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Fox River Grove board moves to restrict motorized launches at Picnic Grove Park after residents raise safety concerns
Summary
Residents told the Village Board that large weekend crowds, boats and people entering the Fox River from Picnic Grove Park have created safety and nuisance problems; the board directed staff to pursue short-term enforcement measures and to move forward with installing bollards or a swing gate to limit motorized launches from park land.
Residents told the Fox River Grove Village Board on Aug. 2 that Picnic Grove Park’s growing weekend crowds are creating safety risks and neighborhood impacts, and the board agreed to pursue short-term steps to prevent motorized boat launching from park land.
Jake Fleischmann, a resident of 722 Barberry, said park users arrive as early as 6 a.m., set up tents and bring gas cans and Jet Skis to the shore. "Taxpayers do not want to use the park on the weekends due to the crowds," Fleischmann said, and he described overflowing trash, broken glass and people entering the river to swim or board watercraft. Resident Nick Schumacher cited a recent dispatch of a flight‑for‑life crew after a person was injured jumping from a boat into shallow water.
Trustee Knar amplified those concerns during the board’s discussion, saying he has observed very large gatherings, boats double‑parked near swimmers and 5–10 gallon gasoline containers used to fuel multiple jet skis. Administrator Soderholm told the board the village’s authority is limited to land: "Village ordinance and park rules prohibit park goers from accessing the Fox River for the purposes of swimming, but the Village…cannot regulate boaters from anchoring boats along the shoreline," he said. Soderholm also said staff will explore whether the village can buy out or modify OSLAD grant requirements to gain additional authority over park access.
After extended discussion about enforcement options, the board reached consensus to institute short‑term enforcement. The board directed staff to move forward with installing bollards with chains or a swing gate—depending on price—to prevent launching and retrieval of motorized watercraft from park land; Fire District, Police and Public Works personnel would retain access to open the launch when necessary.
Trustees and residents expressed mixed feelings about restricting park use. Trustee Sepeczi said she appreciates people enjoying the parks but agreed enforcement is warranted where public safety is at risk. Resident Jim Buster asked the board to consider a part‑time ordinance enforcer and more frequent porta‑let servicing on busy weekends.
The village’s next steps include staff pricing bollard and gate options, checking grant limitations tied to OSLAD funding, and coordinating with the Fire District and police on operational access. The board did not adopt a formal ordinance at the meeting; it directed staff to proceed with the short‑term physical measures and enforcement planning.
