Tinley Park, Ill. – The Park District of Tinley Park today issued the following statement to further clarify its bid for vacant state land at 7400-7600 W. 183rd St.
In response to misinformation about the Park District’s bid for the land, the Park District detailed again its plans for the first 90 acres of the 270-acre property. The 90 acres will transform the long-vacant property into a hub of athletic fields, track and field facilities, a domed sports complex and open recreational space to meet the needs of the Tinley Park community and expand opportunities for neighboring communities. The plan has been long advocated for by the Park District, leading to its formal bid to the state last November, which is the first step in the process to acquire the land from the state. The plan also importantly looks to state, federal and
private funding to redevelop the property — not through tax increases on Tinley Park residents.
With 17 Illinois legislators supporting the Park District’s proposal, as well as numerous community organizations and with interest from a major private developer, the Park District is working closely with state officials to ensure environmental clean-up of the site. The first phase of development of 90 acres includes playground and sports facilities, which would be fully accessible for people living with special needs, and house multipurpose athletic fields, a domed sports complex with a full-size soccer field, a stadium with a track, a playground and splash pad, concession stands, spectator stands, lighting, ample parking, as well as a pond, picnic areas and open green space.
The 90 acres will sit adjacent to the Park District’s Freedom Park and serve as a draw for Tinley Park residents as well as its neighboring communities, many of which have few options for recreational activities in their towns.
The Park District continues to work with state officials and stakeholders as the bidding process unfolds.
