Established 1930

The Oak Lawn Park District Special Recreation Department played baseball at the Windy City Thunderbolts stadium on Sunday, June 13 before the professional baseball team’s 12:05 p.m. game.

Special Recreation Athletic Support Association (S.R.A.S.A.) participated in a ticket sale fundraiser with $2,000 of proceeds going back to their organization! S.R.A.S.A. is the parent booster club for the Special Recreation Department. 

Donations are always accepted and can be made out to SRASA and dropped off at the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St. 

Full story available in the Oak Lawn Independent

The Oak Lawn Park District held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Lawn Manor Park, 108th and Kostner Ave., on Monday, June 14th at 5:30 p.m.

Patrons enjoyed the new park amenities, participated in a four square contest, and watched a Fitness Court® tutorial that took place after the ribbon cutting.  

Renovations include: a new playground, tot structure, musical chimes, 75’ zip line, and large shelter area that features a “live roof” with trays of plant material on the lower roof terrace. 

Additional amenities include a spray pad, sand volleyball court, walking paths, two basketball courts (half court each), two tennis courts, pickleball court, and site lighting. Both baseball fields received new benches, fencing, and concrete dug-outs. 

Pictured (left to right): Oak Lawn Park District Board Commissioner Ryan Donahue, Oak Lawn Park District Executive Director Tom Hartwig, Oak Lawn Park District Board Vice President Mary Pat Coughlin, Oak Lawn Park District Board Secretary Daniel Johnson, and Oak Lawn Park District Board President Lisa Boland attend a ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Lawn Manor Park, 108th and Kostner Ave.

Full story available in the Oak Lawn Independent

While Illinois does not rank among the states known for great barbecue, it’s now home to the National High School Barbecue Association national champion.

A team of culinary students from Richards High School meticulously researched the subject and culinary teacher Rob Staudacher, a chef himself, provided some expertise.

Team members included Kayla McSweeney, Malaina Fields, Ryenn Willers, Katlyn Sroka, Nick Pierce, and Hamza Issa. Sroka wrote the required essay detailing her team’s research and winning recipe.

“In determining what to make, our group was able to learn about four distinct regions of BBQ in America: Texas, Memphis, the Carolinas, and Kansas City,” she explained.

Pictured, from left, Richards High School culinary teacher Rob Staudacher and students Kayla McSweeney, Malaina Fields, and Ryenn Willers. Not pictured are team members Katlyn Sroka, Nick Pierce, and Hamza Issa.

Full story available in the Oak Lawn Independent

Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Oak Lawn Park District for its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020. 

The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

GFOA advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve.

Pictured (from left to right): Oak Lawn Park District’s Finance Department: IT Manager Jon Regan, Superintendent of Finance & Personnel Phil Costello, Accounting Manager Ron Badali, Human Resources Manager, Safety and Performance Metrics Analyst Jack Leiser, and Business Office Manager Cheryl Daly.

Full story available in the Oak Lawn Independent