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We call for the River Forest Park District to terminate their current plan of entering into an agreement (beginning on page 42) with Dominican University, in efforts to convert Keystone #2 into an NCAA compliant complex in exchange for $200,000 paid over 5 years.  The proposed agreement provides Dominican University Softball prioritized access to Keystone #2 during their season at the expense of local organizations and River Forest residents. This agreement has implications on the allocation of valuable park resources and the wider River Forest community who use the Park District facilities. 

The agreement provides no tangible benefit to residents. The Park District has assets worth more than $6.2 million with $5.8 million in liquid assets, eliminating any need for the organization to seek outside funding in exchange for priority use. 

The agreement is outlined below: 

• Dominican University provides River Forest Park District:
  •  $200,000 over five years ($40k/year) in exchange for 10 years of access
  • No reciprocity of other Dominican University facilities to River Forest residents
• River Forest Park District provides Dominican University:
  • Tier 2 use of the facility providing priority access over other community organizations, including youth sports
  • Year-round private branding on the fencing and diamond as Dominican University Women's Softball
  • All maintenance of the field, access to the scoreboard, bathrooms and power behind home plate
  • Ability to add other branded items with permission from board

The River Forest Park District oversees the management of our village's parks, and their central role should be the provision of public spaces for the enjoyment of the local people, their health, and wellbeing, not favoring a single institution. According to the National Recreation and Parks Association, public parks play a vital role in ensuring the wellbeing of communities, contributing to lower obesity rates and happier people ('Parks and Improved Mental Health and Quality of Life' report, National Recreation and Parks Association).

We believe this decision will set a troubling precedent for future deals, potentially marginalizing community access in favor of organizations seeking exclusive access for a small financial expenditure. 

We demand respect and fair treatment for all community members of our park services. We, therefore, urge the River Forest Park District to prioritize its duty to local communities and terminate any intention to enter into the proposed agreement.

Please sign this petition to support our call for the Park District to terminate their intent to sign the proposed agreement and partake in transparent dialogue with the community on the issue before entering into a binding contract.