[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 125 (Thursday, September 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1595]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO THE SUMMIT PARK DISTRICT ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 1996

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to the Summit 
Park District on the 50 successful years of its providing recreation to 
the people of its community.
  Like so many other organizations that are celebrating their golden 
anniversaries this year, the Summit Park District was born when a 
dedicated group of local residents came together to plan and provide 
services for veterans returning from World War II ready to start new 
families.
  In the case of the park district, a local physician, Dr. Paul Rush, 
and 12 residents came together to provide open space and recreational 
activities for their fellow residents. After selecting four sites in 
the village for playgrounds, Dr. Rush and his associates turned to the 
Des Plaines Valley News newspaper for assistance. The paper printed 
ballots asking the children of Summit what they wanted in their new 
parks, and, five decades later, the park district is still listening to 
the residents in developing new facilities and programs.
  In fact, the park district recently added hiking and biking trails, a 
jogging track, fitness stations, a mini golf course, and batting cages 
in response to the recreational needs of Summit residents.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute the Summit Park District on its 50th 
anniversary and wish the district many more years of success.

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