Orland Park Residents Explore Future of Performing Arts Center
About 40 residents of Orland Park attended a community engagement session organized by the village on Wednesday. The aim was to gather opinions on Centennial Park West and the potential for a performing arts center. Ray Piattoni, the village parks and recreation director, expressed enthusiasm about starting the process. He stressed the importance of community involvement as they proceed through the project and feasibility study.
Consultants from Keen Independent Research and Theatre Projects led the session. They are tasked with creating a business plan for Centennial Park West and assessing the potential costs and benefits of a performing arts center for the village. An expected timeline for their work was shared, with findings to be finalized and presented early next year. Participants were encouraged to engage with discussion questions at stations set up in the Orland Park Police Department conference room.
The session included residents like 12-year-old Mary Fischer and her mother, Tina Cucci Fischer, who expressed excitement about the concept of a performing arts center. Tina Cucci Fischer, who directs the Orland Park Children’s Theater program, described having to scale back productions after the village cultural center closed in 2024. She appreciated the use of Studio VOP near Frontier Park for smaller productions, but noted its limitations in accommodating larger events.
“It’s a simple but mighty stage,” said Mary, highlighting her positive experience in community theater from a young age. She emphasized feeling more comfortable in school productions, which offer better lighting and more space.
Julianna Rubio Slager, who manages Ballet 5:8, was equally supportive. She noted a significant demand for a performing arts center, citing her company’s international roster of 50 dancers. She and Jeremy Slager viewed the center as essential for showcasing talents and serving the community.
The Village Board had previously discussed a performing arts center as a pivotal component for their planned downtown. Mayor Jim Dodge emphasized setting a clear timeline for decision-making to avoid prolonged delays. Board member John Lawler supported the idea, seeing it as a potential draw for visitors and a venue for classes and performances.
Lawler also looked forward to expert input on Centennial Park West, noting previous development decisions were made without a business plan. Concerns about noise and traffic, along with a substantial financial loss in 2025, prompted a need for deeper exploration of the facility’s use. He highlighted the importance of programming and leveraging the park’s existing infrastructure.
The consultants planned to attend upcoming concerts at the venue to evaluate noise levels and visitor experience. They also collected ideas from a joint meeting of the village’s commissions and advisory boards. Residents are invited to share their thoughts through an online survey available at www.orlandpark.org.