With the upgraded playground at Palos Park’s Village Green already serving local children, village officials are now planning a new addition aimed at adults.
During the May 12 village council meeting, Mayor Nicole Milovich-Walters and Commissioner Rebecca Petan introduced plans for an outdoor fitness court to be installed in the Village Green area.
“This will be a great example for our children,” said Mayor Milovich-Walters. “While they’re playing, they’ll also see their parents staying physically fit.”
Petan added, “It’s an important wellness ecosystem that supports healthier communities by giving residents, staff, and local organizations the tools to engage in diverse fitness routines.”
Once completed, the fitness court will include an app to guide users through various exercises and drills.
The court is part of the National Fitness Campaign. It is supported by a $50,000 donation from Blue Cross Blue Shield and an additional $50,000 grant from Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital.
Designed to be inclusive, the court will feature workout zones for core exercises, squats, pushing, lunging, pulling, agility, and bending. It will be accessible to adults of all ages, fitness levels, and abilities.
Petan emphasized the importance of the project: “With the pickleball courts, tennis courts, and playground already in place, we wanted to offer something more for our residents. This fitness court will be an important addition that promotes healthier living.”
Recreation Center Improvements
In other recreation news, the village approved an $18,390 contract with Floors, Incorporated, a Woodstock-based company. The deal includes repairs, sanding, painting, and refinishing of the recreation center gymnasium floor.
State of the Village Address
Mayor Milovich-Walters also delivered a State of the Village update at the meeting.
“This year has been one of continued growth, responsible planning, and community spirit,” she said.
She noted the village’s $13.2 million budget for the fiscal year, with $9.2 million held in reserves.
“Our village is in a strong position,” she said. “Our finance department is small but highly effective.”
She praised the Recreation Department for organizing 20 special events over the past year, which she said help bring the community together.
Reflecting on her first two years as mayor, Milovich-Walters emphasized efforts to increase transparency and engagement.
“I made it a priority to connect more personally with our residents by hosting monthly ‘Connect With The Council’ sessions and by strengthening our presence on social media,” she said. “To support newcomers, we formed a welcoming ad hoc committee and greeted over 30 new families last year.”
