The Macomb Park Board voted last week to create the Ray Peterson Nature Center. The former Lakeview Nature Center was renamed in memory of the late park director, who worked 40 years for the district and served as park director for 28 years from 1988 to 2016.
The motion was made by Commissioner John Hemingway, who worked with Peterson for 35 years. The 55-acre nature center was one of the projects developed by Peterson during his tenure as director. Summarizing his career, Park Board President Neil Armstrong said of Peterson, 'His impact on MPD will be everlasting.'
Hemingway said Peterson was devoted to park safety and earned certification in that area, being appointed several times by the state park association to inspect several parks. Park Director Blake Severs announced that the Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation has named Macomb as a 'best in class' runner- up in its commitment to a safe workplace.
Following a report of flooding at the park district offices, Hemingway said it is time to consider relocating or rebuilding. 'Something needs to be done,' he said.
The park board voted to have the unveiling of a plaque honoring the late Valencia Pettigrew on July 3 at 11 a.m.at the Patton Park basketball courts. 'This special weekend will honor her service to the community,' Hemingway said of the former park board vice-president.
The board discussed possible creation of a memorial policy and an easement request for Derry Park but took no action on either item. Board officers were re-elected for another year with Armstrong continuing to serve as president, Molly Selders as vice-president, Phil Weisss as district treasurer, and Cory Clem as assistant treasurer. Weiss reported that the district's consolidated project fund ended May with a total of $477,741 and the general fund totaled $345,300.
Severs reported that McDonough County Special Recreation Association summer camps are in progress and that there are two weeks left for youth baseball and softball. He said ceramics classes at he nature center are going well as are bicycle lessons. The park director said a line dancing series will soon begin at the Glenwood Park stone shelter, and that the next crocheting class begins July 27 at the nature center.
Armstrong said he has been having productive conversations with district residents. 'Community input helps to improve our parks,' he said. 'Keep it up.'
