The fate of Southern DeKalb County’s Stone House Park was again discussed this past Wednesday, April 25th, at a DeKalb County Planning and Zoning Committee meeting. In the end, the committee sent the issue to the County Board with a recommendation not to approve the amended special use permit requested. The vote was unanimous with members Ken Andersen, Dan Cribben, Pat Vary and John Emerson present. The full county board will consider and vote on the issue Wednesday, May 16th at 7:30pm.
The campground was shut down in late 2011 for failure to comply with several conditions in their 2008 special use permit. Owners Gregg Larson and Steve Cecchin are requesting an amendment to their special use permit due to changes in their business plan. Two public hearings have been held concerning the requested amendment to the Special Use Permit held by Stone House Park. At those public hearings, neighbors spoke of their concerns about how the park was run in the past couple of years. Complaints were made over loud music played all night, fire code violations, lack of control, festival goers getting lost and ending up on neighbors farms and bringing an ‘undesirable crowd’ to the quiet rural area. Neighbors to the park stated that despite having discussed these issues with the owners of Stonehouse Park and the owners promising changes, none were forthcoming to date.
Planning and Zoning chairperson Ken Andersen spoke to the issue Wednesday evening saying he had attended both public hearings and had visited Stone House Park twice in recent months. Andersen read a statement expressing his feelings that the County Board needed to listen to their constituents and not approve the amended special use permit.
Planning Zoning and Building Director Paul Miller stated that if the full county board did deny the requested amendment the property would immediately revert to agricultural zoning. Miller cautioned that anything could happen at the May 16th county board hearing.
Widow’s Peak Music Festival | May 17-20, 2012 |
Pagan Spirit Gathering 2012 | June 17-24, 2012 |
Country Music Festival | June 29-July 1, 2012 |
Whippersnap Music Festival | July 20-22, 2012 |
Octoberfest | October 3-8, 2012 |
Editors Note: Grace Mott was an owner of Stone House Park from 1990 -2000.
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53 Comments


I visted the park last year while attending PSG ,it’s a really nice and pretty place,that being stated yes Pagan Spirit Gathering is a religion’s event .
1) Drugs aren’t permitted,you get thrown out if caught doing them at the retreat.
2) Nudity is a option “option” and not in or around certain areas ,like childcare.
3) If you break any rules,laws,like harassing children,or other people your escorted off the event and turned over to the local police.
Yes somethings like concerts go on into the wee hours,and it can get load that’s not a good enough reason for shutting it down nor is somebody asking for directions, and while I was there last year I didn’t see or hear of anybody wondering into someones fields real late at night. This is a perfect example of why a lot of small towns are dyeing because they fight letting change and progress. In effect killing themselves because people move to were the business and events are. While there last year me my friends spent a lot of money and will again this year. It shouldn’t be closed because a few “people” don’t like the type of events being held,I think threw respect and talking,not throwing out unvalid acusations this problem could be resolved. If we’re willing to work together and listen to everyone’s oppion and advice seems fixable. Because it would be a real shame to see another park closed,enough have been already and at a great loss too all.

Camping in the US has declined 20%since1990: http://roadjournals.viamagazine.com/2011/10/31/get-back-to-nature-please/
The owners of SHP run a business and as any business owners they were forced to adapt, or fail. Gone are the days of the romantic “Dirty Dancing” campgrounds. This is a fact. I found numerous articles referring to the steep decline in camping. When was the last time any of you who have spoken against the park actually left your yard and had a family camp-out vacation? People have to go spend their money at Disney World to keep up with the Jonses. This tax revenue for the countyis lost. I took my children camping when they were young and it was an incredibly wonderful experience for all of us. Of course we were forced to actually abandon the XBOX and interact with one another while fishing, hiking and the like. That was sarcasm, we all loved it and cherish the memories.
I guess also are gone the times of helping ones neighbors. Good God fearing country folk used to band together to raise a barn or something of the sort to help a neighbor. I guess they also used to don white sheets and burn crosses on the yards of those they wished to drive out. What will be your legacy?
There has also been a lot of talk referring to the fact that the owners of SHP do not live in the county. I consider this a good thing. They make their money elsewhere and spend it here on property taxes and materials to improve the park.
I still believe compromises can be made and a common ground can be attained. If the park goes to Agricultural zoning, the park will be forced to close, and with such zoning, no bank will be able to sell the property leaving it vacant for years. Is this better for the neighborhood?

This reminds me of a story way back last century when a Physician I knew, wanted to make some changes to his own property, a small hobby farm that was being encroached on all sides by urban sprawl. He was denied the special use zoning permits by meddling neighbors and planning commission. As the special use permit was denied, the only legitimate use was agricultural. (The same fate that may happen to stone house)
The good Doctor being a pretty smart fellow, didn’t want to waste his investment or disrespect the wishes of the locals and planning commission. He began to build fences. Good fences make good neighbors. As soon as he had the fence situation under control, he installed the necessary housing and equipment to operate a modern swine production facility. The then moved about 1,000 head of swine onto the property.
Pigs make swell neighbors, They NEVER make any noise at night. But don’t forget the best part of living in the country- All that “FRESH” country air.
The good Doctor didn’t have to apply for a special use permit as it was already made clear he could only use the land for agricultural purposes.
Stone House folks if your reading this you might consider the same. I would also raise snakes too, there’s good money in snake venom.
Life will go on and eventually the neighbors will dream of the GOOD OLD DAYS when there was a campground nearby and the sweet sounds of music wafting through on weekends.
Kind regards
Kaleb Sweet

When I successfully applied for a special use permit for this property, one of the neighbors stood up and reminded me that if they wanted to put a pig farm across the street from the park, I could not stop them. I was reminded that ‘this was farm country’,
Perhaps threatening farmers with a pig farm isn’t that threatening after all. 😉
On that note I’ve just got to say…. I’m really not liking all the threats coming from attendees of the park on this string. Especially when most of them have not been following the legalities of what’s going on… I fail to see how threatening the neighbors or the gov’t officials achieves your goal of keeping the park open.

The pig farm is a possibility. I have a couple of others to add:
1. Wind farm
2. Landfill
3. Some NIU students get really creative with their off-campus parties and have the NIU PD provide security as part of that new trial program. (I wonder if there are some geographical constraints on that).
Seriously, though, it is not that difficult to get decent signage. I live on a corner. Before I spent five bucks to add house numbers on a second side of the house, I used to get lost pizza delivery people mixing up my house and the neighbors next door. While that does not sound like a major problem, my former neighbors really loved pizza and it was a weekly event until I added those extra house numbers.

Gracie is right, though. The best way to make something happen is to realize that there are legitimate problems and see how many of those could be addressed.

One of the things that I think many folks are missing here is that the management of Stonehouse Park brought their problems with the County and with the neighbors on themselves.
The park operated for a number of years as a nice, quiet campground catering to peace, quiet, and solitude loving folks. Everything was fine, nobody appeared terribly unhappy. Then Stonehouse Park opted to host the music festivals. SHP didn’t give the neighbors fair warning, they didn’t ask if anybody cared if they amplified the music until 3 or 4 in the morning. SHP just went ahead and hosted the “cultural musical” events as if they didn’t even care what the ramifications were to the neighbors. Suddenly, and without waring, the peace, quiet, and solitude of the Rollo area was shattered by the amplified music. The very same peace, quiet, and solitude so many visitors to Stonehouse Park claim to relish. Boom. Shattered. Thanks.
Along came the plans for 2012. More music festivals and plans for larger crowds. The Sheriff’s Department had requested that SHP notify the Sheriff when such events were going to be held in order that the Department could schedule additonal officers to work (what with the DUI’s and the drugs the Department reported in 2011) at the public hearings held concering Stonehouse Park’s request to extend the special use permit. Those of you who attended the public hearings heard the Sheriff’s Department say that Stonehouse Park never did notify the Department when it planned to have events that may be of interest to the Sheriff’s Department.
During the winter, after SHP had started planning the 2012 events, it occured to the management of SHP that perhaps they ought to ask the County Board to re-up the special permit they got in 2008. A permit that had certain requirements SHP was supposed to meet to be in compliance with the County. Requirements they didn’t meet as of winter 2012. So they just blew off the County’s requirements and did not comply. Then SHP comes back to the county at the public hearings and claim they will comply, which they have failed to do for 4 years. SHP wasn’t supposed to use the barn for any use in the interest of safety, yet those of you who were at the public hearings heard that, in fact, events had been held in the barn in violation of the county special use permit.
Folks who attended the public hearings heard the negative points concerning the managing of Stonehouse Park.
Now, some people want to blame the Planning and Zoning committee for being bad guys. Some people want to say the neighbors are unfair because they don’t appreciate the music until 3 o’clock in the morning.
Actually, the management of Stonehouse Park brought their own problems on themselves by their own actions, or lack of actions. Now they want the County Board to just let it slide. Wow.

I have camped at stonehouse park for some years and last year i was the caretaker. This year I have happily been the person mowing all the property. I was on the property for every event last year. Yes the music at times ran later into the night, but you could barly hear it on the edges of the property. The county sheriff was told every time there was an event. They were also allowed on the property any time they wanted. It seems like some of the neighbors would rather see an abandoned piece of property rather than a growing business.

If this park was going to be closed down for alledged violations why was it not done so at the close of last year?Why did the Zoneing board wait till the campground had booked events and people in the thousands had allready paid money to attend them.Is the Zoneing board going to refund the money and make up for the intentional loss of income.If I were stonehouse Id be gettting a lawer to force an injuction against the zoneing commitie as they are obviously not willing to play fair!

Oh, yes, WHY oh WHY did the owners of SHP NOT tell the event managers that their special permit and CEASE AND DESIST orders were given on NOVEMBER 17, 2011 at the SECOND Planning and Zoning Violation hearing until they submitted their proposed amendment? (For those of you newbies, under OATH they claimed not to have received the certified mail sent to the SHP address OR the copies mailed to their home addresses in Elmhust and North Sidney, IL for the FIRST hearing when two others involved received theirs? – Especially since Gregg Larson FIRED the employee who signed for the papers AT THE POST OFFICE…)
WHY oh WHY did they totally BLOW OFF their neighbors at the FIRST Public hearing on February 9th, who respectfully DID NOT ASK to have the Special Use Permit denied and put them out of business when – just keep it as a campground and special event venue for events like the LARP or Pagan Sprit Gathering? Two summers of concerts where the promoters didn’t give a rat’s butt that the stage times for the bands of 2 AM and 4 AM 3+ nights in a row might not be the most neighborly thing to do? And the reenactment groups’ same attitude about gunfire and cannons going off ALL NIGHT LONG. Perhaps if they had actually been ONSITE during the earlier years instead of their snug little beds, they would know FIRST HAND what a BOON their business was to the neighborhood. Gregg Larson was made aware of the neighbors concerns in FEBRUARY 2011 and STILL proceeded with whatever he wanted. BTW, he was the only known owner until this past fall when the P&Z Department, on their own without the neighbors knowledge was in the position to act on the 10″ file of permit and code violations that had morphed since original permit application was granted in September 2008.
WHY oh WHY do you same newbies not just do a baby step more internet research? You could find ALL the DeKalb County board meeting minutes and see for yourselves that this isn’t a short term issue. It wasn’t until the owners went to the first P&Z committee meeting and represented themselves having the support of the community. The ONLY thing they gave on was no noise after midnight which OBVIOUSLY they also didn’t communicate to the event promoters, because Widow’s Peak website was quoted at the most recent P&Z committee’s as one of the reasons how the “owners shot themselves in the foot” because they still had bands starting as late as 1:30 AM.
As far as any “financial benefit” to the county is concerned, ask the Farmers & Traders State Bank in Shabbona or the original owner, Helen Roberts, of SHP how much of a financial benefit they have been to them? One sheriff’s sale was scheduled earlier this year for over a year of non payment on their $1.2 million mortgage, bringing in bank examiners (google it, newbies, it’s a matter of public record.) Ms. Roberts had to foreclose on her note to Gregg Larson for nonpayment and yet he still thinks it’s okay to “rent” out the bunker on her property as recent as the end of March. Takes more than a tank of gas for your SUV or weekend’s groceries to make up for those numbers.
This isn’t about one weekend of our summers. SHP wants eight events during the season. Do the math – it works out to EVERY OTHER WEEKEND. As far as the simplistic, “plant a couple of cops outside the entrances” thought, those of us who live NEXT DOOR to SHP were hostages on our own farms. Stings were set up on both sides of the park where stops and arrests were a constant the whole weekend-right at our front doors ALL SUMMER LONG!
The critics would also have you believe that rapes, underage drinking and chemical drug use doesn’t exist at these events because THEY didn’t see it. I attended one event and had several conversations with the lollipop guild (aka ecstasy users) and another neighbor had to rescue another neighbor when some guy tried to attack her and pull her into his tent. Just because you didn’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. Maybe this is the proper place to ask the owners about the rumors that one of them allowed Indian Creek High School students from 2006-2008 to have After Prom Keg Parties.
And, ah, the idealism of youth… Many of us WE ARE ROLLO people attended the Good Times and Boonie Boogie parties held locally back in the dark ages. We protested when the lagoon in People’s Park was closed to swimming. To lump us into the “old farts” club is any debaters dream as once you begin calling people names instead of using facts, you’ve lost the argument.
GOD BLESS THE DEKALB COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE!!! May the full board follow suit!

“once you begin calling people names instead of using facts, you’ve lost the argument.”
I suppose this doesn’t apply to you referring to people as the “lollipop guild”.
As far as being held hostage on your farm by the police, isn’t that a matter you should take up with them? They were never called to respond to an emergency, they took it upon themselves to set up shop outside your house and harass tax paying citizens.

Kimberly-
I greatly respect the fact that you live in the area, and that you have genuine and alarming concerns about SHP’s conduct over the years. I too believe the park has made grievous errors of judgment and management over the last few years. But I also believe that you have very little empathy for them, and wish you could stop for a moment to place yourself in their shoes.
I am heartsick and feeling beyond terrible because I believe that I personally have had a lot to do with things coming this far. I am one of the founders of Widow’s Peak. Now before you equate that to your ‘lollipop guild’ I will have you know that our music festival has always been smaller than 400 people. And that we have always been 21+. And that we have always had our own EMT on site. And that the hardest drug we have had in the park is whiskey.
We have always informed the Sheriff- on our own- well ahead of our event. We have complied with every law and ordinance we were aware of. We have never had an arrest, and to my knowledge we have never even had a noise complaint. The music we had set to start at 1:30AM was planned to be in the Barn, enclosed and not blaring. The idea that it was unusable for any reason was not conveyed to us- but if it had been we would have canceled it.
I wish to my soul that you and your neighbors had attended our fest- because it really is more like a family reunion than Woodstock. Our music is progressive roots- mostly bluegrass and blues, Also primarily acoustic. Not exactly ridiculous and loud.
Your country board’s decision to switch the regular date of their meetings from the fourth Wednesday of the month to the third did not go unnoticed. We realize that you have a problem with us, and have already planned to move.
Widow’s Peak was the first music festival to be held at SHP in last five years. I believe that we opened the flood gates and put the park on the map for the ‘undesirables’ mentioned at the meeting. I also believe that we spoiled the owners and make them think that every music festival is attended by close knit friends and family, that the median age is 35, and that every organizer works as hard as we do to make sure things go well.
This year we will have bands from Columbia Missouri, Pee Wee Valley Kentucky, Cincinnati Ohio, Fort Collins Colorado and Melbourne Australia. We also have people who paid for tickets that are coming from California, Seattle, New Orleans, New York, and from as far away as South Korea. These are not just traveling ‘hippies’ these are friends and family from all corners. In years past I have had four generations of my personal family attend. We also have a couple who met at Widow’s Peak 3 years ago and who were planing to have their honey moon at SHP this year.
Do not get me wrong, I still think the park has made serious oversights and mistakes, and that they must deal with the consequences.
Running a campground for music festivals is an incredibly tough thing to do. There is no manual. There is no vetting process. Some festivals are quite literally just a celebration of drugs and drug culture. We have never been that, and we tried to consul the owners to avoid hosting events like that. We failed, they failed, and now you and your neighbors are taking the only recourse that you can.
I am truly sorry that it has come to this. I wish nothing but the best for you and yours, and would like to take this chance to personally apologize to your community for being blindsided by all of this activity. The park dropped the ball, and I fully acknowledge that. Just please remember when you get your victory, and shut the park down, that it is really bittersweet. The nights will be quiet. The roads will be empty. And thousands of broken hearts will be finding another camp to call home for couple of days.

Ms. Makenerny,
(I apologize if I have mis-spelled your name).
When making broad strokes about a certain situation, perhaps you should consult with an authority.
Please let me cite some of your concerns:
1. November 17th, 2011. Ceast and Desist. Yep. That was done. No events. Please reference the DKO column: “Stonehouse Park Set to Re-open”. Small events were therefore, permitted.
2. Under oath. (Signed papers). Well, this doesnt particulary correspond to your duties, to challenge an ‘oath’. Do you have proof? What innuendo do you possess, (or rather, further proof), that can confirm any of this?
3. As for the Feb 9 meeting, how does this relate? Can you give me reasons why 4 of the 7 met at the last ‘recommendation’ metting? If I was at whim to suggest anything of reason to either of these cases, I’d be speculating.
4. 2am and 4am not ‘neighborly’. Well, perhaps not. I would totally enjoy hearing a combine running all night long, to harvest crops. Not serene peace, but for the benefit of income. Survival is key here. I wouldn’t eat raw fowl, but if it meant a difference between my last breath, and survival, I might dis-regard the hesitant opinions of my neighbors.
5. Reinactment groups, and gunfire all night long. Well, your first comments seem to be moot, and in a diatribe of further expression, it would seem to indicate a nuance of unsatisfication. Would you consider ‘all night long’ as 2am, 4am, or 6am? Can you prove it? Who should I talk to, to resolve the crack of thunder during a rainstorm, at 3:45 am?
6. If you looked at the SHP website, you would have seen ‘tentative’ for most events planned for this year. Obviously, if the combined efforts of the owners, and agreements with local residents could have been met, the ‘stop time’ would have been a solution. 1:30 or 2am could have been a nice peaceful discussion. Not a digression into vapidnism.
7. Financial benefit to Helen Roberts. Well hey, that’s a good idea! Why don’t we take a negative income, and spend it foolishly. Certain concessions take place in this world, all the time. If you can’t afford steak, and have to settle for Ramen noodles, you make arrangements. I wish that the park had a positive income over 12 months of the year. The ‘calendar of events’, if agreed,and expanded, would have given Ms. Roberts her due fees. (and such is the same for the bank). Now tell me: Are you using the dire existance of the park, as a prop towards your goals? Doesn’t seem very nice to beat someone when [they’re] down. You’ve just indicated your morals.
8. Eight events during the season. Well, lets make Illinois a temperate climate. How about this: Lets change it and make it winter 8 months of the year. Grow your crops. Dare you. How would you exist? Do you have ‘cancellations’ of event weekends during rain? Less people show up because the crops are getting rain?
9.Hostage on your own farm. Cops. Arrests. Oops. Cops (the ultimately respected officials, one of my two biggest heros) (Them, and firefighters), may have set up a ‘sting’. Well good! Two things result: Protection (which is their tax-paid duty),and income from arrests. If there were ‘zero’ arrests in this county, there would be no cops. Either that, or you would be paying a ‘tax’ on something that does nothing. I bet that ‘events’ at SHP bring slightly more representation to your area, than normal. Still scared? Tell a cop ONCE, that he’s not doing his duty.
10. Rapes, chemical use, and underage drinking. If you have first hand knowlege of this, 2nd hand, or nuances of it, it is your duty to report it. I if you are citing ‘grapevine’ info on this, then you are showing your true sprit to stand by, and let it happen, right in your neighborhood. If you have true proof of it, and do not report it, it becomes actionable. As an example:
Dear Mr. Official: I have confirmed information that ‘such-and such’ happened at SHP. This lets you off the hook.
If you state it as a ‘rumor’, and it is actually true, (and you have evidence that you do not present), then you are as much of a lawbreaker as the accused. I hope you have a good lawyer.
In closing, I suggest you consider a few facts: If any of your statements on DKO turn out to be fictional with intent to persuade the local residents, or to degrade the business entity that is Stonehouse Park, and directly or in-directly cause it to lose income, you are posing Liable. Any of the owners, vendors, coordinators, participants of events, Acts or talent, promotional entities, or temporary employment, local businesses, and future events that are cancelled, are in direct regard to your comments.

One of the first things a Sock Puppet does is deliberately misspell a word or a name. That’s a red flag.
So then I check the logs for confirmation. Sure enough Braxton Reed is a sock puppet.
173.118.182.204 is Braxton Reed (a name of a suburban IT company)
173.118.182.204 is also Dan Clemens.
I don’t think either name is the real name of the Sock Puppet but it doesn’t take long to identify… Game on, Dawg?
Sock Puppeting is not allowed. Final warning.
——
@Clifton… wisdom beyond your years. Gracie and I are proud ticket holders of Widow Peak festivals of the past. We really enjoy the festival and those we attended were very well ran. We wish nothing but the best for all concerned.

Dear Mac,
Thank you for your IP investigation of the Trolls Among Us. After days of Rollo residents’ character assignations both here and on the Don Quixote (wave your foam sword at the big bad unfriendly neighbors) change.org petition site, I finally wrote “just the facts, ma’am”, which are also available to any troll with any kind of internet savvy.
At least we have the cajones to use our real names and not slink around as if we are working off of a LARP script. Lest anyone misinterpret THAT comment, I think the majority of LARP fans are amazing and it has been an amazing outlet for many.
And, Mr. Cecchin has accused ME of being adversarial? We Are Rollo followed the procedures of normal civic process. We are content to place our faith in the system and let the chips fall where they may. The sour grapes and outrage of the Fans of SHP are misplaced as it was NEVER the actions of the community that caused these problems. The owners of SHP are nothing other than “victims of their own arrogance.”

Kimberly,
Much as I despise trolls on the internet, argumentum ad hominem still does not remove the spirit of his argument, nor does it instantly invalidate everything he says.
In case you are unfamiliar, “ad hominem” is a term that roughly translates as “to the person”. It’s where you attack the person making the argument, rather than the argument they are making. It is one of the basest methods of argumentation, and only serves to pull the debate down into the mud.
Something that also qualifies as ad hominem argumentation is your choice to first depict LARPers in a negative fashion (ie “wave your foam sword at the big bad unfriendly neighbors”, “slink around as if we are working off of a LARP script”), followed by the attempt at absolution by saying “oh, but I like LARPers!” Doublespeak much?
This situation as a whole screams of a small-minded community that feels as though its duty is to monitor and regulate events occurring on private property. As a service member, this breach of freedom outright disgusts me, and makes me ashamed to say that I come from a similar community.

In the words of Kevin Anderson… “I believe” Kevin Anderson should practice his elementary spelling and punctuation before attempting to sound intelligent.

I’m all for intelligent conversation… It’s Ken Andersen, not Kevin Anderson. Something about the Internet gets people in a rush, I guess.

My friends and I have been visiting Stonehouse Park several times a year for many years. It would be unfortunate to see it close. I live several hours a way and as such make at the very least top off my gas tank (which these days in an SUV can be over $100), eat out at least two meals and spend $50-100 in groceries nearby each time. In the years I’ve been attending SHP I’ve never seen drug use or underage drinking there.
As a small business owner in my own community I would definitely vote to keep SHP open with its special use permit. The attendees of these events are going to gather somewhere and I would certainly rather them spend a few hundred dollars locally than somewhere else. Events attract tourists, tourists spend money, money creates local jobs.

I looked at some of those events listed as being effected by the zoning change. The two music festivals go really late into the night and they are loud but they are only long weekends so its not so bad. The pagan spirit gathering though is 8 or 9 days long!! They got kicked out of a place in Ohio a few years ago and then they moved to Camp Zoe in Missouri that was closed down and had their property confiscated by the government for excessive drug sales, excessive drug and alcohol use, and under age drinking. Last year the noise from that event lasted into the early morning hours. Try living with THAT for a whole week! Also, the event is also “clothing optional” it allows nudity and there are young children there. Do we really want to encourage drinking, drug using and nudity for a week at a time in our neighborhood?

House Cleaning: I linked the statement about Camp Zoe’s legal issues to the actual complaint. Otherwise I would have removed the comment. We allow first names and nicknames on comments but when making claims of past, present or future litigation please provide source link.

Your assertions about Pagan Spirit Gathering (PSG) are not accurate. I’m a longstanding member of the church that coordinates PSG. PSG was not “kicked out” of the old event site in Ohio, there were disagreements during contract negotiation that led to the festival moving elsewhere because the OH site owners wanted to use the venue for their own event on that week. So we moved to a site in MO. Regarding Camp Zoe in MO: the undercover investigation into the site owners was begun long before PSG coordinators even heard of them, and our coordinators were not aware of it (if we were, we would not have used that site). The drug & alcohol allegations were in regard to other music festivals held at Camp Zoe for a couple of years prior to the 2010 raid that led to their shutdown. Again, no Pagan events were ever involved in any part of that investigation, and no allegations of wrongdoing were ever made in regard to the Pagan events on that land. The site’s legal trouble was completely unrelated to PSG, as is the case with Stone House Park, where we moved to in 2011. PSG is not a music festival, but a spiritual retreat. Pagans are mindful people, respectful and reverent of the land around them and the neighbors who are supported by the land they are blessed to walk on. Drug use & all other illegal behavior is *strictly* prohibited during our festival, we have security staff actively monitoring all activity, and all attendees are held to very high standards of personal accountability. PSG is not the problem. We can’t control what other types of events that a site owner chooses to book throughout the year. It is very unfortunate that attendees of some of those other concerts have been discourteous of the neighborhood. It is my hope that this situation can be resolved to the satisfaction of all respectful parties affected by the zoning.

Thanks for your input and clarifications. Members of the PSG organization have attended and participated in public hearing and committee meetings throughout this process. You are informed of the real issues. Neighbors of the park have testified favorably on the PSG event(s) held at Stonehouse Park. It’s unfortunate yours and other events have been caught in the middle.
You can’t tell creative types that they’re losing a place to show their talents to their peers without it becoming an emotional issue. And I’m impressed with many of the commenters’ writing talents but this is a compliance issue. In 2008 the Special Use Permit was amended at the owners’ request. The conditions of that request were not met. In addition there were violations of state and county zoning laws with regards to public health and safety cited. Businesses open to the public must adhere to those laws.
Unfortunately it appears too late to apply but the time for being a good neighbor is not limited to those times you need your neighbors.

Mac-
I had a response to “G” waiting for moderation last night, now this morning I see it nowhere. I guess it has been moderated to oblivion.
What was objectionable about my comment?

Thanks for your questions, Kerry. You gave me the opportunity to do some comment rules explaining.
All first time commenters are automatically placed in pending status.
All commenters that provide non working email addresses are automatically placed in pending status.
All commenters that provide multiple links in a post are placed in pending status.
Gracie and I approve the nonspam comments as soon as we see them.
The above rules are enforced automatically to prevent automatic spam generators from using our site.
We try to keep our discussions respectful and at our discretion will remove posts to keep things orderly.
To that I know you, Kerry, will always engage in respectful conversation. But since I’m house rules cleaning I included it.
Speaking of discussion, what’s going on with 428 financing? Those EAV reports aren’t looking healthy. How about a guest column?

G-
I’d like to hear your response to the issue of nudity (with potentially illegal conduct) as brought up by “Concerned”.
While I am unfamiliar with Pagan religion detail, (you say you are from a church that coordinates PSG) perhaps you can tell us how nudity (“clothing optional”) and free/open sexuality (my terms for what I read in the document link below) conform with state/county statutes and zoning ordinances. I learned a lot by visiting: http://www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/guidelines.html and reading about “Clothing Times and Places” and “Sexuality” in the “Gathering Etiquette” section of the web page.
I also learned something from: http://wisteria.org/info.htm apparently another Pagan gathering where again I see “clothing optional”.
As a church member, are you telling us PSG is a church event sponsored and organized by the/a Pagan church? Would you consider PSG at Stonehouse Park a church service?
Does the park zoning allow for church services if in fact it is a church service? I am not fully aware of DeKalb County zoning regulations for church congregations or services, but do know they exist and are discussed from time to time. In fact, I recall a recent county zoning discussion regarding the location of a church congregation in an agriculturally zoned area. I don’t know if PSG would be considered under the same rules.
Certainly there may be first amendment religious liberties under consideration here. At the same time, how will PSG guarantee no laws are broken or others’ rights (particularly minors) infringed? Is a permit required?

As a first time attendee to Stonehouse, I was struck by how beautiful the land is, and how great a space it is for festival events that build community through the arts, music, workshops, and just people coming together from around the country to see each other once a year.
As someone who’s semi-local to the area (I live in Chicago) I would be more than happy to help volunteer some of my time to help make some of the improvements to the land that are needed in order to make this a venue that is able to host camping/festival/music/arts events. I imagine that there are several hundred other folks from the festival I attend alone who would be willing to donate some time towards this.
It sounds like a number of the problems identified are easily solved with some grunt work. Neighbors are getting upset that people get lost and come to them for directions. Well–I was someone who got a little lost. I got turned around a couple of times. I’m not a drunk driver, I don’t even drink, I just get easily turned around. I’m good at backtracking and figuring out where I made a wrong turn, and didn’t end up having to ask anyone for directions, so I’m not sure if neighbors are upset at people turning around in their driveways too.
That being said, this is a fairly easy fix if Stonehouse put up some bigger signs, and if some of the neighbors who consistently get lost people put up some signs of their own–or let Stonehouse volunteers do so. I’m a graphic designer and event planner, good signage helps people know 1. when they are in the right place, and 2. when they are in the wrong place and how to get to the right place. It’s not that difficult, if the neighbors who are impacted would be interested in a solution like that. A simple sign by the mailbox/driveway indicating, Directions to Stonehouse, a small map with the relevant information, and then nobody needs to be bothered. Stonehouse puts up some additional signage at critical turn points, and that problem is fixed.
So many of the problems are not insurmountable if everyone involved is willing to look at solutions. The consequence of closing Stonehouse as a venue is a tremendous loss of income to businesses across the area, including Stonehouse itself. Any of the tactical problems can be addressed one by one, and it sounds like Stonehouse is working to do that.
If there was a need for volunteer assistance to help make some of these happen, I and many others who enjoy events at Stonehouse would be interested in helping out. I’m not a 20 year old underage drinker who does drugs, I’m 34, I teach leadership and communication skills, I’m a graphic designer and business consultant, I don’t drink, I don’t do drugs, and I love getting together with my friends in a beautiful space where we can enjoy a week together to music.

Having been a newcomer to the the Stonehouse Park last year with a local LARP group, I loved it. The facility was exactly what I had hoped, far removed from the city, trees, fresh air, and a wonderful time even in the middle of the winter time!!
As far as these drugs, drinking and what not, we are not allowed the use of these substances on the grounds during our LARP events, based on the organzations rules. The owners have always gone above and beyond to help us, I would hate to see this place be shut down. They are making improvements. I saw it therein action last weekend!
Shutting down this facility would make loss of revenue for the community of Earlville, loss of space for LARP groups, musicians, campgoers of all kinds, and people who generally just want to get away from it all.
Don’t Close Stone House Park.

I attend a lot of festivals to photograph them, and this is my new favorite venue to attend. Last year I was at one event, this year i have planned three. When i attend any festival the first thing i do, EVERY TIME, is stop and get my food and supply’s for the weekend. Now generally its just food, but that costs me at least 100 dollars. Now add an extra 50 bucks for other things. Take all of that….multiply by 500 (as a low estimate of people that attend each event from out of town) Are you and the business owners of your county willing to lose all of that because of signage and sound???? Doesn’t make sense to me, but then again I am one of the undesirable people you don’t want around, so I must wrong.

The presence of a vibrant youth counter culture is imperative to maintain the future desirability of the community because it has down stream impact on the creative arts and all sorts of other tough to grasp things that impact the local economy.
There are some younger people running for County Board this November, myself included. If you want change, find a candidate you believe in and help them get into office. It’s the only way.

Quick clarification: The town of Earlville is in LaSalle County. Stone House Park’s mailing address is Earlville but their physical location is in DeKalb County (zoning jurisdiction).
Just an interesting note; The campground is 7 miles from all the towns of Earlville, Paw Paw (whose Fire Dept. serves the park and is Lee County), and Shabbona (school dist. for SHP property).

If it wasn’t for Stonehouse Park, I would have never heard of Earlville, Il. I definitely wouldn’t have ever been that far off the beaten path. I spend hundreds of dollars in the local community every time I go to a Stonehouse Park event. At any event, I am bringing 10-12 people with me (who have/had also never heard of the town nor had any reason to be in the area and are also bringing their wallets).
I was surprised to see this article because at any event I’ve attended, I’ve never seen the police show up to enforce noise ordinances.It would seem if the events were so unruly- the police would be there all the time (I’ve been there 4 times now and I haven’t seen them once). How can a problem be fixed if it’s only being addressed at the top level? The people making the noise should be told it’s a problem directly as well. I am not familiar with the area’s noise ordinances but where I live, all music must stop by 10 pm unless a special permit has been paid for.
I agree that it could use better signage. However, should something else go in Stonehouse’s place, will the neighbors be angry if people have a hard time finding that as well?
I would be sad to see Stonehouse go, especially over simple problems.

I appreciate all the good and bad comments posted so far. As for the ‘negative’ comments, please accept some of my opinions: As for a ‘Major Concert Venue’, it has been a concert venue for 3-4 years. (in small quantity, not 30,000 as seen in the larger venues) .. IN the previous years of such events, no complaints have been expressed from any of the neighbors. Whenever any such event has taken place, it has generated at LEAST, $10 per person in gas to travel here (purchased locally). If you check the public records, there has been ONE issue that required the local Sheriifs to participate. (minor) (Unless it’s a traffic stop, which is also revenue generating). Sure, they will rent the property to anyone willing… What local crops are grown that anyone is willing to plant? Do you like Revenue? I bet the County and local businessses like the revenue.. (such as a local restaurant, that sells 300 pizzas in a weekend)
Drug arrests: Zero. Underage Drinking? Are you sure of this? Can you prove it?
I’ve heard all the banter of expressed concern of this business (remember the word business). In the public meetings, there was concern of people invading their world. If you’re a township resident, and someone comes to your door (for hours) looking for directions, are you at such a hardship to help a fellow? If I ran out of gas at your door, would you dismiss me?
Do you go to Church? Do you donate to the church? Are you a willing follower of mankind, and it’s respect for eachother? Are people in this area so indignant to complain that people (of the same species) come to knock on their door, just to ask for help?
City folk would do this. We’re friendly in this town. We’re above discrimination of any of the people in our town(s), whether they’re visitors, (with pocket change), or just here to enjoy. If we pose that we’re against people looking for help, or directions, then we’re just open to our own personal fears. I pity this. The posing of two posts (above) of complaints of help to mankind is the same as individualism toward the abboration against people of the same ilk as all of us. Examine your values. I exceedingly suggest doing so.
As for personal fears:
Underage drinking, code violations, traffic stops, drug arrests. How many times has this come into your world, and personally affected you? If I had a successful business, and drug arrests compromised my crops, I’d be the first to voice an opinion. I’m quite sure that any businessman would abhor any of this. Perhaps the owners of the park are aware of this? Can it be proven? Doubtful. The fear of the unknown is driving most of the complaints… If someone ‘local’ was in the newspaper, and had a ‘drug arrest’, would it really take your world and turn it upside down? Would it make the corn sour? (my apologies, a metaphor that I could only devise).
As for the true nature of the park: It is a business. It employs people. There are many people that stand to lose their livelyhood . (This I can personally attest to). If it goes away, it grows weeds, appears on the ‘forclosure’ list, and property values suffer.
Now let me ask you this:
What can you actually prove, that you stand to lose?
If the park goes away, you will lose tourism, local income, property values, and fellow people asking for directions.
When I knock on your door, and ask you for a personal mankind gesture, I certainly hope that you respond. It makes you among all of us.

I appreciate the zoning commission listening to the people in the area that are concerned about the recent goings on at Stonehouse Park. I also feel they gathered all the evidence to make their decision. Stonehouse Park was at one time a nice campground. The present owners want to turn it into a major concert venue without regard to whom they disturb. They will allow anyone to rent their property so they can acquire the revenue for it. I doubt the county would be in for little if any revenue from it. The sherrifs dept expressed their concerns of past experience with code violations, drug arrests, under-age drinking and numerous traffic stops. I feel the zoning commission did the right thing and I am thankful for it.

It is still a nice campground.

i hate to say shut it down, this place has been a campground for years and other owners with a good business plan made money at it. why these owners cant make as a campground then there must be something wrong with there business plan. i live 2 miles from the park and my wife and i had people at are door for hours asking how to get to this place. we wouldnt have this trouble if the camping signs was put back up and it went back to a campground. i couldnt make any meetings because of work. if this gets the ok i think us voters should take a good look at who we vote for next time

None of the neighbors had any complaints until AFTER the season. I’m just saying give them a chance before running them out of business,

Dan J:
With the onset of Satellite TV, Internet, or any recent technology, the resultant embrace of ‘Campgrounds’ is dire, at best. If my facts are correct, the current owners purchased the property, in ‘failure’ status. When people are ‘at are door’,(sic) just remember, it’s PEOPLE that make your life possible. They buy your crops, they purchase goods from your community, they provide you with your needs. If you are so hardpressed to dismiss our fellow humans, perhaps [they] will dismiss your passions as well.
Currently, the park IS a campground. It holds events, just like every other campground that is successful. It hosts visitors for day, or weekend, or week-long events. The ‘crop’ that the campground harvests, is PEOPLE.
[That is what campgrounds do]
If you sold car tires, or corn, or housepaint, and over the years, you found that ‘none’ of those were overly popular anymore, what would you do? Would you try different things, just to survive?
If you’re troubled by the influx of ‘many hours’ of fellow humans asking for directions, remind them when they visit, that you’re perturbed at their existance, and not to purchase your product anymore.

I worry about an official who believes in mob rule.

As a resident of DeKalb County, I must ask a couple of questions of the board. Has the park had any events since the neighbors concerns arose? Have the owners been given the simple chance to prove that there can be events at the park, and harmony with their neighbors? What will happen to the property values if the park is forced to close? Have you looked into the loss of revenue to the county?
This comes not from a 22 year old “kid” but from a 46 year old adult. I know of many more people my age who have enjoyed events at Stonehouse Park without incident.
Thank you.

It is such a shame that these indavuduals in the local government have no problem with destroying another small bussness. This is a deliberate attack on the artistic community and youth alike. Not all events attended are music based and are conducted in a safe and organized manner. The base statement that there is a lack of control is merely uniformed opinion and here say at best.
The idea that property values are falling influences just another myth to justify the destruction of this place of expression. Without Stone House, Earlville will yet again become an unknown backwater town that resides in Sothern Dekalb County. When you rebuke Stone House Parks special events license, you forgo the revenue those hundreds of event goers bring to your local economy.
I for one have experienced some of the best times of my life during events at Stone House Park and know of many others who can say the same.
Thank you for your time.

DeKalb County Online sought and received the following statement from Ken Andersen, Planning & Zoning Committee Chair:
“Here is what I read at the meeting. When going against the Hearing Officer’s recommendation as a committee we need to submit our own Finding of Facts for the record. I have attached those remarks to this e-mail.”
Thoughts, Comments and Reasons for Denying the Amendment to Stonehouse RV Park Special Use
4/25/12
Having attended both hearings and making 2 site visits to the subject property, listening and reading everything that was submitted by both the applicant, staff reports, Hearing Officer reports and from all those opposing the granting of this permit. I will be moving to deny this application for the amendment that the owners are seeking.
My reasons for doing so are the following:
1. I believe that this property and its use does and will dominate the area in question because of the applicants inability to follow the rules from the original permit that was granted.
2. Furthermore the property values of the neighborhood will be diminished and will be detrimental to the values of the properties.
3. I also believe that when a large number of citizens signing petitions asking that the permit not be granted, we as lawmakers need to listen to those who are opposed. I believe in majority rule and in this case I believe the majority has spoken.
4. Also at issue here is my concern for the health and safety of the public. After hearing testimony form the Sheriff’s department I am convinced that emergency personnel if called to the park would have a hard time in executing their duties.
5. My final reason for denying this request lies with the management of the owners. Their in ability to take control of their events and gatherings indicates to me that they will not be able to control the events in the future causing problems that as a county we are not ready to address.
If for some reason we were to approve this request it must be without question a Performance Bond be required to cover the time for the Sheriff’s department and emergency personnel and other unknown expenses. I see very little if any economic reasons for approving this request.
Respectfully;
Ken Andersen
P&Z Chair
DeKalb County Board

Stonehouse Park is far away from the main town and is pretty much in the middle of nowhere. It brings in extra revenue to the surrounding area and opens up multiple options for music, art, recreation and unique events to the local area These things stunt the use of drugs, alcohol and dangerous activities by giving youth and the populace in Dekalb County opportunities to participate in events outside of the regular daily grind.To say this park is an eyesore and a problem to the county is a lie and it’s cheating the area out of a possibility to bring in growth and change to everyone.
Does Dekalb suggest shutting down colleges because of “dangerous” and “unruly” college kids doing drugs, drinking, fighting, rape and noise complaints! I attended an event at Stonehouse last year and there were no such incidents or anything dangerous of that nature. In fact the event gave hundreds of people a safe and adventurous way to enjoy several days of sport, camping and nature. If anything the people in the council should attend a few events and then make some decisions after investing a little more time and effort into their opinions. Being narrow minded and basing your opinion on a brief gathering of assumptions and poor analytical skills is biased and offensively conservative.
I’ve lived in Dekalb County and I will tell you from personal experience what is really going on in this situation. A handful of Dekalb County’s officials are on a power trip and are scared of change. They want to have the playing field be small and easily observable. They want to turn the land back into agricultural property… do you not see how this only benefits a select few people and not the County as a whole? This translates into laziness and the inability to see any other group of people besides close minded farmers and an aging populace, as well as profit for those that stand to gain once the park is gone. You want your residents docile, conservative and corn fed. They also want to drive out anyone who could be a possible threat to their tiny little minds and the tiny little community. The smaller the barrel, the easier it is to shoot the fish.
Our country is contaminated by people like this and we suffer for it. The majority of our out of box thinkers, artists, musicians and game changers move to the West, while the rest of us staying in Illinois suffer from the highest taxes and some of the highest corruption in the country.
The more greedy and tyrannical they get, the more they lie through their teeth and say it’s for the good of the people and all that jazz. Well I’ll tell you the ugly truth… there’s almost nothing good about Dekalb County and instances like this prove exactly why. Did you all read that grocery list of ridiculously generic comments about the reasons they had behind wanting to deny the permit? Come up with some real concrete material and actually show us the economic proof that this place doesn’t boost revenue for local business owners while events are taking place. Give us the statistical evidence of the dangers of this park staying open. Where are your numbers. Where is the hard proof of your decisions?
There will always be a small number of “bad apples” that do bad things. Did they shut down NIU because one guy walked into a classroom and killed people? Did they say ” Oh, the possibility of someone doing this every day is unknown and dangerous.” The answer is no. Did they take away every gun in the County because of this? Again, the answer is no. Some idiot will always drink underage, do a drug, or have a traffic violation… this cannot be denied. But you can’t justify shutting down something that gives hundreds of people happiness and motivation in life because of a small number of negative instances and unknown variables. If anything this area is afraid of growth and change and therefore will attack Stonehouse Park like White Blood cells
I spent several hundred dollars in your county at the event I attended last year and I know a few dozen others that did as well. All the monetary evidence of your local economic gain, I swear, will fluctuate up and down with the arrival and departure of the hundreds of people that attend events at Stonehouse park. You close your eyes for the “what ifs” and you don’t open them for the “right nows.” If you get rid of this park you will be the poorer for it not just economically but also morally.
This is a reprehensible act that needs to be seen on a grander scale and if the county allows a few power stricken individuals with tiny minds to make up excuses for controlling what they are afraid of because of lack of understanding… then perhaps this needs to be taken to the next level of authority or action.

Sean;
Your opinions and views are well written, and need to be noted. Actually, [they] need to be broadcast around the planet. From the ‘grocery list’ that exists, and the exceedingly narrow mindset of the officials, there is an abboration.
I’d like to examine the ‘grocery list’.
From Ken Andersons’ comments, let’s take a look:
1. I believe that this property and its use does and will dominate the area in question because of the applicants inability to follow the rules from the original permit that was granted
{this} is rather generic. Are there specifics that can be cited, that make this true? If so, then cite the owners, and move on. What does the phrase “Dominate the area” mean? Is this psycobabble on a grand scale? Stonehouse park is a treasure. People come to enjoy. The owners are well aware of the ‘action items’ that need to be addressed. 110% of them are in process.
2. Furthermore the property values of the neighborhood will be diminished and will be detrimental to the values of the properties
Dear Mr. Anderson… In your redundant observation, have you considered an empty forclosed area of your county, growing weeds, and the loss of an historic “Civil War’ era property, as an eyesore to property values? How about this: A seven figure generating commerce to local businesses.
3. I also believe that when a large number of citizens signing petitions asking that the permit not be granted, we as lawmakers need to listen to those who are opposed. I believe in majority rule and in this case I believe the majority has spoken.
Mr. Anderson: in the less than 200 people that signed the petition, consider the 1000’s of people that stand to lose livelyhood from the loss of the park. Event planners, coordinators, vendors, local gas stations, restaurants, registered DeKalb voters, the list goes on. Have you considered that the ‘petition’ was generated out of the nuance of fear, and not hard facts? I beleive that the ‘majority’ would trump the signatures in people that stand to lose income.
You are an elected official. Would you really be willing to bet your livelyhood from a larger group of people that vote you out of office because you told them that they are no longer welcome to earn a living in our county?
4. Also at issue here is my concern for the health and safety of the public. After hearing testimony form the Sheriff’s department I am convinced that emergency personnel if called to the park would have a hard time in executing their duties
Are you siding with the Sheriffs Department, and giving them a ‘pass’, because it would be a ‘hard time’ for them? [They] are public officials, with a duty. The park employs ‘off duty’ police. (More local income). Can you really justify that ‘Hard Time’ as an excuse? In what training manual, does it mention ‘Hard time’ as a detriment to doing ones job? The park has internal security, and I’m sure that the park is willing to fund a ‘bond’ for any types of issues. So far, can you reference any issues that have come up? Give me one….
5. My final reason for denying this request lies with the management of the owners. Their in ability to take control of their events and gatherings indicates to me that they will not be able to control the events in the future causing problems that as a county we are not ready to address.
Mr. Anderson: In Ability (sic) of the owners, seems to be the fulcrum point on your opinions. The owners have taken all the ‘known’ variables and addressed them every time. Would you reference any individual issue that makes your statement true? Quoting your issue: “They will not be able to control the events in the future……”… You have just indicated a fear of the unknown. I bet you can recall a statement by Teddy Roosevelt: (Hint: Fear Itself). Put that on your resume.
I invite Dan Cribben, Pat Vary and John Emerson, and the three non-attending members (who were not present to do their jobs) to comment on [their] opinions.
If I was a businees owner, and some random person that attended an event at Stonehouse Park spent sixteen-cents at my ‘store’, I’d be more than happy about it. If you vote out the park, consider it.

In reply to Mr. Anderson:
I would like to see how many actual unlawful acts (or tickets) were generated by the public events @ Stone House Park. There are many “general” complaints, but I have not seen any backed up by hard facts. The DeKalb Co. Board sounds like they are unduly predjudiced against the park and it’s owners.
I attended P.S.G. last year and spent a week of camping in the cold rain – still I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. My group of 3 spent at least $400 in the nearby towns and we never asked anyone but business owners for directions. (A local reataurant owner gladly told us of a “shortcut”)
While at SHP I saw no underage drinking or any ellegal activities – just a week of spiritual and loving activities. Everyone was treated with respect.
I too am not a “kid”, but a 67 year old retired R.N.. My specialty was Emergency Medicine, and PSG retains their own first aid building and practicians which is probably equal or superior to your rural EMS squad.
It’s easy to complain and accuse, but it sounds to me like the board as well as the complaining neighbors are dissenting more out of resentment and unfounded fears than actual facts. Your little community might just miss all the extra money generated by SHP if you close them down: not to mention the lawsuits this predudice may generate.

This is a shame to hear, the past few years i’ve attended several events there and have also had some of the best times of my life as well. It’s a beautiful location and it would be heartbreaking to see it go.

Conservative middle class: Not gonna budge for change. Can’t figure out why economy is failing.

It would be a shame if there weren’t concerts at stonehouse this year. It has gotten a reputation as the best campground near chicago to see live music. I enjoyed playing at three beautiful festivals there in the 2011 season, some of the best times of my life. Good luck stonehouse park, we love you!


That’s some good stuff. I love the musical conversations taking place in this song. Venues for the creative arts community to perform and interrelate are rare.
Back In The Day there was a spot on the Kishwaukee River west of Kirkland. We’d pull up and put $6 in a mailbox and then let ourselves into a big field along the river. We’d camp, party, fish and play music. There were at times fairly large gatherings. All on an honor system. We did this for several years and then some knuckleheads shot and killed one or more of the farmer’s cattle. The fence was locked. No trespassing signs erected. Today it is part of the Potawatomi Woods State Game Preserve.
Back In The Day there was a private quarry site on the Vermillion River down by Starved Rock. Gracie and her friends (moi included) would camp, party, hike the trails, jump off the cliffs, sit in the hot spring pools. Until a knucklehead drove their car off a cliff and the kind property owner got sued and the place was shut down.
Rewind. Fast forward. Rewind. Knuckleheads ruin it for everyone. Everytime.

Well said Mac McIntyre. There seems to be a number of long winded defenses about this place that are not from the people actually living with the discomfort of finding a drunk in their back yard or having a peaceful summer evening destroyed by the associated noise that goes along with a music venue. Stonehouse Park was never intended to be a music hall – the fact that that is what it has developed into does not mean the town and especially the gentle folk living close by is obligated to swallow this change to their living environment.

Dear Concerned:
If I had found a ‘drunk’ in my back yard, I certainly hope that it was a result of Paw Paw, or Leeland. If you were at an event at SHP, a large majority of the time, your commute home would be a short walk to a ‘tent’.
Has a drunk invaded your back yard? Physically?
If you’re using the fear of ‘what if’, then your comment doesn’t resonate very well.
The ‘associated’ NOISE of a music venue.. What if the ‘thump-thump’ was replaced with the likes of Tony Bennet, Ballroom-swing, (et. al). I bet you’d venture to your porch and dance with your wife. Inviting and captivating. Ravina is an environment such as this. SHP would gladly do this, I’m sure.
As for swallowing a change to [their] living environment, has ANY event at SHP caused you to lose your job, your livelyhood, your home, or many $100,000’s of investment, passion, and a willingness to make a business succeede?
Tell me that a few hours (and in the future, perhaps very little ‘night’ music) wafting it’s way to your environment, is worth dealing with, versus the legacy that closing the park has cost ONE person their livleyhood..
When you sip morning coffee, attend church, worship and respect your fellow man, mention to your pastor that your efforts have resulted in many people without homes, food, nor a future. (you may challenge this fact, but why would you? If you do challenge it, then you seem to not care if people lose their livleyhood)
SHP as a ‘music’ venue is just a resultant change necessary to SURVIVE. If modifications need to be done to less-impact the locals, great!
I invite anyone local or distant, to visit the park, and review the history and progress obtained in the last few years. It’s evident, and stunning. Dis-repair and dis-array are no longer. Progress and upkeep surely stand to move to ‘standstill’, if the park is closed.
It really hinges on this fact: Closing the park, vs. a compromise that can give a chance.
One more side note, not necessarily directed at “Concerned:” I have read many complaints of ‘code violations’ as a reason to close the park. At my last count, I believe that there are 17 people that have posted this complaint. Must be a lot of ‘code enforcement officers’ in DeKalb County.
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As long as SHP doesn’t allow Peacefest to be held there ever again, things will be okay. Peacefest is basically a ton of underage kids running around doing drugs, listening to dubstep, and ruining property. The other festivals that were held (Widows Peak, Whippersnap, Shoe Fest) were an older crowd of individuals who were respectful and came out to be around friends and enjoy good music. I know a lot of folks from the area moved here because it’s a quiet area, but you can’t deny a county growth because you want to keep it a quiet area.