2017 OP_Summer Newsletter

INQUIRING MINDS – VILLAGE FIELDS

INQUIRING MINDS – VILLAGE PONDS

VILLAGE FIELDS

VILLAGE PONDS

a hydrological and ecological balance by using methods that are structurally sound, as well as economically feasible, while being ecologically sustainable. Certain ponds are treated and monitored through the use of an algaecide contractor. High profile ponds are treated

There are over 180 village-maintained ponds within the Village of Orland Park. The village’s Parks and Grounds Department is responsible for aesthetics and shoreline stabilization of all ponds. The Village Board has requested that a natural approach be taken to sustain and/or restore pond shorelines. This approach includes the planting of native, deep rooting plants to enhance shoreline stability while also enhancing the aesthetics of the pond itself. The plant life helps to filter any chemical run off that may occur from surrounding properties. The village works with ecological contractors to help evaluate and maintain many pond sites through a stewardship process. Stewardship is a multi-year program is which invasive species of plants surrounding the pond site are removed and monitored. Plant plug or seeds may be installed to promote the growth of native plantings. During the process there is typically a controlled burn which uses fire as a tool to help promote the growth of plantings. Over time, the invasive plants are removed and native plantings surround the ponds. This method maintains

In an effort to improve water drainage and dispersion at the John Humphrey Complex, fields 1-4 have been regraded. The regrading will assist in keeping the field dry and playable to avoid cancellations. Both Centennial Park Baseball fields and John Humphrey Complex fields received an application of an infield conditioner to the clay surface. Regular application will improve the playing surface and improve water management. Many of the baseball fields will require additional grading drainage and other restorative procedures. Future plans for John Humphrey Complex baseball fields 3 and 4 include installation of new drainage pipes to improve the outfield playing conditions. Questions about Village of Orland Park ballfields can be directed to the Village of Orland Park Parks Department at (708)403-6219.

The Village of Orland Park maintains 46 baseball fields throughout Orland Park. Generally, about 35-40 fields are reserved and in use daily by local youth organizations. Regular maintenance practices as well as individual, specialized projects are performed by village staff. All fields scheduled for use will be assessed and prepared by village crews on the day reserved. Daily maintenance consists of setting bases and preparing mounds according to the request of guests, as well as machine raking of the infield in order to maintain a desirable playing surface. Fresh chalk lines are laid out for the baselines along with batters’ boxes. During the summer season, daily duties expand to include regular edging of the infields and warning tracks as well as weed management practices. Maintenance includes irrigating turf and clay, rolling turf and infields and adding clay or other materials as needed to provide the most desirable playing surface possible.

and tested for algae on a bi-monthly basis. Some ponds are also monitored by our algaecide contractor but only treated when necessary. For more information, call the village Parks and Grounds Department at (708)403-6219.

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| SUMMER 2017

SUMMER 2017 |