Orland Park residents who live near Evergreen View Park say they are excited that their park is scheduled for some major upgrades.
But they also have some specific suggestions on what they would and would not like in their nearly 30-acre neighborhood park. And one of the things they do not favor is a splash pad.
Residents recently had a chance to voice their concerns during the village board meeting when they pushed back on plans for a proposed splash pad saying, “Not in our backyard.”
Liane Birk noted that Evergreen View is a community park in the middle of a residential area “We already have seen an increase in the number of vehicles that speed through the community and don’t stop at stop signs.
“That poses an increased danger to our kids,” she said. “And we have a number of children living in this neighborhood.”
Birk called splash pads a “wonderful idea,” but added “just not here.” She said splash pads would “disturb the calm, natural beauty of the area.”
Susan Morris, a 21-year village resident, echoed Birk’s comments, saying, “We support improvements at the park like pickleball courts and walking paths but no splash pad.”
Morris cited towns like Tinley Park, Lemont and Hickory Hills with having splash pads but noted that “they are away from residential areas.”
Orland village officials are looking at spending roughly $1.2 million to renovate the park. Half that cost – $600,000 – will come from an Open Space Lands Acquisitions and Development grant.
The board has been seeking input from residents on various uses and improvements to put together a new master plan for Evergreen View Park.
No splashpad please. Will ruin the park.