FAQs
Below are answers to several frequently asked questions. Click here to download the FAQs as a PDF.
During construction there will be construction barriers installed for pedestrian safety and to prevent vehicles from entering. The detention system will be constructed with gentle grass sloped sides (4H:1V) in addition to stairs and ramps for safe continuous access to the fields from all directions.
Once the storm sewer system fills during a heavy rain event, the stormwater will backflow into the PIE fields for temporary storage until the storm sewer system drains out and is able to accept water.
Currently the fields don’t drain very well, and water can “pond” on the surfaces for long periods of time. The proposed field underdrain system will greatly increase the field’s ability to drain water and return to use, typically within several hours, but not likely more than 48 hours.
No, the Village will not use the fields to dump snow.
Grading and layout of the sports fields is still being determined, but the plan is to keep the integrity of the sport field designs (e.g. crowned football field, raised infield for baseball fields, etc.).
The storm sewer system will backflow through a storm pipe in the PIE fields. The storm sewer system has a series of stormwater structures within the roadway, and those structures have grates and sump pits in the bottom to collect debris. The Village of Oak Lawn Public Works Department conducts street cleaning and regular inspections and cleanings of the storm sewer system to reduce debris.
The fields will be maintained by the School District, and the sewer infrastructure (including the underdrain system) will be maintained by the Village.
No, there will be no alarm or signal when water enters the fields. However, the Village’s Public Works Department will monitor the fields very closely during heavy rain events.
No, the fields will remain natural grass. The fields cannot be turf, as the stormwater would wash out the rubber pellets utilized in turf fields and clog the drainage system downstream.
No, there will be no new or re-routed sewers being added to the system.
Yes, ramps and stairs will be constructed that will allow access for all residents to the fields. The basin will also be constructed with grass sloped sides (4H:1V) also allowing for more continuous access around the perimeter of the playfields.
The plan is to begin construction in the fall of 2025 so the fields will be available for use in the spring of 2027 (the fields require two growing seasons prior to use, which would occur in the spring and fall of 2026).
The construction cost of the project is approximately $13 million. The Village has entered into an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the MWRD, in which MWRD will reimburse the Village up to $6.5 million of construction costs. The School District will not be responsible for funding any of these improvements.
There is no planned tax-increase specific to this project.
Yes, the Villages of Mount Prospect, Downers Grove, Libertyville, and Wilmette have completed similar projects in partnership with their Park Districts.