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PALOS
HEIGHTS ART PARK
Coming Spring 2009
The beauty of art is in
the eye of
the beholder. Mayor Straz had a vision for vacant lot located at 123rd Street and 72nd Court. This piece of property, which is directly across from
the Palos Heights Fire Station, is a transformer lot owned by ComEd. The fenced-in transformer sits on
the back of
the property and is surrounded by bushes. A good portion of
the property is open and vacant. The Mayor saw
the potential this property could have being located just 1 block west of
the Harlem Avenue Business District. He felt it would be an ideal setting for people who worked or shopped along Harlem Avenueto escape to for a lunch break or to stroll through and enjoy
the beauty of
the art and gardens. It could add a new dimension of life to
the downtown district by placing outdoor sculptures and benches in a garden-like setting. It could also serve as a location to display works of art done by local talent and include a children’s area.
Approximately two years ago,
the Mayor met with representatives from ComEd and explained his plan. It was a long process but terms of a lease agreement were finally reached and approved by
the City Council. The next step was to recruit volunteers to work on a committee and develop a long-range plan. The Palos Fine Arts Association and
the Town & Country Art League were eager to get on board, as well as
the Palos Heights Woman’s Club,
the Beautification Committee, and city staff. A site plan was developed by Ed Dombrowski, a resident and landscape architect. Marketing, publicity and grant research are also underway. The Public Works Department has already begun to “clean-up”
the site and a sign was erected in June to promote awareness of
the park. Raising funds will be
the biggest task.
The Art Park will benefit
the entire community. It will add character and attract visitors to are charming city. Artists/sculptors should contact Pat Sheppard in
the Mayor’s Office at 480-3003.
Donation Form
 
Sign Installed on Site 4th of July Parade - Float
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