'Let's Get To Work': Park District, Experts Talk Next Steps For Land

TINLEY PARK, IL — Flanked by supporters and key players in the development of the Tinley Mental Health Center land, Tinley Park-Park District officials on Tuesday celebrated the signing of key legislation, and talked next steps for the property.

After Gov. Pritzker earlier this month signed House Bill 3743, the state will soon transfer the 280 acres to the park district for $1. Officials on Tuesday outlined how they'll approach remediation of the contaminated and problematic land.

The park district is currently working with the state to begin the land transfer to officially own the property, officials said.

The park district last week announced it has tapped environmental experts Renee Cipriano, former director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and Elizabeth S. Harvey, an environmental attorney, for their guidance in the project.

"Their expertise will guide the Park District as it engages in an updated environmental study of the property and begins cleanup work to pave the way for redevelopment of the property," the park district said in a release.

The work—beginning with a refreshed environmental assessment of the property by Tetra Tech—as well as security at the site will be funded through a $15 million state grant that was awarded to the park district in this fiscal year’s state budget to clean up the site. The park district is working to enter into a grant agreement with the state to unlock that funding, officials said.

"I am very proud of the steps the Park District is taking towards demolishing and remediating the Tinley Park Mental Health Center property," said Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort). "The outstanding demolition and environmental experts are reflective of their commitment to excellence."

The park district formally bid on the property, 7400-7600 W. 183rd St., in November 2022. In December, the organization 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 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.

Attending a press conference at the park district Tuesday were Hastings, Reps. Robert Rita and Debbie Meyers-Martin and supporters of the Park District’s plans for the property, including the South Suburban Special Recreation Association, Lincolnway Special Recreation Association and Tinley Park youth sports organizations.

Commissioner Lisa O'Donovan said that though it's not immediately visible in changes to the property, the park district is strategizing its approach once the property is in its hands.

"We anticipate the process to take ownership will take some time, but we are working hard to hit the ground running once we do," O'Donovan said. "Cleaning up the property is our number one priority, something we know all Tinley Park residents agree with us on."

A previous study by Tetra Tech in 2014 detailed the property as one with "a complex history and numerous environmental concerns." The report went on to list issues with the property, including asbestos-filled buildings, soccer fields atop toxic waste, leaking transformers, landfill areas and "drums of waste materials, potentially hazardous liquids, as well as debris areas," the report states.

Village officials questioned throughout the bidding process the park district's ability to cover the cost of the necessary measures for the property.

Work on the property cannot begin until the park district owns it, officials said.

"... it might seem like no progress is being made on the actual land," O'Donovan said, of the interim, "but we want everyone to know that we are moving as quickly as possible."

Rep. Meyers-Martin expressed she's eager to see progress on the property.

"I am extremely excited about this new Tinley Park-Park District project," she said.

"As a former Mayor, I absolutely understand the importance and the value in supporting our park districts because they are essential to the landscape of our communities," she said. "As a result of knowing that value, I am so enthusiastic about the team that is being assembled to work on the remediation of the site scheduled for development by the Tinley Park-Park District. We are looking forward to the fabulous opportunities that this project has in store for our entire southland region."

Cipriano said she's thrilled to be called in to consult on the project.

"It's one that is exciting, and it's a win across the board," Cipriano said. "Illinois EPA has one of the oldest and truly most robust cleanup programs that we have in the nation, and so I am confident with this wonderful team that we've assembled, the work of the state, that we will be able to get this property cleaned up and put back for the public use and for the community enjoyment.

"... Let's get to work."

Rita applauded the park district's efforts to acquire the property.

"Today is a wonderful day for Tinley Park and the entire southland region," said Rep. Rita. "I’m proud to have worked to help pass this legislation to sell this site to the Park District and provide $15 million to clean up the land so it can be redeveloped for the community and entire area."