City parks should be a sanctuary for relaxation, play, and community gathering. Unfortunately, this is not always the reality in Oak Forest, Illinois. As someone who frequently visits these parks with my young grandchildren, I'm concerned about the increasing presence of motorized vehicles such as scooters and electric bikes on park paths. Not long ago, I was nearly knocked over by a speeding motorbike while overseeing my grandchildren. This incident was not isolated, and it highlights a growing safety issue in our parks.

Motorized vehicles pose a significant danger to young children, who often do not possess the awareness to avoid these fast-moving machines. Beyond the physical dangers, there have also been reports of vulgar language used in the parks, as well as gatherings of large, unsupervised groups of children. Such events have led to acts of vandalism, including the shocking destruction of communal resources like Porta potties. There have even been incidents of these portable toilets being thrown into the creek or destroyed with fireworks, creating a hazardous environment.

To restore the safety and peace of our city parks, we urge the City of Oak Forest to enforce a dawn-to-dusk closing policy. This will help limit the time frame in which such disturbances can occur. Additionally, there needs to be a strict enforcement of the prohibition of motorized scooters and electric bikes within city park paths and premises. Implementing clear age restrictions for the use of any motorized vehicles, followed by strict enforcement, can mitigate these threats.

Furthermore, parents should be made accountable for their children's actions. If a minor breaches these regulations, the vehicle should be impounded, and parents must bear the cost of retrieval. This measure will act as a deterrent and encourage guardians to educate their children about the rules and responsibilities associated with public spaces.

Our community’s parks should be places where everyone—from the youngest child to the oldest adult—feels safe and welcome. Achieving this requires immediate action and community support. Please join us in urging our city officials to take these necessary steps to protect our parks. Sign this petition to make our parks the safe havens they were meant to be.