Palos Health Center Champions Celebrate Saving Facility From Closure

The recent preservation of the nearby Palos Health & Fitness Center will translate to continued health and wellness resources for area residents, who, as a result, will have more fitness programs at their fingertips.

A community-wide effort to salvage the center will allow Orland Township residents to continue benefiting from water therapy programs, cardiac fitness classes and numerous other senior-oriented services — unique to that facility — in support of health, wellness and longevity.

Those serving on the Orland Township Board of Trustees had voted unanimously in March to authorize legal action to oppose seemingly imminent closure of the fitness center.

Shortly thereafter, Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady filed a complaint with the Cook County Circuit Court. The Village of Orland Park and Palos Community Hospital later announced a land-swap agreement to permit the PHFC to remain open.

The critical services' continuation is also a direct result of an organized and effective advocacy initiative consisting of a grassroots petition effort led by area residents, according to a news release. Participating volunteers have received well-deserved accolades for their accomplishment in recent weeks.

Save PHFC MS group members convened April 13 at the fitness center for what was expected to be their farewell gathering, but those individuals had insisted earlier this year that their voices be heard — and they were. Upon receiving the news that the center wouldn't be shuttered, advocates treated the meeting as a victory celebration. It was peppered with hugs and heartfelt wishes expressing "congratulations."'

At the meeting, group members presented O'Grady with a toy wrecking ball and handmade plaque proclaiming: “Paul and All Saved PHFC from the Wrecking Ball.”

“I am humbled to receive so many thoughtful words of appreciation for doing nothing more than joining a campaign of people who devoted themselves to preserving the PHFC," O'Grady said, according to a news release. "Saving the PHFC was a team effort."

More than 30 residents who were instrumental in the process attended an April 19 Orland Township Board of Trustees meeting with bright yellow balloons and buttons proclaiming, "PHFC Saved Together."

“Some of these (affected) men and women have a disability and many are challenged in their ability to travel," O'Grady said, in reference to those benefiting from the facility's services. "Keeping the PHFC open so they can continue accessing the programs they need right here in Orland Township is absolutely critical to enhancing their quality of life."