Dozens of Joliet residents told the City Council on Oct. 7 that the Billy Lee Macher Bicentennial Park and its community theater are essential local institutions, and they demanded open, transparent dialogue after recent staffing and management changes.

The most vocal remarks came during the public-comment portion of the meeting, when longtime participants and volunteers described multi‑generational ties to the park and how its programs — notably the summertime youth theater and Concerts on the Hill — provide social, emotional and educational benefits.

“Because of Laurie, I’ve been an active participant with this theater since 02/2008,” said Tamara Martinez, a resident, adding that the park offers “rich cultural experiences and history unique to Joliet.” Nicole Leroy, who identified herself as a school bus driver and licensed substitute teacher, said the park’s theater programs helped her return to college and rebuild her life: “That space helped me grow, and this December I will graduate with my bachelor’s degree and certification in project management.”

Students and parents described similar effects. “Before coming to this camp, I was extremely antisocial,” said Rain Fox, a 15‑year‑old student at Joliet West High School who participates in summertime on stage. Abigail Jane Harris, a longtime participant who said she has a congenital heart condition, told the council the park taught her life skills she otherwise could not access: “Bicentennial Park is my family. It is my home.”

Several speakers asked the city to publicly explain recent, unspecified personnel decisions and media reports that prompted community concern. “We implore you to engage with us in open conversation,” Martinez said, and multiple speakers asked the council to preserve existing free or low‑cost programming and the staff who run them.

City Manager (title stated during the meeting) addressed the crowd during the manager’s report and said the city does not plan to sell or privatize Bicentennial Park. “There is no truth to rumors that the city intends to sell or privatize Bicentennial Park,” the manager said, adding that the city remains “committed to offering cultural and community programming.”

Several council members also responded from the dais. Councilman Hugg said he heard the speakers and told the room he would oppose any sale if such a proposal came before him. Mayor Terry Darcy and other members acknowledged the emotional testimony and the park’s long history; many council members encouraged staff to maintain existing programming and promised further dialogue.

Speakers repeatedly credited Lori Carmine (also spelled “Lori Carmack” in public comments) as the community leader behind much of the park’s programming. Dozens of public commenters said Carmine’s work with volunteers and youth created an inclusive environment for people with disabilities and families of varied incomes.

The meeting record shows no formal council action or vote to change Bicentennial Park’s ownership or to terminate programming on Oct. 7. Council members said personnel matters are handled by the city manager under the council‑manager form of government and that personnel specifics could not be discussed in open session.

The council did not set a specific new public process or formal review at the Oct. 7 meeting beyond public comments and several councillors’ pledges to keep programming. Several residents said they will continue to press for public meetings and full disclosure of any future plans.

For now, council members said they heard the community’s concerns and pledged to keep the park as an asset while working to provide more information and maintain community programming.