Whalon Lake Dive Quarry

This petition is for the Forest Preserve District of Will County to allow a scuba program at Whalon Lake Forest Preserve. The intent of the program will be aimed at providing a fourth Scuba Quarry in the State of Illinois and also to the Midwest. With underwater platforms for training, underwater attractions,(sunken boats/helicopters/planes/military vehicles) changing/bath rooms, picnic tables, docks, rental equipment, air fills, and a host of other amenities to be added as the quarry grows over the upcoming years.

An 85 acre quarry of this magnitude, with the current underwater topography, has an opportunity to attract well over 200 people on any given weekend from spring thru fall. And also keep those with adequate exposure protection diving year round with the appropriate training.

This will also be a huge training facility for those Fire and Police Departments that have underwater dive teams. Allowing them to continue to practice in a safe and organized training quarry. Their skills are, and should continue to be, honed to their local and every changing environment to help them in their rescue and recovery efforts.

This quarry will not only bring tourism to the area, but also promote recreational activities. Bringing people from all over the suburbs, Chicago area, and neighboring states. There are only a handful of Dive Quarries in the Midwest, we have an opportunity to open one up near one of the biggest cities in the country, Chicago. Current Dive Quarries are in Kankakee, South Beloit and Metropolis, Illinois. These Dive Quarries are over 1 hour and 5 hours drive from this proposed Bolingbrook location, and not as centrally located or close proximity to Chicago or the bigger population.

With $350 billion in expenditures by visitors and participants nationwide, leisure activities are currently one of the top three industries in almost every state.

This Dive Quarry will not only bring capital to the area, but also stimulate jobs, and promote more recreational activities and healthier lifestyles. In these hard times, people will travel less and look for more local activities. Scuba is one local activity that attracts all ages from 8 years of age to seniors.

If you believe that:
- You will dive this quarry
- This will be good for Tourism
- This will be good for the Dive Community
- This will bring more recreation to the area
- This will be a great addition to Will County; to Illinois; and the Midwest

Then please sign this petition so that we can show your support and get this moving in the right direction by showing those in a position of approval, that we want this dive quarry and it will generate and stimulate far more than a few days per calendar year.