Military Simulation Game Set For Old Tinley Park Mental Hospital

TINLEY PARK, IL — War is set for the abandoned Tinley Park Mental Health Center. Well, a simulated war, that is.

Airsoft Republic, a company that specializes in military simulations that use replica firearms that shoot biodegradable BBs, is holding an event this weekend at the now-closed, 280-acre facility at 183rd Street and Harlem Avenue. The simulation is part of the Iowa-based company's "Scorched Earth" campaign and could attract up to 400 role-players.

While it might sound like the real-life equivalent to video games like "Halo" and "Call of Duty," the two-day event has more to do with team sports, such as football or soccer, than those digital counterparts. Two teams compete in the simulation, with members working with one another to accomplish specific goals.

"Players are tasked with completing certain objectives, and to do so they must utilize teamwork skills as well as sportsmanship," Airsoft Republic's website states. "It is a great way to get people outside and be physically active."

The old state-run mental health center, which dates back to 1958 and was closed in 2012, offers the ideal environment for Airsoft Republic players. The grounds have more than 1.5 million square feet of building space that includes medical wards, apartments and even a small jail facility. The roads that wind through the property also are perfect for "vehicle-based" role-playing.

More Patch Coverage:

• Officials Broach 'Asbestos-Filled' Health Center Land
• U.S. Defense Dept. To Stage Night Drills At Mental Health Center
• Tinley Park Mental Health Center: What Should Be Done With It?
• Tinley Mental Health Center: Readers Give Ideas For Empty Site

Here's the "Scorched Earth" storyline, according to Airsoft Republic's website:

Following the events that transpired at Demented Justice in May, the Citizen's Rebellion Union (CRU) is looking to capitalize on recent small victories in the Great Lakes region. They have proven that the New Federal Alliance (NFA) is not the juggernaut it appears to be.

Fort McKnight Military Base is the heart of NFA military activity in the Midwest. Located inside the municipality of Tinley Park, this facility controls and supplies Midwest tactical operations undertaken by NFA forces. By all accounts this base is a fortress, a truly fortified leviathan. But CRU operatives have spotted a chink in the armor. The largest offensive of the war has been authorized by CRU Command against this facility. This engagement will be the first major battle of the conflict.

Motorized and mechanized infantry divisions have been authorized to assist in this assault. It will take everything that CRU has to try and neutralize this stronghold. NFA units stand watch, ready to obliterate any threats. What side will you enlist with?

Only one question remains...where is General Dylan "Moose" Fredrick? Moose was listed as MIA after the events of Demented Justice, but intelligence suggests he is still alive and well. What nefarious plot has CRU put in place?

Residents shouldn't worry about air-pellet gun-toting weekend warriors outfitted with military paraphernalia wandering around the village, away from the mental health center competition site. Airsoft Republic founder Austin Green told the Daily Southtown that players must stow their weapons when not in use and dress in street clothes when not competing on the grounds.

“We really don’t want people to know that we are there. … We are cognizant of what people may see,” he said.

To that end, signs will be posted and security will be on hand to make sure players and non-players don't mix. The village will be keeping an eye on things, as well, although officials don't have many concerns.

“We don’t need anybody thinking they are military or law enforcement,” Assistant Village Manager Pat Carr told the Southtown. “We’re OK with the safety and security aspects they briefed us on.”

While this is the first time the Tinley Park facility has been the backdrop for an Airsoft Republic event, the site is no stranger to military and law enforcement simulations. Local, state and federal authorities have used the mental health center grounds to do training exercises in the past.

Since the facility's closing more than five years ago, the village and the state have been exploring more permanent options for the site. Recently, developers were asked to submit project proposals to the village, which officials have been evaluating.

Airsoft Republic's "Scorched Earth Simulation: The Basics

When: 7 a.m. Saturday, July 14, to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 15

Where: Grounds of the now-closed Tinley Park Mental Health Center, near 183rd Street and Harlem Avenue.

Tickets: The event is sold out.

More Info: Go to Airsoft Republic's Facebook page for details about the company and the competition.

An abandoned building on the site of the former Tinley Park Mental Health Center near Harlem Avenue and 183rd Street (Photo via Patch archive)