What was once little more than an open grassy lot for more than four decades officially became one of Worth’s newest recreational destinations as residents gathered July 30 to celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated Stahlak Park.
Located at 112th Place and Natchez Avenue, Stahlak Park was named in honor of Frank R. Stahlak, the first president of the Worth Park District when it was established in 1965. The property was purchased in 1975 with funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Aside from a small playground that stood for only a few years, the site remained largely undeveloped and served as open space for more than 40 years.
That changed this year.
Guided by the Worth Park District Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan approved in 2022, the Worth Park District Board of Commissioners and staff made redevelopment of Stahlak Park one of their highest priorities. Their vision became reality after the district secured a $600,000 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
The grant funded the park’s transformation into a modern recreational space featuring a youth and adult challenge course, concrete walkways, a plaza with a solar-powered shelter, benches, landscaping, pedestrian lighting and two pickleball courts.
The courts also marked a milestone for the community. According to park district officials, Stahlak Park is the first park in the Village of Worth to feature dedicated pickleball courts.
“The transformation of this park from only open space to what it is now has been remarkable,” said Robert O’Shaughnessy, director of parks and recreation.
Construction began April 6 and was completed in mid-July, several weeks ahead of the Aug. 10 completion date outlined in the construction contract.
O’Shaughnessy said the park filled a need by offering amenities that could not be found anywhere else in the Park District.
“The two main amenities, the pickleball courts and challenge course, are not present in any of the Park District’s other parks,” he said. “This makes Stahlak Park unique and introduces newer amenities to the community.”
The former gravel parking area also received an upgrade. It was paved and striped through a gift from the Village of Worth, further enhancing accessibility for park visitors.
Worth Park District Board President Donald Dambek said seeing the once-empty property transformed into a vibrant gathering place was rewarding.
“It’s a beautiful park now that it is full of life,” Dambek said.
Among those attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony was Roger Stahlak, son of Frank Stahlak, who reflected on his family’s connection to both the park and the village.
The Stahlak family moved to Worth from Chicago’s Gage Park neighborhood in 1952. Frank and Ann Stahlak had three children, and Roger said he spent his childhood just a short walk from the property that now bears his father’s name.
“I grew up two and a half blocks down the street from this very park,” Roger Stahlak said. “This is just amazing.”
He also shared memories of growing up in the village.
“It was wonderful growing up here in Worth,” he said. “The park looks great and I know that the whole community will appreciate it for many years to come.”
U.S. Rep. Sean Casten also praised the investment in neighborhood parks.
“These parks are so great,” Casten said. “They are what make our communities grow.”
Eight-year-old Preston Nagel of Worth needed only a few words to describe the new park.
“I love everything about this park,” he said.
The Park District also expressed gratitude to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the OSLAD grant program for making the project possible.
“Without this opportunity, a project of this magnitude would have been much more difficult to achieve,” O’Shaughnessy said. “We are thankful for the support that allows us to continue making our Park District and community a better place.”
He added that the improvements were designed to serve residents for generations, creating a place where children, families, older adults and pickleball enthusiasts could gather for recreation and community activities.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew local residents, elected officials and members of the Stahlak family. Among those in attendance were state Rep. Fran Hurley, state Sen. Mary Gill, U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, Worth Park District Board President Donald Dambek and relatives of Frank Stahlak, whose leadership helped establish the Park District more than 60 years ago.
“It is hoped they will see the park as a wonderful tribute to him,” O’Shaughnessy said.
Park District officials also thanked the Worth community, residents, local organizations and businesses whose encouragement and support helped bring the long-awaited project to fruition.
The ceremony represented more than the opening of a new park. It celebrated the transformation of a space that had remained largely untouched for decades into a community destination that honors Worth’s past while providing new opportunities for recreation for generations to come.
