When: Saturday, Sept 30 at 10 AM

The rich history of the award winning Oregon Park District will be the subject of the Oregon Depot’s “Those Were The Days” program, Saturday Sept 30 at 10 AM. The story of the colorful park district timeline will feature former board members, Chris Martin and Beth Simeone, 32 year board member, Steve Pennock and current director, Erin Folk.

The park district formed in December 1966 to provide the highest quality recreation programs, facilities and park resources for district residents and visitors. Formed with the intent of building a swimming pool, referendums held in 1971, 1975 and 1976 were defeated. A forward looking park board saw an opportunity to annex the Commonwealth Edison Byron Nuclear Power Station and after a series of court battles involving the Byron Park District organizers and the Commonwealth Edison Company, judge Alan Cargerman ruled on an election for the purpose of annexing the 525 acre Byron Station in October of 1978. The election was held on December 16, 1978 and the district overwhelmingly voted to annex the plant by a 713-20 vote. In August of 1984, the park board unanimously approved construction of an indoor recreation facility at the site of the former Nash school on S. 5th Street, which had been purchased as district headquarters in 1983. On December 30th, 1985, the Nash Recreation Center was officially opened with a grand opening and dedication on March 16, 1986.

The Oregon Park District currently manages over 140 acres of park land at ten different park locations in the Oregon area. Outdoor facilities include several baseball/softball diamonds, playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, walking trails, sand volleyball courts, a concert area, two (2) horseshoe courts and river fishing areas. In addition, several picnic shelters are available for group rentals.

For more information about this program or other depot programs, call Roger Cain 815-757-9715, Otto Dick 815-440-0639 or Chris Martin 815-742-8471