It has come to light that one or two members of the Recreation Board would like this moved to Washington Park so that some of the young baseball players can practice. I don't live in the area but know many that do and I am told that young people, boys and girls, practice here with softballs spring summer and fall. For the many children that live in this area, it is the only park east of rte 251 that has this type of equipment.
The backstop is approx. 30 years old and is embedded in concrete. For your information no one in the park area has asked for it to be removed. It was considered a neighborhood park for children and still is but adults from elsewhere keep trying to take it over and do what they want.
46 comments:
The city should sub-divide the property and sell the lots for 100k+ and use the money for the new pool. All the property owners up there don't want it as a park.
8:57 PM
The neighborhood wants this to remain in the 28th street park. I will be watching what happens here.
8:57 Where are you getting your information from? From someone who hates kids? I can guarantee you that you statement is false!!!
Take it down. Linda and Jill asked for it to be removed long time ago. They live there so they should know. Baseball was eliminated long time ago. Move it to Washington. No one uses it anyway unless they want it saved for grandkids!
I'd like to know why Golf is not allowed.
10:31 If you want to know the truth come to Monday's "special" rec meeting at 5:45 and see how I vote on this issue.
Why take it down. tee-ball games could and should be scheduled there. Back in 03(?) several boys use to play ball there and the balls were being hit too far into neighbors yards. If I remember there was one neighbor who complained that balls were being hit and land into his pool. So, after this these same boys went into the tennis court and started playing stickball with tennis balls. Another neighbor didn't like tennis balls occasionally being in his yard. THIS WAS DISCUSSED AT A COUNCIL MERTING AND PARENTS OF THESE BOYS DID ATTEND! And mayor baker allowed the parents to speak WITHOUT A 3x5 index card to be filled out. This is when the tennis court became, tennis only. I think there was a sign. BUT NOW THE LOUD PLAYING OF PUCKLEBALL IS OK. Why didn't the council take the noise as a nuisance and not allow pickleball? Does it depend on who a person is that wants an activity? Just another example of the Harl administration.
7 and 8 year old boys could pratice minor league there. As I recall one neighbor complained that a ball dented his gutter. He has no pool.
Dude, take it all down, tennis courts, and the whole thing. Plant a bunch of trees and scatter in some flowers and picnic tables. It will be a great hang for the Baby Boomers to commune with nature and take in their favorite 1970's pastime, toking and joking. Think of the Dyno-mite times that could be had. I mean, that park could be so groovy for the oldsters to hang out in as long as the neighbors don't put a hairy eyeball on those hippy heads. That would be harsh dude!
He did have a pool back then 1:57 and I agree with you completely that 7 and 8 year old could play there, but he made sure that the signs went up and the play stopped. The park and backstop was there when he built his home. And 1:38 you are right on every comment. A park should be for children....a safe place to play! But they insist on taking activities away, one by one.
Hey dude, that's a great idea! You forgot to mention the flamingos as part of the landscape. Will smoking be allowed?
Weren't some residents in that area told that because they choose to live by the park that they had to put up with the pickleball noise? If the backstop was there when he built his house shouldn't he have to follow the same rules and live with it? If memory serves me right I also believe that the pickleball court (i.e. tennis court) did not exist when the other residents moved into their respective homes.
3:58 Only for medical reasons Dude!
The number one criteria to be recognized by the City of Peru is to be over 60. Anyone under 60 has absolutely no say in how things are done, what will be done, or how far we will kick the payment can down the road.
4:33, when can we expect a dispensary in peru? I think I have many ailments that would qualify me for a perscription. I'm a baby boomer too.
The Peru Town Forum - in the Illinois Valley is a definite means of communication for those interested in political expression. It not only allows one to publicly express their personal opinions but also a opportunity to exchange ideas with others. Truthfully it has become the "Public Comment" of the City of Peru.
To further expand the value of this blog we as its contributors and commenters must realize that our ideas, as important as they are become even more important with a solution.
In the last few days I found it puzzling that back to back the most recent ideas of certain members of Peru's shot callers had two uncommunicative ideas, one of which to create a interest in the flavor of the day and propose a event and recreational center and the other to move a often used backstop from one park to another. Aren't both ideas about as separate economically as can be since they are coming from the same administration.
Presently all should forget both the Mother Hubbard Approach and the George Lucas Dreams of Unreality, all get on the same 2014 economic status of Peru, Illinois and work towards realistic goals.
We all know that we need jobs, jobs that will last longer than it takes the time to build a building. What does Peru have in reference to a industrial park? Do we have funding for facilities to attract a interested corporation to move to Peru. A few years ago it was stated that Pet Smart considered Peru for its distribution center but the city was not prepared and Ottawa was. Ottawa since has acquired Kohl's Distribution Center. Distribution Centers are the modern factories, better paying occupations and employ in large numbers.
In conclusion what are the short and long range plans of Peru's Economic Director and by what means does he plan to get there.
Does any government body, administration, council, and appointed leadership have short and long range plans? If they do please make them public, if not please do!
The statement at 8:57 does have some truth to it, I have personally heard some residents up there who have presented the idea to divide the lots and sell them off. If the proceeds for selling off the lots went towards a new pool then for obvious reasons they don't hate kids.
If Baker Lake land was to ever be developed into a real park, that might be a feasible idea. As it stands now, this is where the neighborhood kids play and it must be kept up with them in mind. Lately I hear nothing being developed for children in the city (if you don't play baseball).
Adults came in with pickleball and horseshoes into our park system. There does not see to be a lot of investigation into other activities that would appeal to kids. Any ideas.
If you read the comments here would any of you want to move to Peru if you were considering it?
All this talk of calling the mayor Hurl, or the "I am calling the FBI", and the garbage that people put here is nuts. I am sure somebody will respond "the mayor should be emberassed" and "the council is why peole are not moving here" But we are adults and to see what some people post here is very sad.
I do not agree carte blanche with everything the mayor or council has done. I will exercise my rights when the election comes. But I just hope everybody who posts all this insance garbage will be runningfor mayor or for city council.
LOIS: I may not agree with everyting you put on here but at least you are trying something rather than just complaining. I can respect that.
I like the idea of this blod allot actually but for goodness sakes please think before you post.
Justin, the residents up there who have proposed to sell off the lots have no authority as to what is to be done with the money. When you can't afford to build a pool how are you going to be able to afford to maintain a pool?
The populace of Peru has had over 3 years to raise funds for a new pool and altogether have they accumulated enough for 1 years normal maintenance?
A new pool is simply another smoke screen to entice people to forget about incidents such as ghost payrolls.
Things to think about with regard to Parks and Recreation. I do think our current Park Board is mainly concerned with organized play and that is shown by the membership currently on the board.
Doing some research this morning because so much of what the board votes on is "organized play". This is not a new concern of mine but very long standing to when my children were kids. At that time at least we had a swimming pool which could be frequented whenever they wanted to go there. I know we dedicate a few weeks in early summer to handicrafts and attendance is sometimes iffy on that. That is concern nationwide about is being called "play deserts". Parks are only being used when organized activities are taking place and otherwise nothing is taking place and usually very few people are there.
I don't have instant answers but this is another opportunity for volunteers to get a committee together with the approval of the city and work toward making our parks inviting to our youth.
Yes we cut the grass and sometimes plant flowers but the parks are empty most of the time. Is our playground equipment outdated and in disrepair? Do we need to provide space for independent or small group activities? There are ideas from cities who have created real play places. Children do need motivation and ideas. We have had to become so concerned about safety in our parks because of lawsuits that kids do not come there, period.
It is suggested that every child should have a park within 1/2 mile of their home and sidewalks and safe walking should be available to them Peru can do better.
12:33. Yes, you are correct. I was just validating that what was said was factual, but only an idea.
Justi, You're my alderperson so why don't you pitch the idea of putting back the practice field for young kids baseball back in Church St. (Park) again. Parking is also available. Parkside School could use it also for recess or whatever,cause it's just south of the school. Used to be a little league play field there.
to my 12:36 PM post, I would like to add, make the parks inviting to people of all ages or you might want to tell me that they are already and why.
There are several dynamics happening. First, it cannot be denied that Peru is an "old" town - meaning the age of the population. I think the "average" age is pushing the mid forties. We have many retired people living in Peru. Most of the voters are empty nesters. The people that have kids are having fewer. You would be hard pressed to see a family with 4 kids while it was common to see families with 6 or more kids way back when. In many cases, both parents work full time jobs. Their children are generally sheltered and not allowed outside the home without direct adult supervision. Therefore, the kids are not hanging out in the park. They are at home. Mom and dad don't take Jr. to the Park at night or on weekends - if the kids play outside at all it is in their own yard.
So, the only "customers" for Peru Parks are the older generation (Tennis, Pickle Ball, Basket Ball) and organized kids sports. Since the older customers vote religiously, they get what they want. Somebody said you have to be over 60 to be taken seriously by Peru's elected officials. There is more truth to that then many are willing to admit to.
Not to worry though, this is a self correcting problem. Over the next couple of decades, the older people will be putting their homes up for sale due to death or inability to live alone, causing a long term buyer's market with declining prices. An ideal situation to attract younger families. Now all we need to do is concentrate on jobs for the young families.
The land that was occupied by what used to be called "Church Street Park" has been owned by the school board since the late 1970's. The city rented part of it for a Park for many years. When the built the school, the park features where removed. That part of the land is now used as a large detention pond for the storm runoff from the school. The detention pond also assists with storm runoff from the subdivision to the west.
Not many people know this, but Every house on 13th Street from Church Street to Peoria Street is built in a FEMA Flood Plain. That detention pond is serving a valid purpose and should not be interfered with - nothing should be put on that land.
But the city should have made plans for a neighborhood park in that area, new homes = families = children usually.
True. Other states require the developer to include such things in their master plan. During the property boom of the 90's and early 00's, Georgia required developers to build schools, parks, and fire / police stations in large developments.
3:20 I don't know. The City of Peru has no trouble filling in retention ponds. I have seen them do it. The right person just has to make a request.
Justin: I can guarantee you that those who want to divide and sell 28th street park do not like kids. Think about it. They want to sell the land by their homes and move the kids to Washington Park. That's why they want the money to be used for a pool. To get the kids as far away from them as they can.
Back on task here people...take a look at the agenda for Monday nights meetings, and I do say MEETINGS. First there is a special rec meeting to discuss moving the backstop to Washington Park. Now this is not just something they are talking about this is serious business, they want it gone and they must know they have to votes to get the job done otherwise it would not have to have a special meeting. So I would advise anyone who uses this ball field to call the members of the rec board, public property, and city council to voice your opinion. Cause they are warmin up the back hoe. You know how they love to tear things down in this city. Tear it down, think about it later. And the last thought I have is why they would want a old backstop, one that has to be taken down and then set up again and being put up temporarily. Lot of taxpayer dollars being spent here. But hey it is a way to get the kids out of the neighborhood park. They lost their tennis court, and now the ball field. Maybe they can play on the street. Oh I mean road...Marquette Road.
If rumor is correct, neither of the aldermen on the public property committee will vote to have it moved because they are finding out that the kids in the neighborhood are using the backstop everyday when the weather is good.
its a city park an has been one since I moved to the city of Peru in 1988. I still live in that area. My children played tennis, basketball, baseball n softball there. Leave it be, fix Marquette Road.
Somebody please educate me on the practicality of moving the baseball diamond back drop. It is a few poles and some chain link fence that has been in place for about 30 years. Why would anybody in their right mind pay to move it? If we don't want this one, just cut it down and sell it to Buckman's. If we think one is necessary in another park, build a new one - don't waste time trying to dig this one out of the ground, transport it, and put it back up. Total waste of time. And at he rate city workers get paid, that time is more expensive than building a new one.
justin is not your alderperson 1:51, your concerns will need to be directed to either Alderman Lukosus or Alderman Potthoff.
Alderman Pothoff for a few more months...
Did you have someone who will run against him? Pretty sure no one can beat Potthoff.
I don't think we want to replace him.
When I said Justin was my Alderperson I was telling my two real alder's that I would call Jason before I would call them so he could bring it up at council meetings.(read between the lines)
Yes it is a detention for water....but it has really been dry except for horrid rains....the grassy surface is perfect for practice Little League.....When it gets flooded you can hold up on practice for a couple days. It drains really fast (hopefully)now that it has been fixed.
There are several of those ponds in Peru that I have never seen any water in even when their is a deluge of rain. One is right near Marquette Rd.
Maybe there needs to be some creative thinking going on here in Peru. There has been talk in recent years of a bike path and I would like to suggest a path for walkers only (no bikes allowed), some landscaping and a pleasant path for local residents to take their daily walk. Many places the sidewalks are so bad or non existent that you must walk on the street. I do know that that we I frequently walk the streets because the sidewalks are so bad.
I do not believe you can use a detention pond for anything but temporarily detaining storm runoff.
A path for walkers would be a good idea. Couldn't this be accomplished by the city repairing the sidewalks they bust up everywhere they put in new curb and gutter. This way 2 goals would be accomplished rather than 1.
11:27 Storm water run off and poor storm water plans have been responsible for more non point source pollution and flooding around here than you know. Perus unplanned development and horrible farm practices have literally spread toxic pollutants all over the valley. They have turned spring rains into costly flash floods. They turned summer storms into three week mosquito outbreaks.
8:42 You don't know what you are talking about.
Anon 8:42 Great answer, please send your name and address to those that are going to have a need of such smart answers to the EPA. Also there are several upset people that need your quick wit for proper answers to the FBI.
1:46 Ha Ha LOL Great comment!!!
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