Title
Parks Master Plan Update
History
On May 21, 2021, the Village of Orland Park awarded a contract to Wight & Co. to develop conceptual master plans for Centennial Park, Centennial Park West, Schussler Park and phase III of the John Humphrey Complex.
Stakeholder input is a critical component towards developing a long-term vision which will serve as a blueprint for the development of these park sites. To this end, a number of engagement sessions, as detailed below, have been or will be held to gather input from residents, Village athletic organizations, Village officials and staff.
Engagement Sessions
On July 12, 2021, Wight & Co. hosted a kick-off meeting with the master plan team to review existing parks conditions, gain an understanding of staff’s goals for each park, develop an overall schedule (attached), identify target audiences for engagement and to set dates for potential engagement session dates.
On August 12, 2021, representatives from the Boys Orland Youth Association, Girls Orland Youth Association, the Orland Park Soccer Club, Girls Sparks and the Chicago Fire met with Wight & Co. to share their needs and vision for each of the parks.
On August 24, 2021, Wight & Co. hosted a meeting with the Recreation Advisory Board to gain an understanding of the Board’s desired improvements for each park.
Community engagement sessions were hosted in-person on August 30, 2021, and by Zoom on September 1, 2021. Postcard notices were mailed to 877 residents residing near the planned parks inviting resident participation. Additionally, a robust social media campaign, as well as an e-mail to over 7,000, was sent to notify residents of these engagement opportunities. Approximately sixty (60) residents participated providing input centered around nine (9) categories. Participants then provided input and voted on the most desirable improvements (see attached) for each park.
A collective summary of improvements gathered from these engagement sessions is listed below.
Centennial Park West
Permanent stage / additional restrooms / venue for local graduations / utilize for all Village special events / permanent fencing & lighting / sledding hill / fishing pier / trail connections / picnic shelter / permanent concession stand / improvement to traffic flow / cross country skiing / add a playground.
Centennial Park
Turf fields (soccer, lacrosse, football, baseball/softball) / improved marina capabilities / development of north parcel / improved ingress/egress / lighted tennis courts / lighted, dedicated pickleball courts / better recreational options on Lake Sedgewick (i.e. paddle boarding) / adding native plantings and creating educational opportunities / new recreational amenities (i.e. climbing wall, in-line skating / batting cages (pregame warm-ups) flexible soccer fields / lighted soccer fields / additional shade structures/pavilions and permanent restrooms / track / dog beach / basketball courts / fitness court / ropes course / improved/extended boardwalk / improve skate park / remove skate park / full-size baseball field(s).
Schussler Park
Lighted, turf soccer, football, lacrosse fields / full-size baseball field / improved parking / upgrade sledding hill / fully ADA accessible baseball field / fully ADA accessible park & playground / fishing outlooks / storm water management improvement / new tennis and basketball courts / new natural planting features / shade pavilion / add a skate park / pickleball courts / permanent / restrooms / aerator/fountain for ponds / zip-line / sensory play / native gardens / monarch waystation / new field lighting / rain garden / ADA accessible paths and parking / kayak launch.
John Humphrey Complex Phase III
Playground / new lighting system / removal of Erwin building / new concession stand / splash pad / native plantings & gardens / habitat learning center / cross country course / bike trail connections / turf fields (baseball, soccer, lacrosse) / batting cages (pregame warm-ups) / improve and develop High Point fields & fencing / more parking / ADA accessible baseball field / pollinator garden / screening along West Ave. / family amenities / improved irrigation & drainage / turf infields/grass outfields / shade structures/pavilion(s) / full size baseball field(s) / dedicated pickleball courts.
An additional tool being utilized to gain an understanding of residents' visions and hopes for each park, includes a statistically valid survey (attached) that was mailed to 300 randomly selected Orland Park residents the week of September 13, 2021. The survey will be made available to all residents utilizing the Village’s website, social media platforms and a micro-site created by Wight & Co beginning the week of September 20, 2021.
At an upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting, Wight & Co. will present survey results, a summary of the community engagement meetings and engage the Board to gather input to be incorporated into the development of each parks conceptual master plan.
In October/November, Wight & Co. will develop three (3) concepts, with cost opinions for each park site. Stakeholder groups previously engaged will be invited to provide input on each design. Each concept will then be refined to one (1) concept with updated costs.
In December, Wight & Co. expects to meet with the Village’s project team to review concepts and costs, making minor updates prior to presenting final plans to the Board of Trustees in January.
Financial Impact
Item is an update and has no financial impact.
Recommended Action/Motion
Item is an update and has no cause for action/motion.