Drivers traveling through Palos Park may soon see a familiar name along Southwest Highway, one that generations of residents associate with service, education and community.
The Illinois Senate has approved a resolution designating a portion of Southwest Highway as “Dave Sanders Way,” honoring David Sanders, the longtime leader of The Center in Palos Park whose decades of work helped shape one of the region’s most enduring community institutions.
Senate Joint Resolution 60, championed by State Sen. Bill Cunningham, would place the honorary designation along Southwest Highway between 12600 and 13100.
For more than 90 years, The Center has been a gathering place for people seeking spiritual enrichment, youth programs, counseling, arts education and agricultural experiences. Founded in 1932 by the Rev. Paul T. Sanders and Elizabeth Sanders, the organization became a cornerstone of community life in the southwest suburbs.
David Sanders carried that legacy forward, spending much of his life expanding The Center’s reach and impact. During his tenure, programs grew to serve children, families and adults through educational opportunities, recovery support services, artistic programming and community outreach efforts.
Cunningham said the road designation recognizes not only Sanders’ leadership, but also the lasting influence his family has had throughout the region.
“For generations, The Center in Palos Park has been a place where people have come together to learn, grow, reflect and support one another,” Cunningham said in a statement. “David Sanders dedicated his life to continuing that mission, and this designation is a fitting tribute to the impact he and his family have had on countless people throughout our communities.”
Residents throughout the southwest suburbs have long viewed The Center as more than a campus. Nestled among wooded trails and open green space, the property has hosted retreats, educational programs and community events connecting people across generations.
Supporters of the resolution say naming a stretch of highway after Sanders is a visible way to recognize the role he played in preserving and expanding that mission.
“David Sanders’ leadership helped make The Center a welcoming place for people of all ages and backgrounds,” Cunningham said. “His commitment to service and community has left a lasting mark on Palos Park and the entire region.”
The Senate adopted the resolution Saturday. Signage designating the roadway as “Dave Sanders Way” is expected to be installed following implementation by state transportation officials.
