[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRATULATING THE WINNETKA PARK DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Winnetka Park 
District on 100 years of service to our community.
  In 1904, a group of concerned citizens wanted to restore a piece of 
land in front of the village train station, which had been strewn with 
debris from the local livery stable. This small band of citizens came 
together and collected the $8,548.30 needed to purchase what is now 
Station Park.
  From those humble beginnings, the Winnetka Park District has 
developed into 28 park sites that represent more than 244 acres of 
land. The lands under the control of the Park District include some of 
the most beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan. And from the initial 
investment of $8,548.30, the district now boasts a $9 million annual 
operating budget.
  Through these 100 years, with the needs and desires of the public in 
mind, the Winnetka Park District has added new facilities to meet the 
continually growing population. Now, nearly 14,500 citizens enjoy the 
Park District's facilities, which include an 18-hole championship golf 
course plus a par-3 course, the first indoor tennis facilities in the 
Chicago area, platform tennis courts, an indoor ice arena, two outdoor 
rinks, four public beaches, a skate park, and a 142-acre expanse of 
playfield.
  The Winnetka Park District also runs hundreds of recreation programs, 
from day camps, to athletics, to classes. The district plans special 
events throughout the year, and thousands partake annually in skating, 
tennis and golf lessons.
  For one hundred years the Winnetka Park District worked to provide a 
balance of quality recreational and leisure opportunities to a growing 
community, while protecting the natural resources and open spaces for 
the benefit of future generations. I hope that the next hundred years 
is as successful.

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