Trustees shift Dugan Park pickleball plan: fewer courts in neighborhood, expanded courts at Centennial and Sportsplex

Orland Park trustees voted to reject the original 10‑court proposal for Dugan Park and adopted a descoped plan that spreads dedicated pickleball courts across multiple parks, after extensive public comment and trustee discussion about noise, neighborhood impact and grant funding. Trustees first considered a plan (option B/A in staff materials) to build 10 lighted pickleball courts, two lighted tennis courts, a restroom building and expanded parking at Dugan Park. Several residents and a US Pickleball ambassador urged the village to build a large complex and highlighted regional tournament and economic potential; others raised concerns about proximity to homes and noise. Ray (parks/recreation staff) reviewed four alternatives and recommended option D: keep Dugan Park largely as a neighborhood park (convert two existing courts to unlit dedicated pickleball), build 4 lighted courts behind the Sportsplex, and place 9+ lighted courts at Centennial Park (the ice rink location). Ray said option D would provide 15 dedicated outdoor courts (13 lighted) and reduce direct impacts on adjacent residences. “Staff’s recommendation is option D,” Ray said on the record. He and other staff noted the state OSLAD grant condition that the village spend at least $600,000 on the Dugan Park project to maintain eligibility; staff said the state has been willing to approve descopes in other communities but would need a revised submittal to confirm continued funding. After a roll‑call vote, trustees voted down the motion to proceed with the original Dugan Park 10‑court plan. A subsequent motion to recommend option D passed. Trustees discussed sequencing and timing — Sportsplex courts could be engineered and bid in late 2025 with construction in 2026, while Centennial Park work would depend on ice‑rink sequencing and further design work. Trustees asked for engineering cost estimates and for staff to report possible sponsorship or naming‑rights opportunities to offset costs. Public comments and trustee remarks emphasized community concerns about noise, the need for clear communications on schedule and appearance, and the importance of preserving tennis options where appropriate. Trustees asked staff to produce performance metrics and community notifications for any chosen option. Staff said the village would pursue RFPs for design/engineering and move to construction in 2026 pending final approvals and sequencing.