The Quinn administration re-opened several state parks that were shutdown by former Governor Blagojevich.

Thursday's announcement was just another example of Governor Pat Quinn undoing a controversial decision by the Blagojevich administration.              

Decsions such as closing down state parks and historical sites to save the state money drew angry protests from thousands of outdoor enthusiasts and people whose livelihood depends on tourism.

The governor says state parks are among Illinois' most precious resources and provide outdoor recreation opportunities for the family at a reasonable price. He says it's important that the parks be open to the public.  

"I'm going to call the roll to make sure that everybody knows that Castlerock State Park, its open, Louden State Park its open, Ilini State Park its open, Hidden Springs State Forest its open, Morraine View State Park its open, Weldon Springs State Park its open and Wolf Creek State Parks its open," said Governor Pat Quinn. "All of them are open to the people of Illinois." 

The state parks were opened as of 10:30 a.m. The governor also announced that 12 full time jobs at the Department of Natural Resources have been restored. The administration plans to pay for it all through the Illinois budget relief act which was passed last fall.

There's still no information on the fate of the historical sites closed down by former Governor Blagojevich.