Park officials in Rochelle heard from more than a dozen local residents last night dealing with having an exercise group being banned from using Cooper Park unless they have insurance.
There is no cost for the women who work out. Park officials are concerned if someone became ill or even died and a possible lawsuit in the future.
Board President Roger Bunger said that he expects some changes in the park district's policy.
He also said that something can be worked out in the future for the residents to use Cooper Park.
The park district purchased a pole building at Skare Park near the golf range at a cost of just over $118,675. They also approved the proposal from an auditing firm from Darien, Illinois for the next 3 years and the Tort Liability insurance for the district. That increased by $10,000 due to the golf course.
The board heard a presentation from students at RTHS dealing with the smoke-free park ordinance that was approved 2 years ago. The teens would like more signs in the parks in the future along with better enforcement of the ordinance. They would also like to see the fines increased for violators.
The park district is also looking at the possibility of a camp ground area at Lake Sule in the future.
