Naperville Park District To Pursue Legal Challenge To Open Parks

NAPERVILLE, IL — The Naperville Park District voted Thursday to pursue legal action in order to open its parks and additional facilities. The legal action challenges the authority of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's current executive order in the hopes of allowing some activities and programs to resume at local parks.

In a press release, Park District officials wrote that they are "seeking a determination that it may exercise its statutory authority to make decisions about the District’s essential functions, including District programs and the use of District property, independently of specific dictates in the Governor’s Executive Order."

Don't miss updates about precautions in the Naperville area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

Naperville Park District Board President Richard Janor said in a statement, "We understand that an important part of being healthy includes staying active and that includes being able to use some of the outdoor amenities and operate some of the programs that the District provides. The Governor’s Executive Order improperly interferes with the Board’s ability to make those decisions."

The park district is aiming to open paddleboats at the quarry, disc golf at Knoch Knolls Park, in addition to sports courts, skate parks and parking lots by June 1, which is consistent with the governor's executive order. Currently, golf courses, tennis courts and pickleball courts have reopened.

The park district is also planning to resume its summer camps and athletic programs by mid-June, but with some changes, including limited roster sizes.

Also on Patch:

Illinois Coronavirus Update May 15: 87,937 Cases, 3,928 Deaths

Casey's Foods To Reopen After Deep Cleaning Due To Coronavirus

Naperville Park District Holding Blood Drives In May, June