The city of Countryside is spending $622,147 to upgrade Srejma-Michalek Memorial Park, a playground dedicated to two firefighters who died in the line of duty in 1981.
Jerome “Jerry” Srejma and Gary Michalek were killed Oct. 26, 1981, fighting a commercial building fire in Countryside. Both worked for the Pleasantview Fire Protection District. The city dedicated the park in their memory in 1982.
The park is located in the 2nd Ward at the southeast corner of Forest View Road and Lorraine Drive.
Now, more than 40 years later, the park — the oldest in Countryside — is getting its first major equipment upgrade. The new playground will feature a firefighter theme, including a new monument and plaque honoring the two men.
“The equipment needed to be upgraded,” said Ald. Mark Benson (3rd Ward), who chairs the city council’s infrastructure committee.
Work will begin in August, with a dedication ceremony planned for October, Benson said.. The old equipment will be removed and sent overseas to less fortunate children and parks through NuToys, the company handling the project.
The city council unanimously approved the contract at its April 22 meeting.