Title/Name/Summary
Park Elementary School - 9960 W 143rd St - Playground Renovation
History
QUICKFACTS
Project
Park Elementary School - 9960 W 143rd St - Playground Renovation
Legistar ID: 2025-0291
Project ID: AR-25-00552
Petitioner
Ted Shulz, Director of Buildings & Grounds (Orland School District 135)
Purpose
The petitioner is proposing to renovate the playground for the Park Elementary School, including the installation of new playground equipment, the removal of mulch, the installation of new wood fiber surfacing, and resurfacing a portion of the existing driveway.
Requested Actions: Appearance Review
Project Attributes
Address: 9960 W 143rd St
P.I.N.(s): 27-04-414-015 thru -018, 27-04-415-015, 27-04-415-016, 27-04-415-019 thru -020,
Size: ~7 acres
Comprehensive Plan Planning District:
Comprehensive Land Designation:
Existing Zoning: R-3, OS, BIZ, VCD
Existing Land Use: School/Open Space
Proposed Land Use: School/Open Space
Surrounding Land Use:
North: OS, Open Space District (Orland Grove)
South: OOH, Old Orland Historic District (Commercial)
East: R-3, Residential District (Single-Family Detached) &
VCD, Village Center District (Orland Funeral Home)
West: OS, Open Space District (Orland Grove)
BACKGROUND
Park Elementary School, formerly known as Orland Park School, is a landmark structure in the Village. The center two-story brick portion of the school was built in 1922 and the gymnasium to the west was added in 1940. The distinctive stone walls of the gymnasium are made of Joliet limestone. This is the most substantial of buildings in the Old Orland area.
Whereas changes to landmark structures and/or sites would typically require a Certificate of Appropriateness, the proposed playground renovation is not a major site change and can therefore be processed administratively via an Appearance Review.
DETAILED PLANNING DISCUSSION
The petitioner is proposing to renovate the playground for the Park Elementary School, including the installation of new playground equipment, the removal of mulch, the installation of new wood fiber surfacing, and resurfacing a portion of the existing driveway. The new park will be approximately 9,364 square feet in size and in the same location as the existing park. A new 540 square foot pathway will be constructed to connect the park to the parking lot. The existing pavilion to the east of the park will remain untouched. There will be two new pavilions included in the park renovation at the entrance of the park and rear of the park.
Overall, the project conforms to the Village’s Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Codes, and policies for this area.
Recommended Action/Motion
The Appearance Review for Park Elementary School Playground Renovation, case number 2025-0291, received April 2, 2025, was administratively approved on April 17, 2025, subject to the following conditions:
1. Obtain all applicable permits as required by the State of Illinois.
2. Meet all Land Development Code requirements.