I wonder if the city has given up on putting up an ice skating rink for residents?
A few days ago it was noted by residents that the plastic liner purchased at a cost of 1750 dollars had been removed from the land at Veterans Park in an area chosen by the city council and the city workers attempted to fill the vacated area with water which just followed the path of least resistance and in the process made the "doggy park" an ice rink.
This follows the continued lack of planning with our recreation projects. Since Oglesby has a very nice rink and also does Echo Bluff in Hall Twp, I assume we will put our idea to rest. I believe the one in Oglesby is free, the one at Echo Bluff has a skating fee and both have designated hockey hours.
What about the canal in LaSalle, do they allow skating?
I will continue to post questions asked by you and hope Justin Loger and any other candidates will post responses. I will maintain a proper and respectful forum for them and I believe most of you will also.
48 comments:
What I don't understand is that when the city started filling in the parking lot with water and noticed it leaking why did we continue to run the water for over 24 hours? Wouldn't it be logical to turn of the water, fix the leak first, and then continue to fill? Isn't that tax dollars being wasted?
Some may remember that a few years ago they tried to fill the rink at Veterans Park and the water leaked through the joints in the sidewalls. Then someone caulked the cracks and then filled it with water and SHAZZAM the weather cooperated and the skaters had their fun. They also had a burning area for warming. So, why do the liner thing instead of caulking? Someone must have been advising the city and Murphy's Law took over. Of course, it was a different administration then.
All we can do is hope for change. Maybe someone that keeps promises and is for making out town better and cares.
11:17 That had to be quite a number of years ago. Does anyone else remember there being skating rink at Veteran's Park and a burning area???
They charge $$ to ice skate at Eco Bluffs? To all Peru residents and taxpayers, it's a shame that one has to pay to skate. And also drive and pay to swim. How about a charge to pay pickleball? Tax revenue isn't working for the people in Peru who pay taxes. Something is wrong with this picture.
how do you know that a new mayor is going to lessen to you? After awhile I think they all get tired of answering questions.
12:23...Contact the previous superintendent of public works and he can tell you. It wasn't very many years ago. It was very simple, just fill in the joints and it held all the water needed for a great ice rink.
2:50 PM
Because when the one you have is not working for the majority than it is time to try another one.. No point in hanging onto the past, just move on and hope for the best in the future. that is why we have election choices.
How dare you say charge for pickle ball. Don't forget that's for the adults. And don't forget it has to be located in the most visible park in Peru. And don't forget it's way to windy to be at Veteran's Park. And don't forget you better not roller blade, or ride your hot wheels, or wear anything but tenor shoes on the court. And don't forget the court is reserved for the ambassador's club and when they come you better leave. Should I continue!!
Possible changes in the future?
How about the PERU FIRE DEPT take over the ambulance service in town and hire more FF/EMT's to accomplish this. What happened to this topic? Peru is big enough now that the residents would benefit from it and its about time PERU FIRE DEPT got with the times. This is what every other suburb does.
How come Spring Valley has 2 or 3 skating areas and Peru can't even get one? Peru sucks, its leaders are incompetent idiots that don't care about us only themselves and the important people that give them money.
How dare you charge this elite group to play pickleball. They are the chosen and are allowed to do as they please. And do not forget how much time energy and money was put into the court for a handful of people. Too bad that much effort is not put into the parks and equipment for the KIDS! And yes KIDS is capitalized, because I am yelling that word. Quit worrying about this group and concentrate on the KIDS who should be playing in the park. Instead you make them go to another park to play tennis. what is wrong with this picture. The adults are able to drive to any park and enjoy their sport the KIDS cannot. PLEASE stop trying to satisfy the ambassador and his players. And one more thing, start thinking about a splash pad for the KIDS! I feel better already getting that off my chest it has been bothering me for quite sometime.
A new ice skating rink liner has been ordered. Tentative plans are to locate it in Centennial Park. It is the same size as the rink in Oglesby. It should arrive in about 10 days.
A splash pad is being considered 8:32.
With this being an election year it doesn't surprise me that we will start seeing things being done. Things that should have been considered long before this year. I firmly believe that negligence was the reason the rink failed after 2 attempts at Veteran's Park. I also wonder how much we spent on this set-up and when it was voted on. There hasn't been a park board meeting or a public property meeting or a
council meeting where this purchase and location would have been discussed. And, while I think a splash pad is a wonderful idea this is not a new idea or suggestion. It has been repeatedly brought up by citizens and aldermen since the pool closure. The idea always seemed to fall on deaf ears until now (an election year). And finally, I have to wonder what influential individual in Peru requested we keep up with the Joneses and provide a skating rink for their child. Some people speak and our leaders jump to satisfy while others speak and are ignored. This town caters to the elite and refuses to listen to the average Joe.
Why put the skating rink at Centennial Park, when the most visible park in Peru is available? That being the north end of 28th St. Park. I am sure the neighbors would welcome the children in their back yard. Besides being visible it is also level, unlike Centennial Park. Just and idea for you to think about and maybe consider. Jill Bernal
5:06- Are you new to this town forum blog site? Go back to blog titles from the last couple of years in regards to Perus Fire Department and read.
The suburbs are highly populated compared to Peru's population, and have many more big businesses which creates more revenue to be able to pay for full-time fireman. Wonder how many fire calls Peru fire
Department has had in the last couple of years? Who wants their taxes to go up anymore to pay for full-time department? Wasn't this EMT/ambulance issue discussed awhile back? Peru is not rockford, Bloomington,moline, Joliet, or even Ottawa.
Jill Bernal should run for mayor! She has always had a common sense approach regarding issues in Peru. She's considerate, and level headed and would listen to the taxpayers. Maybe in 2017 Jill will be Perus first female Mayor! Yes, north on 28th street should have been considered!
Jill, I like that idea much better than Centennial for the fact that Centennial is not flat. The final decision about where to put it hasn't been made yet. It will be discussed at the Public Property committee meeting next Wednesday at 6:30 at city hall. Anybody who has an idea or wants to voice their opinions are welcome
Sherry, I am glad you liked my idea,even though it will never happen it really should be considered. Maybe I will see you at the meeting on Wednesday.
I know one group that is very hopeful that Harl stays in as mayor...Peru fire dept. wow if Baker were to get back in...the possible changes for that group. Baker has been around long enough to know better than let corruption continue in that department. They will back Harl for sure.
I am aware that we have a deeply divided city council and at this time I believe they are content to allow Scott Harl to adorn himself with the title of Mayor of Peru and keep him satisfied with that but.....the alderman from the Fourth, Third and First want to be able to run the city as they wish and that also includes not including the aldermen from the Second Ward. We have seen the behavior happen during council meetings, committee meetings and recently at an evening after hours from the council meeting. I think that there is a connection between much of the antagonism occurring on all levels. Very sad. How can Peru residents hold their heads high knowing that officials do not.
11:20 Thank you for the kind words. Maybe in four years after my second term with the county is over I will consider your suggestion. That first female mayor is very intriguing and does have a nice ring to it. Jill Bernal
Sherry and Jill: I have to concur with Jill (as we already have) that Centennial Park is definitely not the best location for a skating rink (too hilly). The portion of 28th street park north along 30th street is the ideal location. Surely no one would object - would they?
I like the idea of having it at Centennial Park, although I would also support it at 28th street as well. The interesting part about Centennial is the hill that it's on. I've been to other cities where it functions as a spot for a live band, as well as a movie theater. I hope I can explain this well...If a wall was built (one typically seen in landscaping) and then filled in with dirt, concrete, etc. you would have a down sloping hill that met with a large, level surface. In the winter time it could be filled with water for the ice skating rink and in the summer months you could have live bands and a projection screen for the movie in the park atmosphere. The benefit is the fact its on a hill, no one's head gets in the way of anyone elses. It's just a thought, but at least it would serve more than one purpose.
No matter what the idea it is refreshing that someone associated with Peru Government has one. Sherry, good luck in getting cooperation in selecting a site for the ice skating rink. Third time is a charm.
Don't waste your time Jill!
8:54, can you provide what kind of corruption is still going on with Perus Fire Department? AKA Liberty Fire Company. Does anybody know how much money Liberty Fire Company received from their fundraiser? And where is that money going or has gone. Is Mayor Harls job as Mayor of Peru to oversee that department? Would Alderman Ferrari whose on the fire/safety committee know?
Set up ice skating in the parking lot at
City Hall, it's lighted and skaters could skate after dark. NOT MUCH NOISE WITH SKATING. Nights of council meetings, people can park in lot next to city hall, or park out front of city hall! Hey, if pickleball can get set up in parking lots, why not ice skating.
There was also an idea of putting in a splash pad and using it for ice skating in the winter. It would be dual purpose (unlike the locked single use pickle ball court), which is a good idea too. I like Justin's idea as well, but that would take some planning. 28th Street Park is the most logical spot for ice skating for this winter. Maybe if the aldermen and mayor can cooperate ( who ever gets elected, cooperation is essential) then maybe some of these ideas will be explored and actually used. With the current aldermen and mayor, there is no cooperation.
You are correct in saying it would take some planning, the idea I was trying to get across was to build one structure that could serve several purposes
Thanks 11:09 Jill Bernal
Hey 11:41, Alderman Ferrari doesn't know anything.
Why is there such an urgent need to have a skating rink? Don't get me wrong, I'm not against the idea but I think the city should discuss options before jumping in head first. Too many mistakes and problems seem to arise when things are done without planning. This often results in an added expense to the city.
Rumor has it that Megan Keeney has dropped out of the race. True or false?
Linda, I bet someone important wants to skate.
It's an election year, so things will get done. Somebody should call the mayor and ask for a splash pad for the kids.
6:33 well you sure want to create the famous misinformation story. I don't think Megan will take the bait. And she won't be the pawn of those who post the Forum.
1:39 PM
Thank you for clearing up the rumor. No on had any intent of creating any issues so please don't make it one. Everyone in the second who is running for office will run on their own record and own merits, we all appreciate that is the way it should be.
This is Megan Keeney. The rumor, should it be called that, must have came about by my inquiring about the timing and/or deadline of which to revoke my original intent. I spent the weekend evaluating my existing responsibilities and I concluded that it's not fair to my family, my employer, nor the citizens of Peru for me to pursue a seat on the city council at this time. I came upon my final decision this afternoon to not run for Alderman, Ward 2. The decision was a tough one, as I believe I would be an asset to our city's leadership team. I would like to say "thank you" for all of the support that came my way. I truly appreciate the confidence people have in me, especially to those in Ward 2 who signed my petition. Someday, when the timing is right, it's my plan to be a contender. Until then, I'll continue to be a tax-paying resident of Peru, supporting my community in the best way I possibly can. Thank you once again. Megan Keeney
Thank you for your announcement Megan and you are right that each individual makes their own decision and sets their own timetable in life. I do believe you will continue to take an active interest in our city and we will all look forward to that as there are many paths to take on that journey. I promise there will be no further comments on this decision and I expect my readers to respect that.
1:39. The blogger on this town forum was asking a question for anybody to answer in regards to Megan Keeney's candidacy. Your blog makes it seem that you wanted to get something heated up on this forum. I don't
know 1:39 if you are aware of this, but Megan Keeney has come on to this forum and responded very professionally. A candidate partaking on this blog doesn't have anything to do with "bait, or baited.". This forum is a wonderful place for new candidates to get acquainted with taxpayers and
Citizens of Peru whether the are annonomous bloggers or use their names. I would expect Megan Keeney to come on this blog and answer the question herself. Good Luck to all candidates who run for office. Hopefully he/she who wins will listen to the
Residents of Peru and work for them not against.
This blog site is a another avenue for candidates in the upcoming election to share their viewpoints with the citizens of Peru. Since the existence of this site I have never interrperated it to bait city officials. All people have the opportunity to log on here and share their views or to clarify mis-information. I'm more likely TO TRUST (City Officials, Department Heads. Committe Members. Etc.) who do take the opportunity and time to respond on here rather than silence. Alot of we taxpayers work to pay our taxes and have families and are unable to attend council meetings in the evenings. Being said. What better way than this forum. Thanks to all who participate.
1:39- Waiting for a response from you.
3:30 PM
Your comment and Megan's must have been written about the same time. She has posted her thoughts and I am sure you do appreciate that and we will now consider the topic over and done with. Hopefully we will hear from some of the other candidates offering their time to the city.
Since I have been reading this blog, I have seen very few city officials come on and state anything factual. I personally believe that they could stop many rumours and falsehoods by stating simple facts, like a position paper. Or they could summarize and direct people to their web sites for detailed statements.
True, your skin has to thick enough to deal with all the, "so and so doesn't know nothin " and " he and his brother were always like that as kids" nonsense, but many people read critically and fairly and do not post. The forum is a good one as long as it is not selectively screened for statements supported by the blog administrator opinion. Some claim that, and I cannot comment on that since I only know when my posts are moderated, no one else.
7:05 PM
You have made an interesting comment and there have been times when I did try to let everything in but then if you remember last week, a very innocent comment was made about the people who go to Water Street and all hell broke loose and I became racist and I a bad blog administrator and just about anything else you could think of and consequently the reins have been pulled a little tighter and less is appearing. At times I do believe the bad stuff is an attempt to dismantle this blog because it hits home a few 2 many times. It has even happened at a city council meeting when I made a comment and 2 aldermen belittled me because of the blog and the fact that they has been commented on and didn't like it. And my public comment had nothing to do with them personally but it happened. The elected officials would look a whole better if they did acknowledge this blog as an extension of public comment.
7:05 Since this blog was started I also wondered why the city officials did not use it in a way to defend themselves, or explain their vote on an issue, or just get the residents input on controversial matters. They need to face the fact that technology is here and is here to stay, so they should be taking advantage of the Town Forum. If I was an alderman or the mayor you can bet Lois would be my BFF.
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