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Public commenter says Centennial Park West lacks ADA access; board reviews years of losses and plans smaller 2026 program
Summary
A resident told the village board the recently built Centennial Park West concert venue lacks required ADA access and may need $2.5–$5 million to fix; staff presented a 2019–2025 financial recap showing roughly $1.88 million in net losses and projected 20‑year debt service of $930,000 annually as trustees urged a feasibility study and a more modest 2026 program.
Michael Henry, a resident who said he obtained engineering records through a Freedom of Information request, told the Village of Orland Park board that the Centennial Park West concert facility "doesn't comply with ADA, needs extensive work" and estimated remediation costs could be "between 2 and a half and $5,000,000." He told trustees the facility lacks curb cuts, entrances and compliant routes, and cautioned that federal fines could begin at $75,000 per violation and rise on repeat violations.
Staff then gave the board a multi‑year financial recap for Centennial Park West. The presenter said the venue first hosted ticketed concerts in 2019, opened the current venue in 2024, and that ticket sales and event revenues between 2019 and 2025 totaled just over $700,000 while related concert expenses totaled roughly $2,600,000, yielding a stated net loss "about 1,880,000." The presenter listed the construction cost as $12.5 million, and projected 20‑year debt service of $930,000 annually and annual operating costs of $250,000. For 2026 the budget will include funds for concerts but staff proposed a reduced program with fewer high‑cost headliners and a feasibility study.
Trustees split between fiscal caution and emphasizing community value. "This was all done without any sort of workable business plan," Trustee Lawler said, urging stronger pre‑investment analysis for future amenities. Trustee Healy noted the intangible benefits the concerts delivered during the COVID era and the importance of community amenities. Trustees and staff agreed the 2026 budget process will include a deeper review and a plan to limit expensive headliners while exploring a mix of paid and free events to increase utilization and reduce losses.
The board did not take a final vote on specific changes to the Centennial Park West schedule during the portion of the meeting captured in the transcript; staff said the feasibility work and detailed plan will be completed as part of the 2026 budget process.
