Tinley Park District Moves Forward With Site Cleanup and Recreation Plans

Over two years since purchasing the former Tinley Park Mental Health Center, the Tinley Park-Park District plans to complete the site’s cleanup by year’s end. Before starting development, the district is focusing on the Illinois Site Remediation Program, initiated in September 2025. This program includes soil sampling set to begin soon, with the entire remediation expected to take a year or more, stated Renee Cipriano, a former Illinois Environmental Protection Agency director supervising the cleanup.

The cleanup efforts have already tackled hazardous materials removal, including asbestos, along with demolishing buildings. The remediation process will further probe for contaminants to ensure the site is safe for recreational purposes. As recreational use involves strict IEPA approvals, the remediation might be extensive. Nevertheless, the Park District remains committed to developing the property for community recreation.

Park District board President Lisa O’Donovan mentioned uncertainties surrounding specific plans, development costs, and funding sources. The nature of recreational use will depend on community feedback. “We haven’t reached the funding stage yet,” O’Donovan noted, emphasizing cleanup as the primary focus to ensure safety.

“Making sure it’s cleaned up properly for safety remains our main focus,” she said.

Tinley Park village officials have raised concerns about cleanup, funding, potential development plans, and the district’s management of the property. The village had considered acquiring the site for commercial redevelopment through private investment. However, when the Park District took over in 2023, village manager Pat Carr expressed disappointment, believing the village could achieve more in collaboration with private investors.

The Park District’s vision for 90 acres includes multiple sports fields, a stadium, playground, and pond, aiming to develop this area first. Situated west of 80th Avenue, these plans would extend Freedom Park. “Facilities could complement each other to expand opportunities,” O’Donovan stated, adding enthusiasm received from residents and offers from private developers for pickleball courts, gardens, and open space. Private partnership offers are deferred until after the cleanup.

Demolition continues, with a plan to complete by year-end. Funding options, while unfinalized, consider public-private partnerships, state funds, and district budget allocations. Since acquiring the site, the district received state grants of $15 million in 2023 and $18 million in June 2025. Much remains from the second grant, intended for structure demolition and final remediation.

Restrictions limit the site’s use to public recreation only, prohibiting gambling facilities and property sale; leasing is allowed for non-gambling uses. Violating state rules could revert ownership to the state. O’Donovan highlighted the importance of adhering to state parameters for property use.

“We must follow the parameters to meet state expectations,” she emphasized.

State Rep. Bob Rita supports the Park District’s ownership and cleanup progress. “Restoring this neglected property is a win for Tinley Park,” he remarked. May termination of abatement addressed asbestos, stormwater, and enabled building demolition. Lime pits, reservoirs, and storage tanks were cleared, as per the district statement.

The district aims to complete demolition risk factors by year-end, barring issues like deep concrete foundations or water collection. A tunnel system spanning over 5,600 feet created demolition challenges, with 2,500 feet already removed.

Additional demolitions include the powerhouse and water tower scheduled in coming weeks. Debris disposal complies with regulations, backed by air monitoring to ensure community safety. If cleanup proceeds according to schedule, soil collection and testing for this initial 90 acres could start this Fall, lasting a year or more. The IEPA has reviewed the district’s remediation plans, which involve drilling and sampling soil and groundwater for pollutants.

Cipriano expressed that despite its length, the remediation program offers IEPA-supervised cleanup, allowing voluntary property purification. “This process provides safety assurances for the community,” she noted.

“Safety assurances are crucial for residents,” Cipriano remarked.

O’Donovan revealed plans for a community engagement campaign post-cleanup, inviting ideas from locals and stakeholders through surveys and various meetings. Stakeholders include residents, youth programs, school districts, village officials, historical societies, and others. After feedback collection, the Park District commissioners will have the final say on development decisions, along with the Remediate 280 committee.