Orland Park Considers Performing Arts Center at Centennial Park West

Approximately 40 residents of Orland Park attended a community engagement session organized by the village. The session aimed at gathering views on Centennial Park West and the potential introduction of a performing arts center. Ray Piattoni, director of village parks and recreation, emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting that the project is in its inception phase. The session was part of a broader feasibility study to maintain public engagement.

Consultants from Keen Independent Research and Theatre Projects led the discussions. They are tasked with developing a business plan and assessing the costs and benefits of the project. They shared their timeline, with plans to finalize and present their findings early next year. Participants considered discussion questions at various stations set up in the Orland Park Police Department conference room.

Among the attendees, 12-year-old Mary Fischer and her mother, Tina Cucci Fischer, expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of a performing arts center. Tina, who directs the Orland Park Children’s Theater program, mentioned the limitations they face after the closure of the village cultural center in 2024. Although they have access to Studio VOP near Frontier Park, its limited capacity is a constraint.

“It’s a simple but mighty stage,” said Mary Fischer, who started participating in community theater at the age of 3.

Mary and other performers generally find school productions more comfortable due to better facilities.

Julianna Rubio Slager, from the local dance company Ballet 5:8, also supported the idea. She highlighted the community’s need for such a facility, considering her company includes 50 dancers from different parts of the world. She felt that Orland Park residents were missing out on these performances.

During the session, which took place on August 26, 2026, discussions shifted toward the village’s planned downtown development. A performing arts center was considered as a potential focal point. Mayor Jim Dodge stressed the importance of having a timeline to avoid indefinite delays.

Board member John Lawler, who attended the session, advocated for the center as a means to draw more visitors and provide for the performing arts community. He expressed interest in obtaining expert advice for future Centennial Park West use. Concerns about noise and traffic were raised, along with past financial losses related to the park.

“We hear some people are unhappy with the noise and the traffic,” Lawler noted, acknowledging various concerns.

Experts from the consulting teams planned to gather more insights by attending upcoming events and meeting with village commissions. Residents were encouraged to provide their input through an online survey available on the village’s website.