Bill Giving Mental Health Center Land To Park District Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Tinley Park-Park District is just one signature away from owning the much-coveted Tinley Mental Health Center acreage.

House lawmakers voted Thursday in favor of amended legislation turning the land over to the public entity, after the measure was passed by the Senate last week. The bill, which would mean sale of the land to the park district for $1, now heads to the desk of Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Sen. Mike Hastings (D-Frankfort) pitched the amendment to House Bill 3743 one week ago. The revised legislation prohibits any form of gaming at the site, supporting feedback of local residents, and "saves Tinley Park taxpayers the estimated $4.5 million price tag to purchase the site," the park district said.

“We are very grateful to members of the General Assembly for supporting our vision for the Mental Health Center to create new recreational opportunities and green space to benefit the entire Southland region,” said Park District Board President Marie Ryan. “The Park Board of Commissioners is hopeful Gov. Pritzker will sign the legislation into law, and we can partner with the state to begin needed environmental cleanup at the site.”

The bill's chief sponsor, Rep. Bob Rita, lauded the legislation.

"After more than 10 years of work on this issue, with four mayors and countless conversations, the people of Tinley Park have reason to celebrate," Rita said in a release. "We are finally moving forward with putting the eyesore of the Tinley Park Mental Health Center property behind us and replacing it with a state-of-the-art sports and parks complex that will be an attraction for all of the Southland region."

Rita praised the park district's vision for the property, calling it "a creative, excellent plan that is backed by all of the region’s state legislators to turn this site into the attraction that the community wants.

"The sporting and recreational events and green space will serve as a model for other projects and put Tinley Park on the map as a leader in family friendly, environmentally smart economic development."

The legislation is the latest chess move in a months-long process following the state's listing the vacant land and buildings among its surplus property in October 2022. By listing it, the state opened the acquisition process to all interested parties.

Among those vying for it, were the park district and the Village of Tinley Park, both as sole entities. Last November, the park district formally bid on the property located at 7400-7600 W. 183rd St. The park district's bid shocked the Village, triggering what many have seen as an increasingly contentious relationship between the two. The resulting tension has led to cancelation of traditions, negation of handshake agreements and intergovernmental agreements, and harsh criticism from the community.

The park district in December gave a glimpse of its plans for the property, which would include a sports dome, hub of athletic fields, track and field facilities and open recreational space—plans they say received praise from more than a dozen legislators and public officials.

Phase 1 of property development includes a playground and sports facilities fully accessible for people living with special needs, multipurpose athletic fields, a domed sports complex with a full-size soccer field, a stadium with a track, a splash pad, concession stands, spectator stands, lighting, ample parking, as well as a pond, picnic areas and open green space.

This story is developing.