Peotone community members hoping to take advantage of a fresh air workout and not get roasted by the sun can now do so thanks to Peotone resident Kenneth Gibson.
Gibson is part of Scouting America, formerly Boy Scouts of America, and decided to take on proposing, planning, paying for, and erecting a sun canopy over the outdoor workout equipment pad at the Peotone Park District as his final Eagle Scout project.
“We are so appreciative of Kennet’s project. It is a great addition to the park and the exercise equipment,” Park District Manager Kelly LaMore said of the project.
The exercise equipment is located just off the walking path east of Division Street and near the district’s naturalized area.
After talking with LaMore and Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Eschbach earlier in the year, Gibson formally proposed the sun canopy project in June, which the board supported.
He estimated the project would cost $4,000, and with park district approval, he moved forward with fundraising and planning. Gibson is still fundraising to recoup the remaining funds.
Together with his Eagle Scout troop, Gibson completed the project over two weekends.
Completing the project positions Gibson, a Life Scout, to formally attain the rank of Eagle Scout. Eagle Scout is the highest achievement and rank in Scouting America. To earn it, Scouts must complete 21 merit badges, in addition to the community service project and board review.
“We greatly applaud his commitment to the community,” LaMore added.
Gibson’s formal Eagle Scout promotion ceremony will be held at the park district, though the date had not been formalized at the time of publication.
Vacant Park Board Seat Available Now
The park district discussed at length the vacant seat left by Barb Sim during the Oct. 13 meeting. Ultimately, the board discussed filling the vacancy by appointment and hoped to do so before the election to help the appointee get acclimated.
Those interested in the position could interview and potentially be in place ahead of the election, though they would still need to run. The filing period for the next election is mid-November, LaMore explained to the board.
LaMore said anyone interested in serving on the park board should send a letter to the Park District at 8 Blue Devil Dr., Peotone, IL. 60468 to be considered by the board.
Other Park District News
The board approved the annual financial report, which was prepared by SKDO Accountants of Bourbonnais. The park district’s levy is far below what necessitates an audit, but they are required to complete an annual financial report. The approved report would be filed with the Illinois Comptroller’s Office by the end of the month, LaMore advised the board after approval.
LaMore announced the district will be moving to a three-season program format for 2027. This will eliminate the cost of sending out an additional program flier each year, plus it will help consolidate programming to better spread out events over slower months and promote popular programs.
The seasons will be split as follows: Spring will have February, March, April and May; Summer will have June, July, August and September; and a combined Fall/Winter program will include October through January programming.
Eschbach reported that he cleaned and repaired the pond pump, which is now the third repair.
The fairgrounds will remove the shared fencing in disrepair between the park district and the fairgrounds but will not replace it. Eschbach proposed a few options for replacing it.
Upcoming fall events include the Zombie 5K and Walk on Oct. 24 and a Zombie Dance on Oct. 30. Registration is available online or in person for both.