Title
America250 History Hike
History
The America250 Advisory Board is proposing to conduct a History Hike that engages community members and Orland Park businesses.
The History Hike is proposed for August 3 - September 8, 2026, potentially extending to October or November based on demand.
Participants will complete twelve questions on the History Hike worksheet by visiting participating businesses to get the answers (on a poster that was provided to the business) and a corresponding sticker (also provided to them). Business names will be noted next to the question associated with them. There will be 2 versions, one with questions for younger participants and one for older participants. Completed forms (with all 12 answers and stickers) will be returned to a set village location. Correct forms with all corresponding stickers will be submitted into a raffle to win a prize. The goal is to have an all ages activity that shares America and Orland Park history while interacting with local businesses.
To allow participants to visit Orland Park’s Heritage sites (ex: Humphrey House, Boley Farm, Stellwagen Farm and others) as part of the History Hike, Q&A posters can be displayed in a window or an otherwise easily accessible location with a code to write down in lieu of a sticker.
An America 250 Committee Member will visit businesses to inquire about participation and consideration for donating a prize/gift card. Complete details will be provided so businesses understand that as a destination along the History Hike they agree to display a Q&A poster and hand out stickers to participants. Businesses along the History Hike will be given a laminated poster to hang with their question/answer and the stickers they’d need to hand out to participants.
Participants that complete the History Hike worksheets with all twelve questions answered correctly and all twelve business stickers/codes will be entered into a raffle. There will be two raffles, one for the younger ages and for the older ages.
Prizes will vary for age groups. Local businesses can donations items, gift cards or experiences. Other potential ideas that would give winners special experiences would be a ride in a police car or fire truck (possibly to school), pizza with the Mayor or Board, or Mayor for a day.
Potential expenses include color paper, laminating, poster boards, stickers totaling approximately $300. This expense would be included in a future budget amendment along with other America250 expenses previously approved.
Financial Impact
The America History Hike is expected to cost $300.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to recommend to the Village Board to authorize members of the America250 Advisory Board and volunteers to conduct an America250 History Hike at an estimated cost of $300 to be included in a future budget amendment as fully presented.
(Full Motion - not necessary to be read)
I move to recommend to the Village Board approving the America250 History Hike, to be conducted from August 3 through September 8, 2026, with the option to extend the program through October or November 2026 based on participation and demand;
AND,
I further move to recommend to the Village Board authorizing America250 Advisory Board members and volunteers to implement the program, coordinate participation with local businesses and community partners, solicit prize donations, and conduct the associated raffles in accordance with the program guidelines. at an estimated cost of $300 that shall be included in a future budget amendment as fully presented.