Construction work has begun on Oswego's planned outdoor entertainment venue located on three acres of land at the north end of Station Drive, near the Park N Ride and the future Metra station. The project will be constructed in two phases and will cost $750,000.
An article in Patch states that the first phase will include the following:
- 40 foot by 60 foot band shell
- Basic sound and lighting
- Seeded green space for visitors to bring lawn chairs to enjoy performances
The second phase will include:
- Semi-permanent seating
- Playground
- Landscape enhancements
- Walkways
- Restrooms
- Concession stand
- Art installations
- Entry pavers
- Functional and aesthetic improvements to the band shell
Village President, Troy Parlier stated that the contractor bids for the project came in $100,000 under what the village had estimated and this will enable them to make some upgrades and add features to the facility. The land for this project was donated to the village in 2019 by Kevin Fialko who owns the adjoining Oswego Junction Shopping Center.
"Imagine the permanent stage, rolling lawns, weeping willows, green space for the community to gather for great events such as weddings, graduations, anniversaries, school dances and national acts. There are great possibilities for this venue space."
Owner of Oswego Junction Shopping Center | Kevin Fialko
The village is required to develop a venue for outdoor live performances and music entertainment and events to be enjoyed by the public on the site within three years under the terms of the village's donation agreement with Fialko.
According to village officials, this project will draw development interest to the Orchard Road corridor on Oswego's west side and has the support of Metra officials as a complementary use of the land next to a planned station.
"The project fit the bill for what we were looking for. It was leveraging existing infrastructure, and it was cost effective. It helped cement our future train stop with Metra. It creates economic activity along Orchard Road, which has long been dormant, and it creates a gathering place for our community to see the talent in our community."
Village President | Troy Parlier
The project is fully funded thanks to a year-end surplus in the village's budget as well as $238,000 in capital grants from the state which was secured by State Representatives Mark Batinick and Keith Wheeler. Parlier also stated that Oswego-based Schoppe Design has donated $33,700 in landscape architecture services above their contract and local developer, Angelo Kleronomos spearheaded the effort to bring in topsoil, clay, grass and rock to the project which will definitely lower the cost.
Village Trustee, Terry Olson, contributed by providing transportation of the construction materials to the site. Both Olson and Kleronomos have contributed between $50,000 to $100,000 to the entertainment venue.
The venue is expected to open on July 1st and the first live performance is scheduled for August.