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Orland Park Public Works staff outline parks, facilities, utilities and street duties ahead of National Public Works Week
Summary
Orland Park Public Works staff introduced their divisions and duties, describing responsibilities from tree and park care to facility maintenance, water and sewer systems, fleet support and street repairs, and encouraged residents to report issues via the department's front office.
Orland Park Public Works staff used a short presentation to describe the department’s divisions and everyday responsibilities, from caring for parks and trees to maintaining water and sewer systems and village facilities. The remarks closed with a greeting marking National Public Works Week.
Kevin, who identified himself as part of the Natural Resources and Facilities (NRF) Division, said the Natural Resources side is responsible for maintaining the village’s parks, trees and natural areas, including “caring for thousands of trees and managing open spaces” and keeping parks “safe, clean, and enjoyable for residents.” He added that the division focuses on helping residents “take pride in their community.”
A facilities staff member described the department’s buildings portfolio, saying staff maintain “over 750,000 square feet of facility space across 30 village buildings, plus the Centennial Park Aquatic Center.” The facilities team handles routine maintenance and repairs to keep village buildings “safe, functional, and ready to use for the community every day.”
Rick, of the Utilities Division, outlined water and wastewater responsibilities, noting the division maintains “hundreds of miles of water main, sewer and storm pipe, fire hydrants, valves, inlets, and ponds.” “We love keeping the water, sewer, and storm systems running efficiently because these are vital to everyday life,” he said.
Nick, a mechanic in the Vehicles and Equipment (V and E) Division, said his crew supports fleet operations for public works and other departments, maintaining vehicles from snow plows to police cars and two bus drivers who operate PACE vans. “We look forward to providing our coworkers with safe vehicles and equipment because it helps them help you better,” he said.
Michelle, who works in the Public Works front office, described the department’s customer-service role: responding to callers who report potholes, sidewalk tripping hazards, damage to village property, streetlight outages and parkway tree concerns, then creating work tickets for crews. “A happy resident puts a smile on my face,” she said.
Matt of the Streets Division explained that much patching follows water-main breaks or utility repairs and that crews often perform temporary repairs before returning for permanent fixes. “You can see the difference we make every day out here in Orland Park,” he said.
The presentation concluded with staff wishing residents a “Happy National Public Works Week.” No formal actions, votes or policy changes were announced.
