Orland Park board approves purchase of former Riviera parcel, will study East Fieldhouse options

The Village of Orland Park board voted to purchase the eastern portion of the former Riviera Country Club and authorized a reciprocal easement for the split parcel.

Trustee Lawrence moved to approve the ordinance authorizing acquisition of the property at 8801 W. 143rd Street; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll call vote, with Trustee Cineas recorded as voting no. Village staff said the acquisition "formalizes something that the board has already" discussed and that the purchase covers the country club section while the signature barn will remain as-is. George, a village staff member, told trustees the village will undertake a feasibility study to evaluate options for a potential recreational facility — referred to in discussion as the East Fieldhouse — and will conduct interviews and community engagement as the first step.

Board members asked staff for status updates on the feasibility study. Ray, representing the recreation department, said interviews begin this week and emphasized that community engagement will guide any future design or business plan. He summarized the department's outreach methodology and said the village will bring a formal plan back to the public when a preferred option emerges.

The reciprocal easement agreement was approved in the same series of votes to allow shared access between the village‑owned portion and the adjacent signature barn property; staff explained the deed split requires access rights for both properties. That motion also passed after a roll call vote with Trustee Cineas recorded as opposed.

The board did not set a timeline for final decisions beyond the initial feasibility study and said staff will return with more detailed recommendations and community input for future consideration.