Tinley Park District Plans Development of Former Mental Health Center Site

More than two years after purchasing the former Tinley Park Mental Health Center site at Harlem Avenue and 183rd Street, the Tinley Park-Park District plans to complete the cleanup phase by the end of this year. However, development cannot begin until the district completes the Illinois Site Remediation Program, initiated in September 2025.

The district is gearing up for soil sampling this fall, with the remediation process possibly taking a year or more from that point, according to Renee Cipriano. Cipriano, the former director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, is overseeing the cleanup. The cleanup involves removing asbestos and hazardous materials from buildings, followed by demolition. Remediation further investigates and eliminates remaining contaminants, ensuring safe recreational use.

Recreational use demands rigorous approval from the IEPA, Cipriano noted, potentially extending the remediation process. Despite this, the district pledges to develop the site for recreation. Park District Board President Lisa O’Donovan stated uncertainty around development specifics, costs, and funding, as the focus remains on cleanup.

She emphasized community feedback in determining the site’s recreational use: “At this point, we’re not quite there yet, in terms of funding. Our main focus is on proper cleanup for community safety.” Tinley Park village officials have expressed concerns about the environmental cleanup, funding, potential development plans, and oversight of the property work.

The village previously aimed to acquire the property for commercial redevelopment. The Park District’s acquisition in 2023 was disappointing to village officials who believed they could better develop the site with private investor participation.

Vision for the 90-acre property was announced in 2025, encompassing facilities like baseball fields, multipurpose athletic fields, a domed soccer field, a stadium with a running track, a playground, and a pond. This plan starts at the property’s west end along 80th Avenue, potentially allowing synergy with Freedom Park.

O’Donovan shared residents’ suggestions and offers from private developers, including pickleball courts, community gardens, and open spaces. The district hasn’t accepted offers yet, advising developers to wait for cleanup completion.

While no funding plan is finalized, options include public-private partnerships, state funding, and district budgeting. Since the property acquisition for $1, the district has received state grants of $15 million and $18 million for cleanup. As of June, $61,812 from the first grant remained, with the second grant fully intact.

Cipriano targets using the second grant for abatement, demolition, and remediation. Development must be public recreational, as a 2023 state law prohibits gambling facilities at the site and restricts property sales. Violation of these laws would revert ownership to the state.

O’Donovan reiterated adherence to state parameters for property development. State Rep. Bob Rita expressed support for the district’s efforts, seeing cleanup as a positive step.

The district completed abatement by May, resolving issues like asbestos and stormwater, preparing buildings for demolition. Lime pits, reservoirs, and underground storage tanks were removed. For the 53 buildings slated for demolition, 13 remain, set to be demolished by year-end.

Potential delays involve deep concrete foundations or stormwater challenges. Cipriano highlighted the complications from a tunnel system needing removal. The demolition involves debris disposal and air monitoring to ensure safety compliance.

If the cleanup schedule remains, soil sampling for the first 90 acres may start this fall. The remediation process could extend beyond a year, with IEPA comments already received regarding drilling and sampling methods.

The district plans to bid for soil and groundwater work. Cipriano explained the remediation allows voluntary investigation and cleanup under IEPA oversight, ensuring community safety. Once cleanup is complete, O’Donovan foresees a community engagement campaign for stakeholder input on site development.