Anonymous Homosexual Gay Sex Activities and drugs 'common problem' at Cook County forest preserves - Used syringes, used condoms, empty containers of anal lube and inhaled poppers are frequently found scattered on the grounds & trails

Almost two dozen men were issued citations for lewd conduct after being observed either having anal or oral sex in the open view of the public during an undercover police sting

Ideally, on a warm spring afternoon, area parks and forest preserves would be filled with dog walkers and families enjoying the scenery. However, some around the Southland have also become popular locations for men seeking anonymous sexual activity, officials said.

The problem is seen by some to be a long-term, ongoing issue that is not exclusive to any individual park or forest preserve. While some authorities declined to comment on the issue, others, like the Forest Preserve District of Will County, are taking action in the hopes of eliminating it.

"This is a common problem throughout all the forest preserve districts across the state," Forest Preserve of Will County police Lt. Tracy Chapman said, specifying sexual activity and drug use at some forest preserve locations. "We just want people to know that we are trying to fix the problem, and we are out there."

In a crackdown of public sexual and drug activity, Forest Preserve District of Will County police arrested five men and cited 16 others during a three-day sweep at three locations last month, officials said.

Undercover forest preserve police officers on March 8-10 rotated between Hammel Woods in Shorewood, the Keepataw Preserve in Lemont, and Veterans Woods in Romeoville. In addition to three incidents of public indecency, one man also was charged with misdemeanor battery for grabbing one of the police officers, authorities said. Another man was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia for having a crack pipe with residual crack cocaine on it, reports said.

Sixteen other men were ticketed for lewd conduct, which is an ordinance violation. In each instance, the men cited made comments, gestures or invitations of a sexual nature to the undercover officers, Chapman said. All 21 men face mandatory court appearances.

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