Sema'j Crosby Park Proposal Rejected By Joliet Park Board

JOLIET, IL - Several months ago, it became quite clear that the Joliet Park District wanted no part in renaming the Preston Heights park behind Sema'j Crosby's burned down house on Louis Road in memory of the one-year-old murder victim whose death remains unsolved. When the issue came up for discussion months ago, the Joliet Park Board decided to delay the matter for several months. Now, with the year just about over, the Joliet Park District put the matter back on Monday's meeting agenda and voted it down.

"The Joliet Park District unanimously voted NO to rename Oak Valley Park to Semaj Crosby Park ... They are willing to plant a tree in her honor," the Justice For Semaj Action Team posted on its Facebook page Monday night.

"Based on criteria the park can not be named after her. Based on criteria her murders (sic) can not be charged. Based on criteria she and her siblings & cousins could not be removed from their home. Based on criteria this country and humanity is falling apart. Where is our spirit?"

The Justice For Semaj Action Team informed its followers that it had submitted more than 500 signatures of people who supported renaming the Joliet Township park near her house in her memory.

"There was 90 day public comment period. We all emphasized how in her death she has impacted positive change all across the state. DCFS pointed out her case as the (catalyst) for major policy changes and improvements," the Action Team commented on Facebook after Monday's vote.

Here's a sampling of reaction to the news on the group's social media page:

• "This is unbelievably messed up. This makes Joliet look as worse as it possible can as a town. I mean it lost its luster in the late ‘90s but who wants to live here now knowing how residents and victims are treated."
• "You should try again and get the Preston Heights’ community to write letters requesting the name change. And while you’re at it ask for the street name to be changed in her honor also. Don’t give up!"
• "Write to the mayor and every leader u know this need to be put out to put pressured on them we need a big protest like 100 or more and close down the town."
• "Just curious if a park named in Semaj's honor would remind the leaders and everyone else of how they failed Semaj? So sad that not one person or agency wants to stand up and take responsibility for Semaj's death. From the person/persons who did it...to DCFS....to the ones investigating her death. Makes me sick."
• "Oh no! Ugh, this angers me like no other!!"

Although the Joliet Park District dragged out the proposal of renaming Oak Valley Park in Sema'js honor before turning it down, the Park Board didn't take the same stance when one of their long-time valued employees died this past summer.

In October, the Joliet Park District held a public dedication ceremony to rename its multi-purpose building off Jefferson Street as the Kathy Green Multi-Purpose Event Center.

Kathy Green, 55, had worked for the Joliet Park District for the past 30 years but died suddenly in late June. The dedication ceremony took place on Green's birthday.

"Join the Joliet Park District October 25, 2017 from 5:30-6:30pm as we honor the late Special Recreation of Joliet & Channahon Superintendent, Kathy Green, by renaming the Multi-Purpose Center the Kathy Green Multi-Purpose Center. Kathy dedicated 30 years to the Park District and the Special Recreation of Joliet & Channahon Program along with being involved with local organizations that support individuals with special needs," the Joliet Park District press release states.

Kathy Green

RELATED: Joliet Park District Employee Kathy Green Will Be Greatly Missed

RELATED: Sema'j Would Have Turned 2 Today

RELATED: Sema'j Crosby's Aunt, Grandmother Deny Involvement In Homicide

Main image via Joliet Patch Editor John Ferak, secondary image via Joliet Park District website, image of Kathy Green via Blackburn Funeral Home