[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 53 (Thursday, May 5, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
     TRIBUTE TO THE NEW LENOX COMMUNITY PARK DISTRICT ON ITS 25TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

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                       HON. GEORGE E. SANGMEISTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 1994

  Mr. SANGMEISTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
organization in my district that has provided recreation, 
entertainment, and enjoyment for thousands of my constituents during 
the last 25 years--the New Lenox Park District, which celebrates its 
silver anniversary this month.
  In the early days of New Lenox, which was incorporated in 1957, 
residents' recreational choices were somewhat limited. People used 
local facilities such as the VFW Post and open land at the village's 
sewage treatment plant for recreational activities. The system operated 
on donations, volunteerism and goodwill.
  In 1969, however, a group of local citizens foresaw the need to 
preserve open space and provide more recreation opportunities for the 
growing village and township and formed the New Lenox Community Park 
District. The entire community rallied around the fledgling park 
district and the local Lions Club got the district off to a fine start 
by donating 10 acres of property for park and financing and labor to 
construct a community center.
  From that beginning, the park district has grown to encompass 375 
acres at 15 park sites in the township, and two facilities that provide 
places for activities and community meetings. The park district 
cooperates closely with other local government bodies, school districts 
and civic organizations to offer programs for every age and interest 
group.
  The district recently acquired 230 acres of property for the 
development of a community park complex. The facility will include an 
18-hole golf course and clubhouse, learning center, public events area, 
recreation complex, swimming facility, and an interpretive learning-
conversation area with nature walks and biking trails.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute the New Lenox Community Park District on 25 
years of serving the recreational needs of its community, and all those 
individuals and organizations that have helped make the park district a 
success.

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