Will-Joliet Bicentennial Park, Inc. President Mrs. William C. Limacher; WJBP, Inc. Treasurer John G. Whyte, Mayor Maurice Berlinsky and Councilman Ken Pritz went to Washington D.C., (paying their own way). They met in the offices of Congressman George O'Brien with staff members of Senators Charles Percy and Adlai Stevenson and a bevy of lawyers from HUD. Mrs. Limacher said, "We had been informed that we should give a fair offer. Each of the four of us put in 25 cents and offered the $1.00." At the conclusion of that two day meeting, HUD gave up. "They gave us back our dollar and agreed to give the Bicentennial Corporation the land with certain provisions." It was agreed with HUD that, if sufficient funds were raised and the theatre and band shell were completed, ownership would be turned over to a tax supported body of the Corporations choice. It could have been given to the Joliet Park District, the County of Will or the City of Joliet. After much deliberation, in 1977 the land with the completed theater/bandshell complex was given to the City of Joliet to be operated by Will-Joliet Bicentennial Park Inc. Since 1977 the Corporation has been under contract to the City of Joliet under the auspices of the City Manager. The Corporation helps oversee its operation and reports to a City Councilman who serves as liaison. First, was Councilman Ken Pritz, then Lou Peyla and now for many years, Joe Shetina. The Corporation also continues to raise funds through contribution drives, Park events and volunteer projects. Back Next