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By Jeff Vorva
It was actually fitting that the Schussler Park ribbon cutting ceremony on June 1 took place during a downpour.
The first phase of the face-lift of the park, it was the opening of the Michael Schofield III Sports Complex to the public and the rain not only didn’t put a damper on the festivities, it served as an example of the effectiveness of the new drainage system on the two new turf fields at the park.
“Those fields would have been unusable without these improvements,” Orland Park Trustee Sean Kampas said at the June 3 village board meeting.
Michael Schofield, an NFL lineman with a Super Bowl ring, and his wife Kendall Coyne Schofield, a hockey player who won a gold and two silver Olympic medals, were on hand during the soggy ceremony.
“I know the weather wasn’t the best,” Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau said. “It rained the whole day, and it was so fitting that it rained the whole day because the fields were still usable, and the kids were playing on it.
“That’s what it’s all about. I was talking to Kendall and she said, ‘this is what it’s all about – kids playing football and soccer on every field.’’’
LeVox concert to open Centennial Park West
One week after the Schussler Park grand opening, the village will host the grand opening of Centennial Park West at 4 p.m. on June 8 at 15609 Park Station Blvd.
The 2024 Concert Series kicks off with former Rascal Flatts singer Gary LeVox headlining with guests Hunter Hays and Jesse Haines.
Centennial Park went through a massive makeover and there is permanent staging and buildings to serve as dressing rooms for the acts.
“We broke ground in September and if you go out and see everything that’s been done since September…it’s concert ready,” Pekau said. “You might notice a few amenities and cosmetic things that still need to be done but it’s ready.”
Trustee Cynthia Nelson Katsenes said a lot of hard work has gone into getting the facility ready.
“Just yesterday the workers were putting in a 12-hour day on a Sunday,” she said. “They are working hard, and they are working together.”
