West Cook News

Pleasant Dale Park District in Burr Ridge is “reviewing” an earlier order to require vaccinations for those playing recreational basketball and other sports.

Tyler LeGrand, athletic supervisor for the Pleasant Dale Park District, released a statement noting the park district is reviewing its decision to require minors to be vaccinated.  

“Park District legal counsel and insurance providers are currently reviewing the order from Cook County," LeGrand said in the email. "No official implementation decisions or plans have been made at this time. The correspondence sent out was premature and we apologize for any confusion. As the Cook County Order was issued over the holidays with little notice, we wanted to make participants aware of the information that was provided to us and what may be coming. Further information will be released at the appropriate time.” 

The retraction came after the park district's earlier announcement (link for verification?)  noting the mandate would be in effect beginning Jan. 3 with a mandate for all of those over the age of five who spend over 10 minutes in the facility to be vaccinated.  

“We understand that this may not be ideal for all individuals. If you would not like to participate under these current mitigations, we will be able to administer a full refund for the cost of the league," said in the announcement.   

The park district also planned on allowing vaccinated players to wear jerseys while unvaccinated players would be required to wear street clothes. 

"If they can play why different uniforms unless it's to shame?" AM560's the Morning Answers host Dan Proft tweeted. 

Cook County recently issued a vaccine mandate for recreational facilities, including those used for youth sports. The vaccine mandate extends to those as young as five.

That means those taking part in Pleasant Dale Park District’s activities such as basketball, cheerleading, yoga, dancing and tai chi would have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test int he past 24 hours.

Some in the area have noted they will not be following the county mandate.

Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau — a candidate for Illinois 6th Congressional District —and the Orland Park board said they would not institute the order after Cook County health authorities neglected to provide any data backing up the mandate. 

Some national health experts have expressed skepticism over vaccinating children.

Harvard Professor Martin Kulldorff, an epidemiologist and infectious-disease expert, posted to Twitter in March that “thinking that everyone must be vaccinated is as scientifically flawed as thinking that nobody should. COVID vaccines are important for older high-risk people, and their care-takers. Those with prior natural infection do not need it. Nor children.”