2026 Budget In Brief

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEWS

The mission of the Public Works Department is to ensure the integrity and safety of the Village’s infrastructure, such as facilities, parks, pools, forestry, roads, bridges, sidewalks, water distribution, sanitary sewers, storm water collection systems, vehicles, equipment and transportation; utilizing safe and well-maintained equipment; executing work in a cost-effective manner; and preserving natural resources for present and future generations. The Public Works Department is broken up into four seperate divisions: • Natural Resources & Facilities • Streets • Vehicle & Equipment • Utilities Natural Resources & Facilities Division The Natural Resources and Facilities Division of the Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of the Village’s vast list of facilities, playgrounds, outdoor structures and natural amenities. Within Natural Resources, staff is dedicated to maintaining a healthy, diverse and sustainable urban forest. With thousands of trees lining streets, parks and public spaces, the group uses a strategic, data-driven approach to ensure the long-term vitality of the green infrastructure. Village staff and contractors planted a combined 606 new trees throughout the Village in 2025. The Village plans on continuing tree planting at parks, parkways and facility sites in 2026, focusing on diversifying and restoring the PUBLIC WORKS

urban tree canopy. An updated inventory and assessment of all 36,331 public trees located throughout the Village also completed in 2024. Updating and maintaining the Village’s tree inventory helps Public Works more efficiently manage our urban canopy by providing accurate data on tree location, species, condition and diversity. The inventory also assists with identifying site-and species specific concerns, project budgeting, risk reduction and community outreach. During the winter of 2025-2026, the Forestry Crew plans to begin Year one of a six-Year structured pruning cycle program to maintain tree health and safety. Young trees will receive formative pruning to develop strong branch structure while mature trees will be pruned to remove deadwood, improve clearance and reduce storm damage risk. Currently, a total of 67 parks, 55 playgrounds and 62 pavilions are located throughout the Village. The renovation of five playgrounds, including Evergreen View, Helen, Grasslands, Schussler and Doogan Parks, as well as four park pavilions, are scheduled for 2026. To date, Village residents have adopted 33 out of 67 parks via the Village’s Adopt-A-Park Program. Designed to encourage the community to work hands-on to help keep parks clean, safe and attractive, the program offers the opportunity for people to get more involved in their community in a way that promotes civic pride, appreciation and awareness. Adoptions are available for the remaining parks.

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VILLAGE OF ORLAND PARK | FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET IN BRIEF