The History of Tinley Park-Park District
1960s
On July 1, 1967, residents of Tinley Park voted to approve the formation of the Tinley Park-Park District. The Village population was 8,000. The Village turned over Lewis Park and Memorial Park to the Park District.
This neighborhood park was named for John A. Bannes, the Superintendent of School District #140 for many years. Acquired in 1979, Bannes Park is 3.1 acres of outdoor family enjoyment with a playground, ball field, and sand volleyball court. There is also a Safety Town area that is designed for young children to learn and practice safety as it pertains to the rules of the road.
The Village turned over Lewis Park and Memorial Park to the Park District. “Moose” Nasebandt Park was purchased in 1968, and the first District program, Boys 5th-8th grade Basketball was established.
In 1969 the property at 168th and 80th Avenue, now known as McCarthy Park, was acquired and named in honor of the first Chairman of the Village’s Youth Commission.
1970s
The Park District grew rapidly over the next decade, acquiring additional park properties and hiring its first full-time Director, Robert Fiore. Mr. Fiore served the Park District until 1995. The 1970s saw the birth of the still popular Day Camp program and the construction of the Vogt Woods Recreation Building.
The District joined the South Suburban Special Recreation Association in 1979.
1980s
The McCarthy Recreation and Administration buildings opened in the early 1980s.
Installation of baseball field lights, the purchase of Jaycee Grove and the opening of the batting cages, concessions and mini-golf course in 1987 further increased the opportunity for the entire community to enjoy many hours of fun at McCarthy Park.
In 1989 the District also purchased the Tony Bettenhausen farm at 171st and 80th Avenue.
1990s
Tinley Park-Park District continued to expand its park system and program offerings throughout the 1990s. The building at 175th & Duvan was purchased and renovated into Tinley Fitness. The Vogt house was added to the Cultural Arts program with Landmark Church and Museum.
In 1999 an $80,000 Illinois Department of Natural Resources grant was received for the construction of a bike path on the Bettenhausen farm property.
2000s
After three previous attempts to secure funding, in 2000, a bond issue was passed to build a community recreation center and water park, and a grant was obtained for the development of Community Park. On August 27, 2000, the ground was broken for the construction of the recreation center. Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center & Museum opened in December 2001, and the White Water Canyon Water Park opened in 2002.
SINCE THEN
Since then, the District has seen tremendous growth and improvements throughout the park system. Some highlights include:
Town Pointe Park
Includes 15 acres of wetlands with a boardwalk
Freedom Park Sports Complex
Construction of the state-of-the-art Freedom Park sports complex
McCarthy Administration & Recreation
Renovation of the McCarthy Administration and Recreation buildings into program space and the Tinley Park Performing Arts Center
Tinley Fitness
Construction of the 30,000 square foot Tinley Fitness addition to the Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
Canine Campus
Opening of Canine Campus off-leash dog park
NOW
Tinley Park-Park District stands at 40 park sites, with over 400 full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees serving the Village population that has increased seven-fold since 1967, as well as many non-resident park patrons.
40
Park Sites
400+
Employees
1,000's
Park Patrons
what's coming
As we head into the next phase of development, we continue to dedicate ourselves to providing excellent programs, outstanding facilities and exceptional customer service to all our patrons. Please take a few minutes to explore this website and see all that the Tinley Park-Park District has to offer!
