Rock Run Rookery opens

JOLIET — Will County Forest Preserve District’s newest fishing and boating park – the Rock Run Rookery – opened to the public on Wednesday, just in time for the summer.

While the park isn’t quite complete and the grand opening won’t happen until September, the Forest Preserve District wanted area residents to be able to use the facility while the weather is nice.

“Instead of waiting for it to be perfect, they are letting people utilize it now,” said Forest Preserve Commissioner Sharon May.

Will County Forest Preserve District purchased the property from Chicago Gravel in 2002, with the assistance of a $1 million Open Land Trust grant from the state of Illinois and a 1999 bond referendum.

Another $400,000 grant from Illinois Department of Natural Resources in 2010 was added to funds from a bond referendum from 2005 and brought in the needed funding to develop the property, said Ralph Schultz, director of Planning and Operations for the Forest Preserve.

Fishing at the old quarry site has been going on for many years. The Forest Preserve District closed the site to the public when improvements began last year.

“People have been aware (of the development) and have just been waiting,” Schultz said.

Now there is shoreline fishing on two lakes – one 13 acres and one 80 acres; canoeing, kayaking and electric motor boating on the larger lake; a boat launch; an asphalt walking trail that will eventually meet up with the Rock Run trail and I&M Canal trail; and a shelter with a capacity for 100 people that will be available for rental later this year.

The lakes have several species of fish, said Natural Resources Manager Dave Robson, including largemouth bass, crappie, blue gill, pumpkinseed and other forms of sunfish.

Fishing on the smaller lake is accessible from the shoreline only and is catch-and-release.

A limited number of boats will be allowed in the large lake, which must be accessed from the on-site launch. But canoes and kayaks can get to the lake from the DesPlaines River by going under the walking bridge, Schultz said. The bridge supports were constructed to allow the smaller boats to get through.

One of the unique features of the park is the bird rookery on the large lake. Three small islands are home to several species of birds, including double crested cormorants, great blue heron and black crowned night herons, which are an endangered species, Robson said.

Buoys surround the rookery and the area is off limits to boaters.

“As you get up close, you disturb the nests, Schultz said. “We are trying to protect them.”

The park entrance on Youngs Road, just south of U.S. 6 in Joliet, is a stone’s throw from the town of Channahon. The proximity will likely be an economic stimulus to Channahon when people go to town to eat, purchase bait and buy gas, May said.

The 210-acre park is open to the public now and everything is free, said Bruce Hodgdon, public information officer. However, Illinois Department of Natural Resources rules and license requirements apply. Hours of operation are 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.

A grand opening is planned for Sept. 17, and will be a full day of activities devoted to the facility, Hodgdon said.

“It’s great for families to come out and spend time together,” May said. “What I really like about it is it’s free. It’s a place to bring your kids and get to know them. It really complements our area.”