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Keeping the Olympics green
July 26, 2007
I applaud Mayor Daley and the U.S. Olympic Committee for the work they
are doing for the Olympics. As a
mother of a college athlete, I can speak to the wonderful things that
participating in competitive sports can do for a young person’s character. The tradition of the Olympics is a
wonderful thing, made possible by many fine people...
However, there is a serious issue with the current plans
for the
The equestrian events are being planned in the heart of a beautiful preserve called Lakewood Forest Preserve. This preserve is a complex eco-system which contains wetlands, bogs, lakes, very old oak trees, and fields. This preserve is the home to 17 endangered species, including the sand hill crane. Building an Olympic sized equestrian stadium is NOT congruent with the intended use of this land. This land is a forest preserve, and should remain a forest preserve for generations to come.
Additionally, Lakewood Forest Preserve is not served by adequate roads to
handle the large crowds associated with an Olympic event. The area is in a remote location, with
only 2 lane roads and no public transportation. Area roads would need to be widened, at
the cost of
However, good news has been announced this week. A philanthropist, Mr.
Tim Smith, has come forward with another solution for the equestrian site—a
solution which would not result in the destruction of a forest preserve. Mr. Smith has volunteered to make
available 1500 acres for the Olympic equestrian event on land adjacent to the
Tempel Farms horse farm in Old Mill Creek in northern
This land is a more suitable location for the Olympic
equestrian for several reasons.
Most notably, this land is not forest preserve property, and is not the
home of 17 endangered species.
Additionally, this land is situated in a better location to handle the
traffic associated with an Olympic event, as this land is close to Interstate
94. This venue would also be easier
for people from around the world to get to, as it lies between
I urge the Olympic officials to consider this issue thoughtfully and carefully as they make their final decision regarding where to host the Olympics. In this time of global warming and loss of habitat for wildlife, destroying this forest preserve for the Olympic event should not even be considered an option.
I would like to thank Mr. Smith for his generous offer of land. I would also like to thank the Olympic
officials for the hard work they are doing for today’s athletes as they strive
to keep a centuries-old tradition alive. I just hope they don’t forget to
preserve the forests for generations to come as well. Keep the Olympics green; destroying
Pam Pedersen
Wauconda