What was once little more than an open grassy lot for more than four decades officially became one of Worth’s newest recreational destinations as residents gathered July 30 to celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated Stahlak Park.
Located at 112th Place and Natchez Avenue, Stahlak Park was named in honor of Frank R. Stahlak, the first president of the Worth Park District when it was established in 1965. The property was purchased in 1975 with funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Aside from a small playground that stood for only a few years, the site remained largely undeveloped and served as open space for more than 40 years.
That changed this year.
Guided by the Worth Park District Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan approved in 2022, the Worth Park District Board of Commissioners and staff made redevelopment of Stahlak Park one of their highest priorities. Their vision became reality after the district secured a $600,000 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources…