Orland Park Trustee Kathleen Fenton Is Not Seeking Re-Election

ORLAND PARK, IL — Village of Orland Park Trustee Kathleen Fenton has announced she will not seek re-election in the April 2021 municipal election, ending 28-years as a member of the village board.

"I am grateful to the residents of the Village of Orland Park who allowed me to serve as their trustee for what will soon be 28 years," Fenton said in a news release on Thursday. "This was a very difficult decision to make. I feel that I have served the village with my whole heart and to the best of my ability."

The Trustee said she looks forward to spending more time with family, specifically her grandchildren. Fenton was first elected village trustee in 1993. She recalled the memory of wanting to run for trustee with her husband, Mike, in the early 90s. Fenton said her husband — who died in 2003 — was her biggest supporter, and was proud of her service to the community.

Looking back on the many accomplishments during her tenure, Fenton cited a number of milestones in Orland Park’s history. One of Fenton’s earliest initiatives was the contest to create a new village seal and village flag. She was also the Trustee who proposed a farmers market for the village, later becoming Market at the Park — a way to showcase local vendors and make fresh produce and products available for shoppers.

"Creating a strong sense of community has always been one of my primary objectives," Fenton said. "This is why I always looked for events and programs that would bring us together as a community."

The release states that economic and community improvements have long been key objectives for Fenton, along with the rest of the village board — noting multiple establishments set in place during her time, including roads, neighborhoods and train stations.

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Fenton noted that her involvement with the board included taking park in the creation of the village’s history museum on Beacon Avenue.

“I’ve been fortunate to serve as the village board’s liaison to the museum board and continue to be amazed with all that our local community museum does to forever preserve and promote Orland Park’s rich history.”

The trustee said recreation and parks have long been a priority for village officials. She made note of the creation of the village’s Sportsplex, the purchase of the Orland Park Health and Fitness Center, continued improvement at neighborhood parks and complexes and more opportunities at Centennial Park, including amenities at Lake Sedgwick, the dog park and the ice rink, according to the release.

“We’ve always promoted Orland Park as the best place to live, work and play,” Fenton said. “The board has always done its best to ensure that our community had the best possible programs and facilities.”

Fenton is a member of the village’s Open Lands Commission. She said the program was able to save more than 300 acres of open space, and that it contributes to the purchase of three family farms to open the village's first nature center on LaGrange Road.

She thanked the village's Special Recreation Program, shining light on staff and families. The trustee stated that being part of their activities was "always a great time with a wonderful program and awesome people.”

Fenton noted that public safety within the village is important to Orland Park.

“Public safety has been and will continue to be a priority for Orland Park’s elected officials,” Fenton said. “The Orland Park Police Department is known throughout the country for its innovative programs and commitment to keeping the community safe. I’m very proud to have witnessed so many of the department’s accomplishments.”

The trustee also cited multiple developments that came to the village, including Mariano’s, VonMaur, University of Chicago, the expanded Palos South and Loyola Medical Center, car dealerships, shops and restaurants and the companies locating in the I-80 Corridor, according to the release.

“As I close this chapter in my life, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the residents of Orland Park for the faith and trust that they’ve shared with me. I send my thanks to the village staff and my supporters for their help over the years,” Fenton said. “It has been my honor to serve the people of Orland Park.”

Related:

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