World Class Community with Small Town Charm Incorporated as a village in 1892, Tinley Park is named for Samuel Tinley, Sr., the village’s first railroad station agent. Tinley Park boasts a rich, nostalgic history. The area that lies within the original 1892 boundaries has been designated as a Historic Park Avenue in the Olde Towne Shopping area. The Carl Vogt building just south of the railroad tracks is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The location, at the center of a large transportation network, spawned consistent economic growth and easy access to Chicago by car or commuter rail.
People Helping People
The people of Tinley Park follow a simple credo – "people helping people." While the community has experienced a three-fold increase in population since 1970, there is a deep sense of belonging in the community. Many volunteers work together to support the service clubs, social service agencies, and school booster clubs. Participating in one of the community organizations is a great way to explore new opportunities and make new friends.
Largest Citizen Exchange in U.S.
As part of the Sister Cities International Program, Tinley Park has hosted the largest citizen exchange program in the U.S. More than 1,000 residents of Tinley Park and Sister City Budingen, Germany have participated in the exchange since 1989.
Country Living at its Best
Opportunities for recreation are abundant in Tinley Park where an active Park District maintains 30 parks throughout the community. Year round competitive sports, instructional activities and classes are provided. Bordered by Forest Preserves with trails for hiking, cycling, and cross country skiing, the village offers country living at its best. There are 22 golf courses within 10 miles of the village and a 5.2 acre landscaped water park with a 25-meter pool that’s the "cool" place to be in the summertime.
Rich Cultural Base
Home of the World Music Theatre, the village hosts internationally acclaimed musicians and entertainers. The greater South Suburban region offers residents a rich cultural base featuring world class talent including the Southwest Symphony Orchestra, American Dance Center Ballet Company, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Illinois Theater Center.
Award Winning Schools
Lincoln-Way High School District 210 has been recognized by Money Magazine as among the top five high school districts in Illinois for offering quality education and affordable housing. According to Lincoln-Way Superintendent, Lawrence Wylie, the school has strong community support, enthusiastic teachers who contribute many extra hours, and a school board and administrators who want Lincoln-Way to be in the forefront of education. At Summit Hill Elementary District 161, dedicated teachers use current textbooks and state-of-the-art instructional materials to produce a dynamic curriculum. High emphasis is given to language arts, science, and social studies. All students have the opportunity to work with microcomputers. Tinley Park is served by several community colleges, all offering a wide range of associate degree programs, workplace preparation training, and special interest classes. Other colleges and universities serving the community include Governors State, St. Xavier, and Lewis.
