Gov Quinn Reopens seven state parks closed by Blagojevich, and restores 12 full-time jobs to IDNR

from the Gov's press office, Feb 25, 2009

SPRINGFIELD - In another important step towards returning Illinois back to the people, Governor Pat Quinn today announced the reopening of seven state parks closed last year by the Blagojevich administration. The move is another sign pointing toward the state’s renewed focus on natural resources and recreational opportunities for its citizens especially in tough economic times.

Governor Quinn made the announcement at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) headquarters in Springfield alongside IDNR Director Marc Miller, and IDNR staff and supporters.

“This is a great day for the people of Illinois. State parks protect some of our most precious habitat and provide opportunities for families to find outdoor recreation close to home. These
are the people’s parks and the people have the right to enjoy them in good and bad economic
times,” said Governor Quinn. “The value of these open spaces is immeasurable to children, families and local communities that depend on these parks for crucial economic stability.”

Today’s announcement officially starts the process of reopening Castle Rock State Park and Lowden State Park in Oregon, Illini State Park in Marseilles, Hidden Springs State Forest in Strasburg, Moraine View State Park in Leroy, Weldon Springs State Park in Clinton, and Wolf Creek State Park in Windsor. IDNR will immediately begin the process of re-staffing the sites as quickly as possible.

“Today is another meaningful step to putting the Illinois Department of Natural Resources back on the right track. For far too long, this agency, our staff and the people we serve have been abused and broken,” said IDNR Director Marc Miller. “I want to thank Governor Quinn for acting quickly to return these great places back to the people and for recognizing the importance that outdoor recreation has in Illinois.”

Reopening these seven state sites gives back dozens of recreational opportunities including camping, fishing, and hiking to more than two million visitors each year.

IDNR sites – state parks, fish and wildlife areas, conservation areas, habitat areas, and other open spaces have a significant economic impact, especially in the state's more rural areas, bringing in non-local visitors who contribute to local economies by supporting local businesses.

An estimated 44 million people visit Illinois state parks and other state sites annually.
Those visitors spend an estimated $500 million in local economies each year.
That spending results in an estimated $790 million in overall economic impact supporting nearly 8,500 jobs through out the state.

Illinois residents report their favorite outdoor recreation activities include walking/hiking, wildlife watching, picnicking, bicycling, fishing and swimming- all opportunities available at Illinois state parks.


Castle Rock State Park is a 2,013 acre park located in the Rock Hills region of Illinois in Ogle County. The park is well known by it rock formations, ravines, and sandstone bluff for which the park is named. The annual visitation is over 150,000 and provides recreational opportunities for picnicking, camping, hiking, boating, fishing and hunting.

Lowden State Park is a 207 acre park located in Ogle County along the Rock River. It is home to a 50 foot Native American statue commonly known as Blackhawk. The park has an average annual attendance of over 250,000 visitors and provides recreational opportunities for picnicking, camping, hiking, boating and fishing.

Illini State Park is a 507 acre park located in LaSalle County along the Illinois River. In the 1930’s, the Conservation Civilian Corp built several buildings that are still used by the park today. It has an annual attendance of over 700,000 and provides recreational opportunities for riverside picnic areas, camping, boating, fishing and hiking.

Hidden Springs State Forest is a 1,120 acre forest located in Shelby County. It is named for seven known springs on the property which were used for drinking water by the early settlers. Over the years these springs have been covered over by natural siltation and vegetation (hence the name "Hidden Springs"). It has an annual attendance of over 175,000 and provides recreational opportunities for picnicking, camping, fishing, hiking, and hunting.

Moraine View State Park is a 1,687 acre facility developed for picnicking, camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, horseback riding and hunting in McLean County. The trail system also provides opportunities for handicapped persons, and the trails are groomed in the winter for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Weldon Springs State Park is a 550 acre park located in DeWitt County. The park is home to the historic Union School building which was moved from Logan County to the prairie at Weldon Springs, restored, furnished, and equipped for use as both a visitor center and a temporary classroom for area school groups that wish to relocate for a day. The park has an annual attendance of over 333,000 and offers recreational opportunities for picnicking, camping, fishing, hiking and hunting.

Wolf Creek State Park is located on Lake Shelbyville on lands leased from the Army Corps of Engineers in Shelby County. It has a very popular campground (430 sites) and is a popular equestrian destination. The four-lane boat launching ramp provides for any variety of water sports, and the sandy beach provides easy access for swimming. The Shelbyville Lake provides prime and productive fishing opportunities. The park has an annual attendance of over 412,000 and provides recreational opportunities for picnicking, camping, boating and hiking.