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in Forest Park or the former zoo which was the home of Snowball, Morganetta, and the iconic Monkey House; enjoying the splendor of Bright Nights; cooling off at the swimming pool and splash pad; and traversing the many woodland trails.

The memories made here and at all of our parks are something that is not taken lightly by our dedicated park workers as they dutifully perform their responsibilities to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for our park visitors. In reviewing the archives, it is clear that the park founders, the many devoted workers over the years, the Park Commissioners, the mayors and city councilors, and the residents have all contributed to the exemplary park system we have today as we celebrate the 140th anniversary of the Springfield Park Department and over 200 years of public parks in Springfield.

All of the Park Commissioners that have served have done so with honor and dignity. Since the first commission, they have taken on the role of protector and contributor to our neighborhood parks and open spaces. I would like to mention two individuals who served as Park Commissioners during my tenure who played a key role in rejuvenating Forest Park. In the mid- 1980s, Forest Park had become a haven for miscreants. Individuals were drinking and blaring boom boxes, cars were being worked on along the roads, people were speeding throughout the park, and so forth. Overall, it was becoming an intimidating atmosphere as opposed to the family friendly venue we strive to maintain.

Park Commissioner Joseph Deliso assigned me to do a study on initiating a fee system to enter Forest Park. After view- ing my report, Commissioner Deliso decided that a fee system was the way to proceed but was having difficulty convincing the other commissioners that this was appropriate. Consequently, the report was shelved for three years. When Bill Putnam was appointed Park Chairman, Mr. Deliso briefed him on the issue, Chairman Putnam met with me, and then decided that the fee system should be implemented. Although there was initial resistance by a few residents, the new fee system yielded positive results on its first day of implementation. As Bill Putnam and I stood at the front gate to monitor the activity, we witnessed those we recognized as troublemakers turning around and they no longer frequented the park. From that day forward, Forest Park again became the tranquil, safe habitat desired by all. Bill Putnam had the fortitude to act on