Tinley Park-Park District’s Progress on Former Mental Health Center Cleanup

More than two years after the Tinley Park-Park District acquired the former Tinley Park Mental Health Center, officials expect to conclude the cleanup by the year’s end. Before starting development, the district is working through the Illinois Site Remediation Program, commenced in September 2025. Soil sampling is set to begin this fall, with the entire process possibly taking over a year, as explained by Renee Cipriano, overseeing the cleanup.

Cleanup efforts have included removing asbestos and hazardous materials and demolishing buildings. Remediation will address any remaining contaminants to ensure the site’s safety for recreational use. Recreational use has high IEPA approval standards, potentially extending the process. The district remains committed to developing the property for recreation, contingent on community input.

Park District board President Lisa O’Donovan stated that specific development plans and costs are undecided as they focus on cleanup. Community feedback will determine future recreational use, yet securing funding remains crucial. O’Donovan emphasized safety as a priority.

Tinley Park village officials have raised concerns about environmental cleanup and potential development plans. The village previously sought to develop the property commercially with private investors. When the Park District acquired it for $1, village manager Pat Carr expressed disappointment.

In 2025, the Park District unveiled plans for 90 acres, including baseball fields, athletic fields, a domed soccer field, a stadium, playground, and a pond. This development lies at the west end near 80th Avenue, envisaged as an extension of Freedom Park. Residents have suggested amenities like pickleball courts and community gardens. Private developer offers are on hold until cleanup completion.

While a funding plan is not ready, options include public-private partnerships, state funding, and the district’s budget. Since acquisition, the district has secured two state grants: $15 million in 2023 and $18 million in 2025. Remaining funds from the first grant and the entire second grant will support remediation.

The property is limited to public recreational use. A 2023 law prohibits gambling facilities and restricts property sales. Leasing is allowed, but gambling operations are banned. Violations will return the property to state ownership. State Rep. Bob Rita supports the district’s progress, acknowledging a significant environmental revival for Tinley Park.

By May, abatement resolved issues like asbestos and storm water. Lime pits and reservoirs were removed, and storage tanks were safely extracted. Seventeen of 53 buildings left await demolition, expected by year-end. Demolition challenges include a 5,600-foot tunnel system and potential storm water issues.

Upcoming demolition targets include the powerhouse and a water tower. Demolition debris will be properly disposed of with air quality monitoring to protect nearby communities. If the schedule holds, soil collection for the first 90 acres’ remediation may begin this Fall, with a year-plus timeline. The IEPA has reviewed the district’s proposed remediation techniques.

The remediation program ensures environmental safety with IEPA oversight. O’Donovan announced a community engagement campaign post-cleanup for development ideas via surveys, meetings, and other methods. Feedback will guide the Park District’s commission and the Remediate 280 committee’s final decisions.