2022WSPG_FlippingBook

Photo by Brian Rubik, 2021

GREAT OUTDOORS Great Outdoors noun 1 the world outside of or away from houses; open air. ORLANDPARK.ORG 42 Photo by Julie Owens, 2021 HYDRANT HELPERS In an effort to protect residents and aid the Orland Fire Protection District in the winter months, we’ve initiated a program for local students to shovel-out fire hydrants. Participating students will earn community service hours for each hydrant cleared of snow. Learn more at orlandpark.org. Questions? Email snowangels@orlandpark.org. GRINDING EDGE SKATE PARK The Grinding Edge Skate Park is 25,000 square feet of concrete featuring a 5 foot pool, 6/8 ft. half pipe, elliptical block/bank, ramps, rails, a native rock and rail area, in addition to a very challenging street plaza that will provide endless hours of skating and skateboard adventure. The skate park is open to individuals with skateboards and in-line skates only. Helmets are required for all skaters. Everyone younger than 13 years of age must also wear elbow, knee, and wrist pads. The skate park is unsupervised and is a use-at-your-own-risk facility. HOURS OF OPERATION weather permitting Daylight until Dusk | No Daily Fee Open through November 7 ORLAND PARK NATURE CENTER 13951 S. LAGRANGE ROAD Open Lands’ latest project is a new Nature Center to serve area residents! Located on LaGrange Road, just north of the Metra tracks, the site improvements are nearing completion, and include a flexible outdoor gathering space with an amphitheater that will accommodate a variety of uses and group sizes. A new permeable paver parking lot and drive aisle that transverses the site, a looped trail system that meanders around the site which includes seating areas, and native plant and animal community restoration examples. North of the drive aisle, a boardwalk extends over the existing detention area to a bird watching station and wetland overlook. The Gianakas family recently donated the 24 acre parcel to the north of the Nature Center site to the Village. The wetlands on that site will serve not only as a focal point for the Nature Center, but also as a great opportunity for the preservation and restoration of an area known for its bird populations. Need assistance with shoveling during the snowy months or want to lend a hand to your neighbor? Our Snow Angels program is designed to connect neighbors in need with those who can provide shoveling assistance. Sign up online at OrlandPark.org for assistance or to be a volunteer, this a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours for school. Email snowangels@orlandpark.org if you have any questions.