The people have spoken and they do not want a half-court basketball court in their neighborhood. Heeding their advice, the village board voted unanimously to reject the basketball courts proposal.
Orland Park residents who live near Eagle Ridge III Park rejected the idea for the basketball court after responding overwhelmingly to the 300 postcards the park department sent to surrounding neighbors seeking their opinion.
Of the nearly 200 residents who responded to the survey, 62 percent opposed the plan for the basketball court while 38 were in favor.
Trustee Joanna Leafblad thanked residents for their response to the postcards and added: “Feedback from our residents is (one of) the best ways we can make our decisions.”
Added Trustee Bill Healy: “We listened to our residents as we should. By listening to them, they feel included in the process.”
Residents at previous board meetings have said that Eagle Ridge is a passive neighborhood park that is designed for “walking, young children on the swings and quiet enjoyment.”
They said a basketball court brings noise, including the constant thumping of the ball. Heads in the crowd nodded in unison. Eagle Ridge Park is one of 66 parks the park department operates throughout the village.
