HR0718 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0718 LRB099 13945 GRL 37943 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize milestone events in Illinois organizations; and

WHEREAS, The Shore Acres Park Clubhouse, located on the bank of the Illinois River in Chillicothe, is a landmark site and home of the Chillicothe Park District offices; and

WHEREAS, The Shore Acres Park Clubhouse was constructed in 1915 and will celebrate its centennial on September 12, 2015; and

WHEREAS, The 54-acre site was initially constructed as the clubhouse for the Peoria Automobile Club, a group of automotive enthusiasts that promoted the construction of paved roads for the growing number of automobiles; the original construction of the Clubhouse included a 2-story high, 1,500 square-foot ballroom, a massive fireplace, and a historic depiction of the surrounding river valley painted in 1925 by famous muralist Erik Arons; such features earned the Clubhouse a place on the National Register of Historic Places; and

WHEREAS, Over the following years, the Peoria Automotive Club became the North Shore Country Club; the Club hosted bicycle races, fraternity and sorority outings from nearby Bradley University, and numerous athletic activities; and

WHEREAS, Following the closure of the Club in 1935, the property was renamed Shore Acres; it was later acquired by the Chillicothe Park District in 1948; and

WHEREAS, Shore Acres has provided a unique scenic view of the Illinois River and operates as a destination for steamboats carrying people for day-long picnics and for high school proms, family reunions, athletic events, weddings, and countless club and family gatherings; and

WHEREAS, The Chillicothe Park District has worked to expand the facilities at Shore Acres since its acquisition, including a water park, basketball courts, tennis courts, a baseball diamond, picnic pavilions, and a Frisbee golf course; the District is presently led by Board President Wes Williamson, Trustees Shane Placher, Gary Craig, Carol Masek, Ben Tiller, Sandra Tippett, Jeff Nudd, and Executive Director Kevin Yates; and

WHEREAS, The modern Shore Acres Park complex serves thousands of Illinoisans on a yearly basis and provides a landmark recreational facility to residents of central Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the Shore Acres Park Clubhouse on the occasion of its 100th anniversary and commend the vision, dedication, and hard work of the Chillicothe Park District throughout the years; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Chillicothe Park District as an expression of our esteem.