Summer 25 OP Newsletter

Newsletter

A PUBLICATION FOR THE ORLAND PARK COMMUNITY Summer 2025

MEET YOUR NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS pg. 4

PARKWAY TREE PROGRAM pg. 10

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Jim Dodge Mayor

Mary Ryan Norwell Village Clerk

Upcoming Village Events............ Newly Elected Officials.............. Police & Public Safety.................. Downtown Update....................... Parkway Trees................................ Village Ponds................................. Taste of Orland Park.................... Community Pride........................... Welcome to Orland Park............ Veterans Information..................... Get Involved.................................. Heritage Sites................................

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Dina M. Lawrence Trustee

William Healy Trustee Cynthia Katsenes Trustee Michael Milani Trustee

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John Lawler Trustee

Joanna M. Liotine Leafblad Trustee

George Koczwara Village Manager

Jim Culotta Assistant Village Manager

BOARD MEETINGS

August 4 August 18 September 1

September 15 October 6 October 20

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LETTER FROM THE MAYOR

Dear Orland Park Residents, It is my privilege to address you as your mayor and to extend my heartfelt thanks to so many of you who have reached out with kind words and warm welcomes. Returning to Village Hall has been a deeply meaningful experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with a community I have cherished since my earliest days in public service. I invite you to turn to page 4 to learn more about me as well as the other newly elected officials. As we step into our new roles, we bring with us decades of experience cultivated through a variety of careers alongside public service. The Village Board is excited to work together with our residents to build a stronger, more connected Orland Park. I promise to strive to do the greatest amount of good, for the greatest number of people. All I ask is that you work with me to let me know what your priorities are and what matters most to you. Together, the Village Board and I will create an environment where meaningful dialogue outweighs division and where collaboration leads to progress. I am particularly excited about the vibrant events and activities planned for this summer. The Taste of Orland Park, now back at the Village Green for the comfort and enjoyment of all, will return the weekend of August 1–3, bringing us all closer through food, music and celebration. With summer in full swing, Lynyrd Skynyrd will perform at Centennial Park West on August 8, with gates opening at 5 p.m. Grammy award winning artist Trace Adkins will take the stage at Centennial Park West on August 30, with gates opening at 4 p.m. Maintaining open lines of communication is among my highest priorities. If you have questions, ideas or concerns, I encourage you to reach out to me directly at jdodge@orlandpark.org or (708) 403-6100. Your voice matters, and together, we can continue to make Orland Park not only a wonderful place to call home but also a thriving community for all generations.

I am honored to serve you and look forward to working hand in hand with the Village Board and each of you to ensure our shared vision for Orland Park is realized.

Warm regards,

Jim Dodge Mayor of Orland Park

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Calendar of Events August ~ September

Taste of Orland Park Friday, August 1, 5 p.m. Saturday, August 2, 3 p.m. Sunday, August 3, 3 p.m. @ Village Center Green 14700 S. Ravinia Ave. Board of Trustees Meeting Monday, August 4, 7 p.m. @ Orland Park Village Hall 14700 S. Ravinia Ave. Lynyrd Skynyrd Friday, August 8, 5 p.m. @ Centennial Park West 15609 Park Station Blvd. Outdoor Movie Series - Moana 2 Monday, August 11, Dusk @ Centennial Park West 15609 Park Station Blvd.

Back to School Night Thursday, August 14, 5 p.m. @ Centennial Park West 15609 Park Station Blvd. Board of Trustees Meeting Monday, August 18, 7 p.m. @ Orland Park Village Hall 14700 S. Ravinia Ave. Veterans Golf Classic Tuesday, August 26, 8:30 a.m. @ Silver Lake Country Club 14700 S. 82nd Ave. Trace Adkins What Colors Your Wild Tour Saturday, August 30, 4 p.m.

Board of Trustees Meeting Monday, September 1, 7 p.m. @ Orland Park Village Hall 14700 S. Ravinia Ave. Country Market and Rock & Roll Car and Motorcycle Show Saturday, September 13, 11a.m. Board of Trustees Meeting Monday, September 14, 7 p.m. @ Orland Park Village Hall 14700 S. Ravinia Ave. Stellwagen Family Farm Tours Friday, September 26, 10 a.m. Saturday, September 27, 10 a.m. Sunday, September 28, 1 p.m. @ Centennial Park West 15609 Park Station Blvd.

@ Centennial Park West 15609 Park Station Blvd.

@ Stellwagen Farm 17701 108th Ave.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Water Billing................................................... (708) 403-6175 Register for Programs....................................... (708) 403-5000 Non-Emergency Police .................................... (708) 349-4111 Mayor’s Office................................................ (708) 403-6160 General Information........................................ (708) 403-6100 Have Questions?

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POLICE & PUBLIC SAFETY

MEET YOUR NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS

Jim earned his bachelor’s degree from DePaul University, followed by an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago, where he focused on finance and economics. This strong educational background has provided him with the analytical tools necessary to make informed decisions that will foster economic growth and sustainability for our community. Part of Jim’s journey includes military service as a sergeant in the Illinois Army National Guard, where he developed leadership skills and a strong sense of duty to his country. This foundational experience has informed his approach to serving the community and tackling challenges head-on. Throughout his career, Jim has excelled in several high-profile roles, including serving as Senior Vice President at the renowned Nielsen Company. His expertise extends to consulting at McKinsey, where he contributed to strategic initiatives across various sectors. Additionally, he led an advanced analytics practice at a consulting firm focused on artificial intelligence, data science and risk analytics. These experiences have helped him cultivate a practical, results-oriented approach to solving complex problems.

Mayor Jim Dodge

Jim’s commitment to serving the community is evident from his long-standing political involvement. Elected as Village Clerk in 1989, he laid the groundwork for community engagement, transparency and fiscal responsibility. His tenure as a Village Trustee from 1996 to 2021 in Orland Park further showcases his dedication to improving local governance and advocating for the needs of residents.

With a blend of public service, private-sector leadership and a commitment to community development, Jim brings a well rounded perspective to the Village. His focus remains on practical solutions, responsible management and building a strong and resilient Orland Park.

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MEET YOUR NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS

As a passionate small business owner and a proud graduate with an Master of Business Administration from DePaul University, John joins the Village combining his entrepreneurial spirit with a strong commitment to public service. John’s engagement with the community extends beyond his business endeavors. He has actively contributed to the Orland Park Arts and Recreation Commission, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing the cultural and recreational offerings of our town. Additionally, John has volunteered his time as a coach for both St. Michael’s and the Orland Youth Association, mentoring young athletes and instilling values of teamwork and perseverance. John is ready to bring his experience, dedication and community-focused vision to the role of trustee, ensuring that Orland Park continues to thrive for generations to come. A retired state’s attorney, Mary has devoted her career to representing municipalities and educational institutions, leveraging her extensive legal expertise to ensure fair governance and equitable protections for all members of the community. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mary has played an active role in local law enforcement by serving as a valued member of the Orland Park Law Enforcement Organization. Her commitment to public safety and community well being reflects her unwavering dedication to the residents of Orland Park. Mary’s influence extends beyond her legal career, as she has also taken on leadership roles in youth development initiatives, notably as a leader in Boy Scout Troop 318. Through this role, she fostered a sense of responsibility, teamwork and outdoor skills among young scouts, helping to shape the next generation of community leaders. Mary is known for her strong record of professionalism and community involvement, and will continue it in her next role with the Village of Orland Park.

Village Clerk Mary Ryan Norwell

Trustee John Lawler

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MEET YOUR NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS

Dina was born and raised in southwest Chicagoland and has lived in Orland Park for 35 years. She attended Southern Illinois University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Thermal and Environmental Engineering. She also attended the University of Chicago where she received a Master of Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Business Policy. Her professional experience includes over 40 years in manufacturing process engineering, project management, regulatory compliance, business strategy and investment analysis. Dina has been heavily involved in the Orland Park community, volunteering with a wide variety of organizations that support children, the elderly, pets and the environment. Her favorite volunteer experiences in Orland Park are The Bridge Teen Center, Orland Youth Association (OYA) and Orland Grasslands.

Trustee Dina M. Lawrence

With over 40 years of residency in Orland Park, Joanna brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as a Village trustee. She attended Loyola University of Chicago where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. She then attended the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law where she received a Doctor of Law (JD). As a prosecutor with the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, she often applied her legal expertise to serve the community effectively. Joanna is actively involved in local arts and education, having been a member of the Orland Park Theatre Troupe, formerly serving as Secretary of the Sandburg High School Music Boosters Board and serving as the Village of Orland Park Library Board President for over nine years.

Trustee Joanna M. Liotine Leafblad

Email villageofficialselected@orlandpark.org, contact the Mayor’s office at (708) 403-6160 or attend a Village board meeting every first and third Monday of the month! Have Questions for the Village Board?

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MEET YOUR NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS

Village Clerk Mary Ryan Norwell

Mayor Jim Dodge

Trustee John Lawler

Trustee Dina Lawrence

Trustee Joanna M. Liotine Leafblad

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POLICE & PUBLIC SAFETY

POLICE & PUBLIC SAFETY

Cookout with Cops The Orland Park Police Department hosted two Cookout with Cops at Schussler Park and Village Square Park. Officers met with the community for hot dogs and conversation, and the kids were treated with giveaways and tours of police cruisers. Thank you to everyone who came out! The last Cookout with Cops of the summer is on Tuesday, August 12 at Cachey Park (8401 Wheeler Drive.) from 4 to 7 p.m. FBI Award FBI Chicago honored investigators from the Orland Park Police Department, along with other members of the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force (SSMCTF), for their work on a successful joint FBI–SSMCTF kidnapping investigation. The Orland Park Police Department congratulates all the agencies in the SSMCTF, as well as FBI Chicago, for the great work done by all.

Cop on a Rooftop Orland Park Police raised over $9,800 for Special Olympics Illinois at the annnual Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser at Orland Park area Dunkin’ locations in May. Thank you to the residents who continue to help OPPD in this generous cause.

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NEW POLICE TRAINING FACILITY

On July 7, the Orland Park Police Department celebrated the ribbon cutting for its new Police Training Facility. The new facility features state-of-the art simulators, range and training rooms, allowing the Orland Park Police Department to continue to be top-in-class in the state of Illinois.

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DOWNTOWN UPDATE Weber Grill Restaurant is set to join the new Downtown Orland Park development, opening in Spring 2026 as part of a $120 million project that includes over 140,000 square feet of retail and entertainment space. This 8,500-square-foot venue will feature indoor and outdoor seating, along with a cooking school. “This is an exciting addition to our community and a great first addition to the new development in Downtown Orland Park,” said Mayor Jim Dodge. “Weber Grill will enhance our dining options and attract visitors, making Orland Park an even more vibrant place to live, work and play.” This will be Weber Grill’s fifth location, joining Downtown Chicago, Schaumburg, Lombard and Indianapolis. The restaurant, known for its authentic charcoal-grilled cuisine and iconic Weber® charcoal kettle grill, will showcase a wide variety of expertly crafted items, including premium steaks, burgers, BBQ and chef-driven specialties. The project, initiated in March 2025 by Edwards Realty Company, will also revitalize the current Crescent Park, to be named Heroes Park, with seasonal events and a scenic walkway. With construction expected to be completed by Fall 2027, this development promises to be a cornerstone of the community, strategically located near the 143rd Street Metra Station and nearby residents. Weber Grill Restaurant to Open in Downtown Orland Park Spring 2026

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VILLAGE PONDS

In 2004, the Village of Orland Park undertook an ambitious effort to develop an area that meets the Village’s long standing vision of creating a pedestrian-friendly downtown environment for Orland Park.

Having invested approximately $150 million within the Triangle in public/private partnerships, public investments, private investments, land acquisition, construction of public infrastructure and amenities, environmental remediation and roadway intersection improvements, the project remains incomplete. Seeking to finally bring home the Village’s longstanding vision for this area, for this area, the Village Board approved the Conceptual Master Development Plan for Downtown Orland Park at the May 2, 2022 Village Board meeting. After receiving two proposals for a master developer, the Village of Orland Park began to negotiate a Master Development Agreement with Edwards Realty to develop the remaining 9.15 acres of land in the Main Street Triangle at the Northwest corner of 143rd Street and LaGrange Road. This area, also known as Downtown Orland Park, is currently a TIF District.

For more information on the Downtown Orland Park project, visit orlandpark.org/DTOP or follow the Village of Orland Park on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X.

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At the July 21 Village Board Meeting, the Village Board approved a new Annual Parkway Tree Pruning Program. This new program involves a regular schedule of tree maintenance by the Village to enhance health, safety, and aesthetics. This will include removing dead, diseased or high-risk branches, as well as branches that interfere with traffic or utility lines over the fall and winter months. The program will also involve pruning young trees to promote strong structure and growth. Key aspects of the new annual Parkway Tree Pruning Program include: Frequency: The Village has a total of 36,134 public trees inventoried in parkways and park/facility grounds. As such, a seven-year cycle will be implemented, with exceptions for unique circumstances. Techniques: Proper pruning techniques will be incorporated to avoid damaging the tree. This will include making cuts at the branch collar, avoiding excessive pruning and removing only the necessary branches. PARKWAY TREES

Public Safety: The pruning program will prioritize removing branches that pose a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles.

Tree Health: Regular pruning will help prevent the spread of disease and insect infestations and promote overall tree health.

Aesthetic Appeal: Pruning will help maintain the shape and symmetry of trees, enhancing their visual appeal.

Professional Expertise: Professional arborists and tree care specialists will be involved in implementing the pruning programs, especially for large trees or complex situations.

Will Not Include Private Property: The Annual Parkway Tree Pruning Program will not impact trees on private property. Private property trees will continue to be the responsibility of property owners in accordance with Village Code. Utility Pruning: ComEd will perform routine, cyclical tree pruning on four-year cycles around power lines that run from pole-to-pole and may prune between cycles if there are other problems that may result in interruptions to electric service.

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PARKWAY TREES

Other Tree Information

Spread mulch under trees, shrubs and throughout planting beds to a recommended depth of 3 to 4 inches for medium to coarse textured materials.

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Mulching Mulching is one of the most important things you can do for your trees. A layer of mulch is necessary and has many benefits for newly planted trees. Mulch will conserve soil moisture, reduce competition from other plants, decrease soil compaction and help prevent erosion. Also, soil temperatures will be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which will help to protect tree roots. Tree roots begin to die at temperatures greater than 90 and less than 20 degrees. Fresh mulch will also help trees to withstand insects, disease attacks and drought. Mid-to-late spring and fall are the best times to put down mulch.

Pull mulch away from the bases of tree and shrub trunks, creating a donut hole. Do not pile it up against the trunk (“volcano mulching”). Excessive mulch on the trunk causes moisture to build up, creating ideal conditions for insect pests, diseases and decay. Ideally, the mulched area around a tree should extend to the drip line of the branches, or at least cover a 4 to 5 foot diameter area around the trunk. The larger the mulched area, the more beneficial.

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Listed to the right are additional mulching tips. For more information on proper mulching, visit mortonarb.org

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Disposing of Yard Waste with Waste Management Waste Management offers yard waste pickup in the Village of Orland Park from April 1 through the second full week of December. Residents can utilize this service to dispose of tree branches, weeds, leaves and other green materials. All yard waste must be placed at the curb no later than 6 a.m. on the day of service and must follow these pickup guidelines: • Must be separate from garbage and recycling. • Must be placed in a biodegradable paper yard waste bag available at local retail stores or in a CLEARLY identified container that is no greater than 35gallons and weighs no more than 50 pounds. • ALL reusable containers for green waste must be labeled “Yard Waste Only.” Container labels can be obtained from Waste Management at no charge. Waste may not include sod, dirt, boulders or rocks. • Brush and branches must be contained, bagged, bundled or tied. All pieces must be cut into 4-foot lengths or less. Branches should be less than 2 1/2” in diameter.

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VILLAGE PONDS Stormwater ponds/pipes/creeks are interlocked systems with some property publicly owned and some privately owned. The Village and its residents work together to maintain the system. The Village’s Public Works Department is responsible for aesthetics and shoreline stabilization of all Village-owned ponds. Since 2011, the Village has maintained the 180 Village-owned ponds through the best practices of natural plantings, a process used by many surrounding communities. 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 runoff that may occur from surrounding properties. The Village works with ecological contractors to help evaluate and maintain many public pond sites through a stewardship process. Stewardship is a multi-year program in which invasive species of plants surrounding a pond site are removed and replaced with native species. These ponds have usually been identified as most in need by the Village’s Pond Assessment program. Plant plug or seeds are 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 a hydrological and ecological balance by using methods that are structurally sound, as well as economically feasible, while being ecologically sustainable.

For more information, call the Village Public Works Department at (708) 403-6350.

Want to know if your pond is owned by the Village or is private/HOA? Visit orlandpark.org/ponds.

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VILLAGE PONDS

Below are a few of the most common questions the Village receives and their answers.

In most cases, the “weeds” are not weeds but purposely maintained native plantings that provide benefits like reducing erosion and filtering nutrient runoff from nearby yards, thereby also reducing algae growth in the water.

The Village previously maintained riprap around some ponds but it was costly to install and maintain. Native plantings are more cost effective, provide the additional benefit of filtering out chemical runoff and comes recommended by several agencies like the USEPA, US Army Corp of Engineers and the Morton Arboretum.

Do the holidays impact Waste

The Village’s priority is maintaining these ponds as stormwater detention facilities. While we hope that residents may find the naturalized look of the native plantings appealing, their purpose is to help in reducing maintenance for the ponds and slowing down the rate of erosion.

The Village is full of many natural grasslands and sloughs that are havens for local wildlife. The plantings around ponds provide only a tiny fraction of habitat area for animals like coyotes. The Village has neither the means nor the desire to completely drive off coyotes from the local area, since they provide a necessary ecosystem balance to keep other pest animals and rodents from growing out of control.

The Village has dredged ponds only a few times in the past but recognizes the growing need for dredging as our ponds continue to grow older and accumulate more sediment. For this reason, Public Works has maintained a shortlist of ponds most in need of sediment removal and intends to begin these projects by 2030.

The Village has a contractor that treats close to 40 ponds for algae, lilies and other aquatic weeds every two weeks from April through October. Even with regular treatment, algae blooms may still occur on occasion. If residents would like to know if their local pond is on the treatment schedule, please contact the Public Works Department at (708) 403-6350.

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TASTE OF ORLAND PARK FRIDAY, AUGUST 1 5 – 11p.m. 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. - Alika Arlynn (Country)

6:30 – 6:50 p.m. - Carl Sandburg Marching Eagles 7 –10 p.m. - Battle of the Band (Community Stage) 7:30 – 9 p.m. - Dancing Queen (ABBA Tribute) 9 –11 p.m. - Sixteen Candles (80s) 11 – 11:15 p.m. - Drone Show

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2 3 – 11p.m. 3 – 7 p.m. - Kids’ activities 3 – 4 p.m. - Anchors Away (Yacht Rock)

4:30 – 5:30 p.m. - Altered Five Blues Band (Blues) 5 – 6 p.m. - Dan Gogh Magic (Community Stage) 6 – 6:30 p.m. - Veterans Tribute 7– 10 p.m. - Live Band Karaoke - (Community Stage) 7 – 8:30 p.m. - 7th Heaven (Pop Rock) 9 – 11 p.m. - Tommy DeCarlo (Boston) and Jason Scheff (Chicago) (Classic Rock)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3 3 – 9 p.m. 3 – 7 p.m. - Kids/Family Zone 3 – 4:15 p.m. - Sparks Fly (Taylor Swift Tribute)

4 – 5 p.m. - FrogLady (Community Stage) 4:20 – 4:40 p.m. - Doonaree Pipe Band 4:45 – 5 p.m. - Konquer Dance Company 5 – 6:30 p.m. - Shake Baby Shake (40s-60s) 6 – 8 p.m. - Orland Parks Got Talent (Community Stage) 7:30 – 9 p.m. - One Vision of QUEEN featuring Marc Martel (Queen) 9 – 9:15 p.m. - Fireworks

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The Taste of Orland Park is back at the Village Green (14700 S. Ravinia Ave.)! Savor the flavors of 13 local restaurants and revel in the sounds of ten bands over this three-day summer festival. The 2025 Taste will be packed with entertainment, delicious food, family activities, community and sponsor booths and more! For more information, visit orlandpark.org/taste.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

At the Illinois School Resource Officer Association Annual Awards ceremony, Officer Charles Kirby was announced as the runner-up for the Illinois School Resource Officer of the Year out of 650 certified SROs in the state of Illinois. The SRO of the Year Award recognizes a School Resource Officer who has demonstrated outstanding service, dedication and effectiveness in working with students, school staff and the broader community.

At the May 19 Board of Trustees Meeting, the Village of Orland Park honored employees of its Public Works Department as a part of National Public Works Week. On behalf of the Village, Mayor Jim Dodge recognized Matt Hanna for his over 25 years of service. Congratulations to all who were recognized, and we thank each of the employees for their dedicated public service. At the June 16 Village Board Meeting, Mayor Dodge and Trustee Lawrence proclaimed the week of June 15 - 21, 2025 as National Grasslands Week in Orland Park. Orland Grasslands volunteers were recognized for their hard work and dedication in leading restorative activities, such as seed collections, wildlife monitoring and photography, outreach and education opportunities and more.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

Mayor Jim Dodge, Clerk Mary Ryan Norwell, and Trustees Joanna M. Liotine Leafblad, Dina Lawrence and the Orland Park Fire District were in attendance for Isla’s 2nd Annual Lemonade Stand in support of Project Fire Buddies. Project Fire Buddies brings joy and relief to children battling critical illnesses and their families.

The Village of Orland Park hosted its annual Independence Day Celebration. Attendees enjoyed the new Pet & Kids Bike Parade, live music from In The Stix and 90’s Pop Nation, Presentation of Colors and an elaborate fireworks show.

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WELCOME TO ORLAND PARK

THE CREAMERY -- >> -- Village staff and the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of The Creamery (288 Orland Square Dr.) with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. The Creamery is a family owned ice cream business dedicated to bringing smiles to everyone.

<< -- KENZIE’S PLAYHOUSE -- Mayor Dodge, Trustee Lawrence, Orland Park Village Staff and the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of Kenzie’s Playhouse (9234 W. 159th St.). Kenzie’s Playhouse is a family owned indoor adventure zone for kids.

COMPASS LENDING -- >> -- Trustee Lawrence, Orland Park village staff and the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of Compass Lending (18331 Distinctive Dr.). Compass Lending is an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee, specializing in both residential and commercial mortgage financing and reverse plans.

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WELCOME TO ORLAND PARK

<< -- FOGO DE CHÃO -- Mayor James Dodge, members of the Village Board and the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of Fogo de Chão (15407 S. LaGrange Road). Fogo de Chão is an internationally renowned steakhouse that provides flavors of Brazil with fire-roasted cuts carved tableside.

HEART, VEIN & VASCULAR CLINICS -- >> -- Trustees Lawrence and Leafblad and the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of Heart, Vein & Vascular Clinics (43 Orland Square Dr.) with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. Heart, Vein & Vascular Clinics offers comprehensive cardiovascular and vein care services in the south suburbs .

Did you know?

The Orland Park Chamber of Commerce has over 400 business and organization members? For useful resources and information on the largest business organization in the area, visit orlandparkchamber.org.

Questions? Call (708) 349-2972 or email info@orlandparkchamber.org

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VETERANS INFORMATION

Veterans Liberty Run & Walk

On July 3, attendees ran, jogged and walked the course through beautiful Centennial Park in support of local veterans organizations. Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the event. A reminder that the annual Village of Orland Park Veterans Golf Classic benefitting local veterans will be held August 26 at Silver Lake Country Club. The Orland Park Veterans Golf Classic is limited to 144 golfers. Foursomes fill up fast, so register early! Registration deadline is August 22. For more information, visit orlandpark.org/veteransgolf.

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GET INVOLVED Follow the Village on social media to stay informed! Scan using the camera on your phone!

Facebook Events, fun highlights of the community and important information are featured on our page. Give us a “follow” to stay up-to-date on all that’s happening.

Instagram Capturing fun and lighthearted sights around Orland Park, as well as keeping the community up-to-date on Village happenings is what you’ll find on our feed.

X Receive timely posts about events, traffic, public announcements and more.

YouTube Check out the many videos featuring local events, cable programs and updates from the Mayor. Catch our board meetings and events LIVE and be sure to subscribe to be notified when we go live.

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GET INVOLVED

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Each newsletter, we will delve into a different piece of Orland’s past. This season we will be exploring the history of baseball in Orland Park in honor of our upcoming fourth annual Vintage Base Ball Game on July 26 at Stellwagen Farm. BASEBALL IN ORLAND PARK’S HISTORY With the rise of industrialization in the nineteenth century, people enjoyed an unprecedented amount of leisure time. As a result, sports gained popularity throughout the country. This was especially true amongst people living in the northeastern United States. Since Orland was settled primarily by people from England and the American Northeast, it stands to reason that they brought their love of sports with them – particularly, the new game known as baseball. Although the exact origin of modern baseball is unknown, some historians believe it to have originated from two English games: cricket and rounders. Both games involved a stick that was used to strike a ball. Baseball also shares similarities with la soule, which emerged from Normandy and Picardy in the medieval period. On June 4, 1838, the first baseball game with a documented scorecard in North American history took place – not in the United States but in Beachville, Ontario, Canada!

Pinpointing one figure as the founder of baseball is difficult, as there is much controversy over the origins of the sport. Historians have debunked the theory that U.S. Army officer Abner Doubleday invented baseball in 1839 – a claim that he never made himself during his lifetime. This story instead came from the Mills Commission in 1907, a group appointed to determine the sport’s historic origin. Most historians tend to believe that Alexander Cartwright can be called “the father of modern baseball,” though he by no means invented the game. In 1845, he established a formal, consistent set of rules that all baseball teams could play by, some of which are still in place today (known as the Knickerbocker Rules). The first recorded American baseball game took place in Hoboken, New Jersey on June 19, 1846, and used these guidelines. By 1856, this relatively new sport had already received the moniker of “America’s Pastime!”

Alexander Cartright, Jr. (1820-1892) Photograph Source: Hawai’i State Archives

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HERITAGE SITES

In 1871, the first professional league, the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players, was founded; five years later, the National League replaced the National Association on February 2, 1876. In 1901, the American League (the other league in modern Major League Baseball) was created. Up until the 1880s, baseball used to be two words and was spelled “base ball” or “base-ball.” However, in the 1880s, many newspapers began to combine these two words into one. The Chicago Tribune adopted this spelling in 1891.

Orland Reds, 1910

The earliest known mention of a baseball team in Orland is from a

newspaper article in The Inter Ocean on June 17, 1895. The writer reported the results from a recent baseball game between the Orland Blues and the Palos Stars. The earliest known mention of an organized baseball club in Orland comes from the same newspaper on May 26, 1900, in which the Orland Baseball Club was looking for a Chicago baseball club to play against for a Decoration Day (Memorial Day) game. The early 1900s is when many of Orland’s baseball teams began to form, including the Orland Grays, Orland Reds, Orland Blues, Wagoners, Orland Juniors, Orland Boosters and the Wabash teams. These teams were composed of members of the community, and they played against other groups from local towns, such as the Jarvis team from Joliet, the Bremen Bull Frogs, the Palos Stars and the Oak Forest Acorns. Many baseball teams, including rural ones, took their names from the color of their uniform stockings (ex. Orland Grays, Reds and Blues); this practice gave them a quick and memorable form of identification. Today, two major league baseball teams are named for the color of their stockings: the Chicago White Sox and the Boston Red Sox. From the 1920s through the 1950s, organizations both civic and commercial sponsored local baseball teams and searched for strong players to recruit. In exchange, the organization “paid” the player with a place to stay in the town and/or a job. Sponsored baseball teams helped boost morale and community pride. The Orland Wabash teams, for example, were sponsored by the Wabash Railroad. Though Orland Park’s baseball teams mostly played in local, recreational games, there are a few examples where they participated in games against semi-professional teams. In 1927, Orland was scheduled to play against Blue Island’s baseball team in the Midwest League, a semi-professional baseball circuit composed of Chicagoland teams from the 1920s to the 1940s. On July 21, 1929, the Orland team played a game against the Ernie Withall Semi-Pro Baseball Club at St. Rita Field (64th Street and Claremont Avenue in Chicago, Illinois).

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HERITAGE SITES

Orland Baseball Team, c. 1920s. This photograph was taken in the field behind Park School.

In 1946, Orland joined the Southwest Community Baseball League alongside other southwest towns, such as Stickney, Oak Forest, Tinley Park and Midlothian. In 1949, Orland won the championship game in the league; the team was comprised of Frank Homerding (center fielder), LeRoy Kramer (second baseman), William “Bill” Keuch (shortstop), Buddy Johnson (pitcher), Bill Tuttle (catcher), Allan Schmaedeke (first baseman), Harold “Hal” Mosel (third baseman), Norman Kramer (left fielder), Norm Keuch (right fielder) and Ed Rauch (right fielder). Every year the Southwest Community Baseball League hosted an “all-star baseball game,” in which the winning team opposed the “cream of the rest of the teams.” Orland’s 1949 team played against the best of the best from other teams in the league and had an astounding victory of 7-0 in the all-star game. In the summer of 1954, Babe Lohmann founded a youth baseball group in Orland; as the group grew larger, Lohmann was later assisted by Bill Zinn, Elmer Libner and Larry Doyle. Games were played between Orland and Mokena. In 1955, Orland Park joined the “Wilco League” (named the “Tri County League” one year later ). This league fielded teams from seven different towns in Will and Cook Counties in various age categories, making up the Small Fry, Pony and eventually the Babe Ruth, Police League (for teenagers and young men) and Farm Teams. In 1956, approximately 60-65 boys participated in the League and in 1957, an estimated 80 to 85 boys between the ages of eight through seventeen took part in the program.

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Increased participation in sports and other recreational activities later resulted in the formation of the Orland Park Youth Association (OYA) in 1957. That year, the organization created four baseball diamonds on a property donated by James Duffy, located on 151st Street and West Avenue in the Orland Park Hills Subdivision. Today, the OYA offers programs for boys and girls in baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball and basketball at both recreational and competitive levels. If you’re interested in seeing what a baseball game might have looked like in the 1860s, join us at our fourth annual Vintage Base Ball Game on July 26 from 1 - 4 P.M. at Stellwagen Farm (17701 108th Avenue)! This free event will feature a game between the Chicago Salmon and the Flossmoor Whistlestoppers, a petting zoo, a food truck selling ball game favorites and more!

This article was written by Heritage Sites Supervisor Libby Paulson. For more information on the Orland Park Heritage Sites, visit orlandpark.org/heritagesites or email heritagesites@orlandpark.org.

OYA Champion Team, 1993

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VILLAGE FACILITIES

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 15655 South Ravinia Avenue (708) 403-6350 ORLAND PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT 15100 South Ravinia Avenue (708) 349-4111 (non-emergency) Dial 9-1-1 for emergency RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT 14600 South Ravinia Avenue (708) 403-5000 VILLAGE OF ORLAND PARK VETERANS CENTER 14671 West Avenue (708) 403-6115

VILLAGE HALL 14700 South Ravinia Avenue (708) 403-6100 VILLAGE OF ORLAND PARK SPORTSPLEX 11351 West 159th Street (708) 403-5000 FRANKLIN E. LOEBE RECREATION CENTER 14650 South Ravinia Ave. (708) 403-6259 SENATOR JOHN HUMPHREY HOUSE 9830 West 144th Place (708) 403-5000

CENTENNIAL PARK AQUATIC CENTER 15600 West Avenue (708) 349-4386

ORLAND PARK HEALTH AND FITNESS CENTER 15430 West Avenue (708) 226-0555 ORLAND PARK CIVIC CENTER 14750 South Ravinia Avenue (708) 403-6200 CENTENNIAL PARK WEST 15609 Park Station Boulevard (708) 226-0555