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Budget Impasse Affects Arygle Lake State Park in Western Illinois

Breanna Descourouez
The shower house was supposed to open May 1st. But, Hinchee said until a state budget passes, it will remain closed

Argyle Lake State Park in western Illinois joins public universities and social service providers in feeling the pain of the ongoing state budget impasse.

Argyle’s site superintendent, Robin Hinchee said the shower house at the park has needed repairs for a few years but was still okay to be open to the public.

When he planned to open it, he realized it had deteriorated too much.

“We went in and there was such severe structural damage and mold issues that we could not open it for the public,” Hinchee said.

The sign blocking the gate to the dump station

Republican Governor Bruce Rauner canceled all construction projects nearly a year ago which means there is no money to make the shower house repairs.

Hinchee said campers will have to use the pit toilets located around the park until the shower house can be renovated.

He said campers expect amenities such as shower houses, and without them, he fears campers will choose other parks.

“Also without the shower house, our rates have actually decreased because the campground is not given as high of a rating without the shower house.”

The shower house isn’t the only amenity closed.

The dump station has been closed due to the lack of money. Hinchee says the park has discussed the current lack of dump station with Spring Lake Park. They made an agreement for Argyle campers to be able to dump at Spring Lake with their camping permit.

He believes it’s just a $5 charge.

Hinchee said the budget impasse does not affect the employees at Argyle. They are paid with different funds.

All campers with a reservation have been notified about the closings and reservations can be canceled up to 72 hours prior to arrival. Reservations will be refunded if canceled.