elected representatives to their promises they make during an election.
Committee chairs of appointed members are never required to come to meetings and explain what they are working on and be available for questions. And this is really where a lot of the problems start and then they erupt into major issues.
ACCOUNTABILITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, ACCOUNTABILITY WHERE ART THOU?
CITIZEN, CITIZEN, CITIZEN I am locked up MIA in the basement of city hall please come and rescue me in the ballot booth next April!
Rodney, thank you for your information. You state that the council needs to abide by its ordinances. Then please tell me why we do not have a superintendent of parks as specified by ordinance. And why are there seven members of this commission when the ordinance states five. Do you see where I am going with this, that all ordinances are not followed? Jill Bernal
I've read and re-read this ordinance and I just can't figure out where it states that the Rec Commission has the authority to eliminate or transform an existing rec center. It states that they have the authority to conduct programs in our playgrounds and rec centers but it doesn't state that they can eliminate an existing recreation center and replace it.
And, isn't it strange that if we followed ORDINANCES and we had a superintendent of parks that he would be accountable to the mayor and city council? I think it is definitely time to review our old ordinances.
Here's a thought that would work for both pickleball and tennis players alike. The pickle ball nets could be permanently attached to the fence on one side and left on its' portable stand on the other. When the pickleball club members come for their clinics they could unroll the net and play. When done, roll net to fence and go. Now the court is ready for tennis players and anyone else who would like to use it.
Here's a question that still has not been answered by either Pickleball ambassadors or Rec Commission members - How do citizens get access to the paddles and balls they paid for? And, I mean at times other than when the clinics are being hosted.
Here's what I firmly believe happened but I don't think anyone involved with pickleball will admit it. Mr. Grabowski introduced the concept of pickleball at a Rec meeting. He apparently made a very impressive presentation because they immediately gave him permission to order the necessary equipment. As time passed they began to finally think and realize that they didn't have a way to safely make this equipment accessible to the general public. The only solution they could come up with was to permanently attach the nets and make permanent courts. They still have one problem - THE PADDLES AND BALLS. I think the only time the general public will get to use them is during their clinics.
After all, Mr. Grabowski told us that MC sports sells the paddles for around $20. So, even though as a citizen of Peru you already purchased 20 paddles and dozens of balls and 5 nets, if you want to play any time you need to buy your own equipment.
I feel that this problem could be solved easily and in a manner that would be best for one and all.
4:17 Sounds like the perfect solution, but the city council and rec commission will not thinks it's perfect.
Rodney, one more thought. It would have been nice if a few of the aldermen would have canvassed the neighborhood, the people who have a birds eye view of the court and the park. You would of then been informed at the amount of tennis players and others who use the court. Mr. Ferrari seemed to be the only one who had the best interest of everyone at heart, and for that I thank him. Jill Bernal
This is not a rookie City Park Commission nor is it a city administration and council elected yesterday. Appears that one of the members of the Park Com. should have reclused herself because of the husband wife relationship.
With a minimum of good judgement and common sense there would be no problem.
I do not see a increase in city recreation when a much used tennis court is eliminated or tennis usage is decreased to provide a pickle ball court. Person who suggested the unused blacktop parking lot north and across the street from the Mirror Building for a pickle ball court had the best suggestion. This lot is close to the police station where their is always someone on duty who could issue and keep a log of the racquetball equipment.
7:48 Your suggestion is a good one. But believe me they will not listen to what the majority of the citizens want. The sad part is pickle ball and tennis could be played on the 28th St Park, IF they would not permanently install those pickle ball nets!
Jill,
Thank you for your comments and concerns. I agree the city has outdated ordinances. However, the city has been amending them.
The Recreation ordinance has several sections: duties, funding, board (committee) etc.
The current Pickle-Ball, and Fireworks debate opened up this ordinance to find un-answered questions. Now, we have to come together as a council to discuss making any necessary amendments. Until then, we deal with it piece by piece.
A “Strategic Plan” will be proposed to the council on May 30th. If the council agrees to implement such a plan, it will include goals such as “ordinances, amendments, and enforcement.”
Strategic Planning is all about communication, and goal setting.
Ward Canvassing- Last year when “I introduced” another location for fireworks, I did canvass the Baker Lake area. I do believe it was you and Linda that I stopped to talk with as I was canvassing?
The Pickle Ball situation is different. The “Recreation Commission introduced” this activity, and pursued this location, which is within the “first ward.” First ward aldermen Radtke, and Ferrari did canvass the area. However, if they would have asked for assistance from other ward aldermen, we would have been more than happy to assist them. If the city had @ large aldermen, those @ large aldermen would have been canvassing with them. Although we are “one city” we still work within our wards unless we are assisting, or the committee we serve on requires it.
Your other questions and concerns will be answered as we go forward.
Thank you,
Rodney
Rodney: Where and when did alderman Ferrari and Radke canvass their ward with regards to pickleball? When I first spoke with them they seemed to be stunned and unaware of what was going on. They never spoke to me unless you want to count my phone call to them. When they supposedly canvassed the area what questions were they asking? I think there has been a big lack of communication and some misinformation given with regards to this issue. Things did not need to get this far out of hand if the Rec Commission had to communicate with full council. With regards to the canvassing by our lst ward aldermen it had to be done quickly because, as I stated above, they weren't even aware of the situation until I informed them.
The location of a topic should not limit a topic to that ward only as citizens from all wards pay taxes for the equipment being discussed and citizens from all wards are going to possibility participate. Lets be honest with one another the problem seems to be who is this recreation for and how poorly it has been handled.
Why is pickle ball even being discussed when the parks and the present equipment in them is in such poor condition. This town needs more people like Bob, Lois, Linda,Kristy and Brian to inform people of what is really happening in Peru.
Looking at the Nickeloid Park which has no playground equipment a condition made evident at a city council meeting the winter before last makes one wonder why Peru donated good equipment to Dalzell when a young lady asked to have it put in the Nickeloid Park. Where has the $4,000 that the Nickeloid donated for the park ended up? Has the general fund ate it up for whoever wants a new truck this month? Speaking of trucks where is the new fire department truck?
Linda,
I do recall Tony stating they (first ward aldermen) have been hearing from concerned citizens in regards to the Pickle Ball courts. I may have "assumed" the feedback came from "canvassing."
During the Baker lake (fireworks) concern,both aldermen canvassed, so i do know they canvass.
My point being is; the first ward aldermen received feedback from constituents, the questions were asked during the presentation,and the first ward aldermen were satisfied enough to move forward.
I would imagine by now- city hall, and the aldermen would be flooded with concerned Tennis players losing that court. I personally have not had any of my constituents contact me opposing Pickle Ball,or the loss of that court. I wish I could give the answers you would like to hear, but unfortunately I can't.
Thanks,
Rodney Perez
6:55PM
I do remember that Ald. Radtke said he had receoved several calls, he did not say anything about canvassing the neighborhood and I would be surprised if either of them did.
In defence of tennis, all my cildren learned tennis at Washington Park and one is very actively involved playing several times a week, another still enjoys tennis but has less time. I guess they don't know that tennis is a dying sport and I am sure they would argue the point with anyone. They love to watch as well as play the game. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think LP has a tennis team as well as IVCC. I have not heard of any Pickle Ball teams for our youth yet.
Thank you for your response Rodney but unless I've read aldermen Ferrari wrong I don't think he was happy with the decision made but realized he had no choice. I still think it's totally wrong that an appointed committee has so much power and control of our money. I also think I have to agree with others who have commented. 28th street park was chosen because of its' location to the pickleball ambassador not because it is the most visible park. If they really wanted the most visible park it would be Washington Park where all other summer recreation is held.
Rodney: I also don't feel that this is just a 1st ward issue since tax payers money is involved. Also, 28th street park is not only used by 1st ward citizens. Anyone in Peru can and does use it.
I live at the west end of Peru and would like to get a pickleball game together with some friends at Sunset Park, how do I get the equipment? If I"m going to a block party and would like the extra portable net and equipment how do I get use of it?
Here's some more food for thought that I don't think neither rec commission members nor aldermen took into consideration when making their decision to utilize 28th St. park for 3 hour pickleball clinics. There are no restrooms, no drinking fountains, and no .
A concerned citizen
9:40 AM
Good questions especially since they are going to be aiming for the more senior residents, those fixtures might be important to them.
and no "benches" was omitted on 9:40's post.
Truthfully this project of pickle ball was not given a thorough investigation and by the time it came to the publics attention, all the decisions were made and there was no back tracking because it was evident they had the backing of the aldermen. Really the backing was not even needed because the rec com has the "power" to do whatever they want if they still have money in their budget. I should say the money levied from your taxes can be spent without council approval as long as they still have enough of the $50,000 levied for recreation in the city unspent.
Ok. Again. In 2004 (?), I remember an issue regarding neighborhood boys playing stick ball(baseball with a stick and tennis ball) in the tennis court. A neighbors house was on the west side of tennis court. About 5-6 parents showed up at a city council meeting and voiced their opinions. The boys were doing nothing wrong in playing stick ball nor were they damaging anything! Just having fun. The council decided the tennis court was for
TENNIS ONLY! The city was going to post
Signs "tennis only.". Now, at that time the parents and boys accepted this and issue was dropped and the boys no longer played stickball on court. Leave the tennis court as a tennis court!!!!!
It's ashamed how this issue has and is being handled by the city. Mr. Alderman Ankewicz, when was the last time you played tennis or watched tennis being played on peru's tennis courts????? Baseball is not as popular as years gone by (shameful), what's next take baseball diamonds away and make room for a football or soccer field??? Leave that tennis court alone and please city of Peru, clean the 28th street park up!!!!
4:07 and 4:26 If you're serious about your comments regarding 28th street park please call your aldermen and voice your opinions. Probably within a week that court will be eliminated unless people speak up.
4:07 and 4:26 Yes and Ok again. You are exactly right with your recollection of the stick ball issue. The big issue here is the fact that they want to make the court permanently pickle ball. I attended the meeting Wednesday night, with the hope of convincing the council to try pickle ball on a temporary basis, then if it succeeds look for a permanent location. I was told by Mr. Alderman Ankeiwicz to tell the tennis players to go elsewhere. What everyone needs to understand is that this court is going to be transformed soon. And unless more residents voice their opinion very soon that court is gone. Jill Bernal
I have noticed that the 28th st. tennis court is a single court in which if pickle ball takes over there is no tennis playing. I have also observed that Sunset and Washington have multiple courts at which tennis and pickle ball could be played at the same time with absolutely no hindrance to one another.
Come on kiddies use a little bit of brains which presently no one involved including city officials, Park Board, or pickle people are to be given credit for in this situation. 28th Street has no washroom facilities, the Mayor says Peru has no money so is the intention to make the closest pickle ball players home a public bathroom facility for the season. Sunset has facilities.
9:55 Another reason 28th St. should be left as is. Please call your alderman.
I am a college student from Peru Illinois. I have been keeping up with this blog for some time now. I told myself that I would not comment on the situation, but my amusement in this debacle has left me no choice to voice my opinion.
Honestly, it seems like a bunch of ignorant old people making whim decisions with the citizens money.
If pickle ball is sweeping the nation how come the only time I have ever seen or heard of this game was in 2001 at LP high school?
Don't get me wrong, it was a fun game, but it seems like Mr. Grabowski made a overzealous presentation convincing these councilmen and women to give the thumbs up without any serious consideration.
Now, I don't know what type of logic courses were offered in school back then, but this is simple logic. You experiment using the least amount of money possible. You then survey the results. If then it succeeds, you start to implement a permanent solution that MAKES EVERYONE HAPPY.
That's what politicians are supposed to try their best to do right? "make everyone happy?"
There should be people out there right now surveying the 28th street park tennis court to see how much tennis is really played. Is there? I highly doubt it.
And I also read that it was brought up that tennis is a "dying sport." Whoever said this obviously does not keep up with any type of sport. I just attended a school of over 40,000 students and I can assure you that tennis is very strong if not stronger then ever. So you can void that comment.
And I commend Jill Bernal and those few others that attended the council meeting. It really shows that there are still people out there that know how to really be a citizen of america by observing a situation and physically practicing their right to show up at a town meeting to voice their opinion.
What Peru politics really needs is some fresh and most importantly "educated" minds to show these old fashioned people how the world works now. Stupid decisions just wont go unnoticed anymore, and this conclusion to replace a tennis court with a permanent pickle ball court in a park that has ONLY ONE TENNIS COURT is in fact a stupid decision.
I might just have to go to 28th street tennis court and play a few games before it gets taken down to a sport that I guarantee you wont last long. Anyone up for a game tomorrow? It will be in honor of the Peru Rec Board, which keep in mind the wife of the so called "ambassador of pickle ball" is on the board.
Lastly, I would take "the ambassador" down any day in a game of pickle ball, and I have not played this game for 5 years. Why havent I? Because no one plays it.
I just asked three of my nieces and nephews ages, 17, 22,23 about pickleball. Two have played it a couple times in p.e. class, 1 has never played it. Also, I asked all 3 which would they prefer to play. All 3 said TENNIS. This is similar to frisbee golf vs. golf. Golf is preferred over frisbee golf! You wouldn't take a golf coarse and make it into a frisbee golf coarse. I wonder if the recreation committee and council members know what frisbee golf is??
Post a Comment