OLYMPIA FIELDS — State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced that the Olympia Fields Park District has been awarded a $75,000 state grant to begin renovations at Bicentennial Park.

“Bicentennial Park is an anchor for the Olympia Fields community,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This investment will help modernize the park and ensure that families have a safe, accessible place to gather and enjoy for years to come.”

The funds will support early-stage improvements as part of a broader redevelopment plan. The Park District is also applying for an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant to complete additional upgrades at the site.

FRANKFORT — State Senator Michael E. Hastings secured over $123 million to build and repair infrastructure in the South Suburbs.

“Our transportation system is how families get to work, students get to school and businesses connect with customers,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “These investments show what is possible when state and local leaders work together to help residents and strengthen our communities.”

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The Illinois Department of Transportation’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

ORLAND PARK — Residents will have an opportunity to hear directly from State Senator Michael E. Hastings and Mayor Jim Dodge during a community conversation scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 1 from 6-8 p.m. at Baracco’s Pizza, located at 18040 S Wolf Rd. in Orland Park.

“Events like this are about bringing government closer to the people,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “I look forward to working with Mayor Dodge and hearing directly from residents about what’s on their minds.”

The discussion will center on several issues of local concern, including the recent opening of the temporary Secretary of State facility at CTF Illinois in Orland Park, pending insurance legislation in Springfield and other community matters.

ORLAND PARK — State Senator Michael E. Hastings and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias joined community leaders Monday to announce the opening of a temporary driver services facility at CTF Illinois in Orland Park.

 “This facility represents more than just a place to renew a license or get a new ID,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “It represents collaboration, compassion and the belief that government should make life easier for families in the south suburbs.”

Located at 18230 Orland Parkway, the temporary facility will provide license renewals, identification cards and other services for residents in the south suburbs until a permanent facility is completed. Hastings said the opening reflects a commitment to making government more accessible, and thanked CTF Illinois for temporarily housing the facility while the permanent facility is created.