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Reader Takes Mission To Remove Horseshoes From Park To Facebook

Calls horseshoe pit at Arndt Park "eyesore" and "hillbilly pastime"

Des Plaines resident Glen Allen Pruett has posted some photos on the Des Plaines Patch Facebook page of a horseshoe game pit at Arndt Park, corner of Howard Avenue and White Street, and is asking readers to start a petition to have the pit removed, saying "this eyesore horseshoe pit is a disgrace," and that the park has been ruined for children and the public. Pruett also said that he is responsible for starting a past petition that prevented the Des Plaines Jaycees mud volleyball team from playing at the park. (Des Plaines Patch has reached out to the Jaycees and the park district for comment. We will update soon.)

Pruett posted these comments along with the photos:

"The park should be nice for everyone. It looks like a horseshoe graveyard for white trash to gather and throw things at each other."

"I just want you to see for yourself. The redneck sport of horseshoes has taken over Arndt Park at Howard and White St. in Des Plaines. It is ugly and an eyesore. These grown men have ruined the park for the children with their hillbilly pastime.....Please join me in sending the yahoos elsewhere. But before they leave..... Lets clean it up gentlemen! Thanks"

Residents, what do you think? Are you unhappy with the horseshoe pit? How do you feel about Pruett's comments? Parents, do you think the horseshoe pit is a problem or an interference with your child being able to play at the park or families to enjoy themselves?

"Like" Des Plaines Patch on Facebook to get news on your wall and join the conversation.

Brian Wolf August 9, 2011 at 02:04 pm
Is he suggesting "white trash"/"hillbillies"/"rednecks" - whatever that means - should not be allowed to enjoy the park? I see no aesthetic difference from the 3 baseball diamonds in the park, which similarly have dirt mounds and backstops. This leaves a class based argument - that the presence of lower class people ruins the park. In my opinion, a public park is for the public, and lower classes, who have less access to recreational opportunities, should be welcome to enjoy the park. This section of the park has been unused in the past.
Glen Pruett August 9, 2011 at 03:03 pm
I think you and everyone should take a stroll and see what it looks like. The baseball park is much better kept. Perhaps I should have used better language regarding these fellows. But it is what it is. Take a look.
Brian Wolf August 9, 2011 at 03:36 pm
I will - but isn't that the Park District's responsibility? Do the baseball players maintain their own grounds? If you can clarify your aesthetic concerns, I apologize.
Glen Pruett August 9, 2011 at 04:25 pm
No need to apologize. Like I said it speaks for itself. The pictures speak for themselves. The activity speaks for itself. They use it once a week or so in the summer and the rest of the time and year it just takes up the space and looks ugly.
Andy DeMonte August 10, 2011 at 10:49 pm
The Park District does drag the baseball/softball fields, and cut the grass. The rest of the maintenance is up to the leagues, like laying the chalk lines, and getting the field playable after a rain.
Glen Pruett August 11, 2011 at 10:55 am
Well, the horseshoe "pit" is perfectly named. It is now the perfect home for "The Swamp Thing". The installation of it has mismanaged the drainage there,killed the grass and become mosquitoe infested. Perfect for the kids right? NOT! Everyone go look for yourself!

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Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
RIck K June 10, 2013 at 02:20 pm
I believe the aldermen are Denise Rodd south of Dempster and Dick Sayad north. Contact them.Read More Although I do not live in Rodd's ward (Im in the 8th) I am somehow on her mailing list and she keeps wanting to know what she can do for me. Here is something.
Brian Wolf June 4, 2013 at 10:16 am
http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_9d0cbb28-cc94-11e2-9188-0019bb30f31a.html
Brian Wolf June 4, 2013 at 10:16 am
I suggest contacting the alderman to raise the profile of what these streets need.