Orland Park moves forward with feasibility and operating‑plan studies for performing arts center and Centennial Park West
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Summary
The Village Committee of the Whole reviewed and refined scopes for two consultant studies — a performing arts center feasibility study and a Centennial Park West strategic operating plan — to guide site, program and funding decisions and to shape future RFPs and public engagement.
The Village of Orland Park’s Committee of the Whole on Monday reviewed detailed scopes of services for two studies intended to guide future capital and programming decisions: a strategic operating plan for Centennial Park West and a feasibility study for a proposed performing arts center.
Staff said the Centennial Park West plan will define event scale and frequency, cost‑recovery strategies, neighborhood compatibility and operational staffing. The deliverables described to the board include community engagement documentation, an existing-conditions assessment, market and benchmark analysis, programming recommendations and a phased implementation roadmap that can be used to set KPIs and inform future capital budgeting.
Ray (staff) told trustees the performing arts center feasibility study will be a multi‑phase effort: market demand and comparable‑venue analysis; broad community engagement and documentation of findings; facility programming and alternative scenarios; site‑identification and economic/community impact analysis; financial feasibility and governance options; and a recommended decision framework. Staff presented two size scenarios: a performance‑focused facility (about 35,000–55,000 square feet) and a larger multidisciplinary ArtsHub (about 60,000–90,000 square feet), while noting consultants may recommend hybrid or phased approaches.
Trustees praised the thorough scopes and urged careful outreach to consultants with demonstrated experience. Trustee Lawler encouraged staff to consider an additional, smaller Scenario C and to account for local arts programming already using village facilities; Trustee Healy asked that the process not be rushed so the study yields meaningful data. Staff said the Recreation Programming Advisory Board had reviewed the scopes and that the RFPs will be refined after the board’s input before being issued to firms identified from similar projects nationwide.
Staff estimated the project would be advertised for proposals for 2–3 weeks and expected firm selection in the spring. The next steps are to incorporate the Committee’s feedback, refine the RFP language, release the solicitations and return to the board after evaluation of proposals.