Community Session Explores Possibility of Orland Park Performing Arts Center

About 40 residents from Orland Park attended a community engagement session on Wednesday. The event, organized by the village, aimed to gather opinions on Centennial Park West and the idea of establishing a performing arts center. Ray Piattoni, the village parks and recreation director, expressed optimism, stating that the session was a great start to involving the community. He emphasized the importance of continuous engagement as the project progresses and the feasibility study is conducted.

Consultants from Keen Independent Research and Theatre Projects led the session. Their responsibility includes developing a business plan for Centennial Park West and evaluating the potential costs and benefits of a performing arts center in the village. They outlined a timeline for their work, planning to present findings early next year. Participants were then invited to discuss various questions at stations placed around the Orland Park Police Department conference room.

Among those enthusiastic about the prospect of a performing arts center were 12-year-old Mary Fischer and her mother, Tina Cucci Fischer. Cucci Fischer, who directs the Orland Park Children’s Theater program, noted the need to scale back their productions since the village cultural center’s closure in 2024. While grateful for the space provided at Studio VOP near Frontier Park, she acknowledged its limitations. The venue can’t accommodate large performances, restricting participation to 30 individuals and the audience to 100 people. Mary Fischer shared her appreciation for school productions that offer better lighting and more stage space, enhancing the experience for performers.

Julianna Rubio Slager, leader of the local dance company Ballet 5:8, echoed the enthusiasm. She highlighted the demand for a performing arts center, noting her company’s 50 dancers. Slager emphasized the advantage such a center could offer to the community, stating that many performing groups currently lack a permanent venue.

The Village Board considered a performing arts center as a potential cornerstone for its planned downtown. A redevelopment agreement was approved, requiring a decision on the project within three years. Mayor Jim Dodge emphasized the importance of setting a timeline to avoid prolonged indecision.

Board member John Lawler, who participated in the session, supports the idea of attracting more visitors and providing a space for arts education and performances. He is also keen on expert input regarding Centennial Park West, as previous administrations developed the facility without a formal business plan.

Alex Keen of Keen Independent Research and Ashley Keen of Theatre Projects facilitated further discussions about these topics during the community meeting. Lawler mentioned resident concerns about noise and traffic associated with the park, noting political differences but also the need for practical improvements, such as adding restroom facilities. The park faced a financial loss of over $500,000 in 2025, prompting a deeper investigation into its use.

The consulting teams planned to attend concerts at the venue on Friday to assess noise levels and visitor experiences. They also gathered input from a joint meeting with the village’s 15 commissions and advisory boards. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback through an online survey available at www.orlandpark.org.