One of the many reasons people choose Orland Park as the place they want to live is the parks, forest preserves, and open spaces.

In an attempt to preserve some of these open spaces in the Village, Mayor Dan McLaughlin and the Board of Trustees formed the Open Lands Fund in November 1995, with the simple goal of improving the quality of life in Orland Park by increasing the amount of open space for present and future generations.

It is the Village's hope that enough money can be raised from private sources to allow the purchase of environmentally sensitive parcels of land.  This land would remain undeveloped and set aside as a passive recreational area that can be enjoyed by our community for many years to come.

Open Lands' objectives are to acquire land and use other real estate techniques to:  preserve critical and sensitive environmental areas; provide comprehensive linkage between open spaces; add to existing holdings for specific advantages; provide wildlife habitat; provide additional land in already developed areas; and improve aesthetic benefits.

What can you do to help preserve open space?