VOP Spring Public 2015

MAYOR FROM THE

What a great time of year in Orland Park! Flowers are in full bloom and it is great to see everyone out and about enjoying the warm weather. We have not skipped a beat and are already gearing up for another wonderful season of great events and tasks. The village was pleased to offer curbside pickup for spring cleaning again this year. The process went smoothly and was a huge success, with over 100 tons of large household items picked up from Orland residents. The Village of Orland Park celebrated Earth Day on Saturday, April 25th with environmentally focused programs and activities. It was great to see the community come together to learn about how to make Orland Park more sustainable and environmentally friendly. We officially welcome summer to Orland Park during Memorial Day Weekend. Orland Park’s Centennial Park Aquatic Center will open for the 2015 season on Saturday, May 23rd. Check our website for membership, special events and classes offered at the pool. We will honor and remember all fallen heroes at the village’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony on May 25th. All are invited to join us at the 1 p.m. ceremony at the Veterans Memorial, Ara Pace, located at the Village Center, 147th & Ravinia. Summer in Orland Park brings many events and fun activities. We will bring back our outdoor summer concerts that have quickly become an area favorite. City Lights Orchestra will kick things off this summer at Centennial Park West. See page 40 for more dates, times and details. Visit our website at www.orlandpark.org and click on “Special Events” for a list of the many things to do in Orland Park this summer. More than 15,000 households completed their Property Tax Rebate Applications. We were pleased to be able to, once again, refund a portion of residents’ property taxes. The village is working hard to alleviate traffic and make traveling throughout Orland Park a more enjoyable experience. Progress on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s widening of LaGrange Road continues and IDOT and its contractors are working steadily to complete this much needed improvement through the center of town.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Calendar of Events 1 Young Achievers 6-7 Getting to Know You 8 Public Safety 9-11 Tax Rebate 12 Vehicle Stickers 13 LaGrange Road 14-15 Building Orland Park 16-19 Making a Difference 23 In the Know 26-27 Inquiring Minds 28-29 Community Pride 30-31 A Word from our Veterans 32-33 Around Town 34-38 Summer Happenings 40-41 Centennial Park Events 42

Stay up to date on pending lane closures and other announcements via the village’s website at www.orlandpark.org.

I hope you have a safe and fantastic summer filled with family, fun and great times!

Sincerely,

Daniel J. McLaughlin, Mayor

2 ORLAND PARK PUBLIC SPRING 2015 | www.orlandpark.org