TRINITY
SIGNS LEASE AGREEMENT WITH MWRD
Since
1984, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) has envisioned
that its inland waterways would be transformed into open spaces for recreation
and community benefits. That vision is about to be fulfilled for Palos
Heights and surrounding suburbs with the signing of a 50-year lease between
the MWRD of Greater Chicago and Trinity Christian College. The lease agreement
encompasses 78 acres bounded by Route 83 (College Drive) and the Calumet-Sag
Channel, and stretches more than a mile and a half between Ridgeland and
Central avenues. The College plans to develop several athletics fields
on the site.
The
waterway strategy resolution of 1985 was revisited in 2003 by several regional
organizations, including the Southland Convention & Visitors' Bureau
and the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association, and the vision
was once again endorsed: to develop the entire Cal-Sag corridor for recreation
and tourism. Trinity's plans for the leased property provide initially
for three soccer fields, two baseball and two softball diamonds, and extensive
walking paths. Future development will include an additional soccer field,
three more softball and one more baseball diamond, a quarter-mile oval
track, a three-mile cross-country track, and tennis courts. The first phase
of the project is anticipated to take twelve months to complete.
"Our
goal is to provide our athletics program first-rate practice and performance
fields. In doing so, we hope to make this property into a wonderful asset
for the whole community," said Trinity President Steven Timmermans. "We
see the development of the area for recreational purposes as a positive
way to support the resolution to encourage recreation and tourism for the
region."
Discussions
about the lease opportunity began more than four years ago, when a group
of current and former Trinity trustees and friends of the College gathered
to investigate ways of gaining needed space for Trinity's expanding athletics
programs. Chaired by former board president Ken Mels and co-chair Marvin
Aardema, a current Trinity trustee, the committee worked with the MWRD
to create the proposal for the land. Businessman George Schaaf, Schaaf
Window Co. Inc., Tinley Park, has committed to funding the development
of the property.
"This
will greatly enhance our ability to attract top athletes to Trinity," said
Pete Hamstra, vice president for advancement and admissions. "With limited
space on the current 50-acre campus for athletics fields, this new complex
will add to our athletics program while allowing the main campus to retain
open green spaces."
"It's
a win-win for everyone," said Mels. "We hope to raise funds to provide
for the ongoing maintenance of the site, with the goal of not having any
impact on tuition fees."
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