Park Modernization & Walking Path
$ Lower investmentThe foundation for everything else, bringing safety, accessibility, and upkeep up to current standards.
Resident Proposal · Ideation
A vision for our parks and community.
Ridgeland Manor was built in the late 1990s, and our shared spaces are due for a refresh. This is a resident-driven proposal to modernize our park and thoughtfully expand neighborhood amenities, shared here so the whole community can learn about it and weigh in.
Why this matters for Ridgeland Manor
Quality parks and recreation are well established as a driver of stronger property values, yet Ridgeland Manor sits apart from the upgraded courts, trails, and fields elsewhere in Matteson.
Targeted improvements would strengthen our sense of community and protect the value of every home in the subdivision.
Real value upside
Homes near quality parks tend to hold and grow their value better than comparable homes without it.
A neighborhood-wide benefit
Not just one home's amenity: every household shares in stronger common spaces and community connection.
Park enhancement opportunities
A menu of possibilities, shown by relative investment level rather than firm pricing. Not everything at once: these can be prioritized and phased based on community input and funding.
The park we have today
Room to grow, right next door
Tennis & Pickleball Courts
$$ Moderate investmentDual-line courts serve both sports, appealing to active adults and families with low ongoing upkeep.
Community Garden
$ Lower investmentOne of the more affordable options here, with broad, all-ages appeal and year-round engagement.
Dog Park Element
$$ Moderate investmentA popular amenity that scales, from a basic fenced run to a full facility with agility features.
Splash Pad Water Features
$$$ Larger investmentThe most significant undertaking here, but a premium draw for families with young children.
Our neighbors aren't waiting
Ridgeland Manor is an affluent subdivision, yet residents leave the neighborhood to find a modern park, safe trails, or tennis and pickleball courts. Nearby communities are investing in exactly these amenities, and there's a clear precedent.
Highland Park courts
Residents turned out in force to back new tennis and pickleball courts.
Read the HF Chronicle story2025–2026 Capital Plan
A multi-year plan dedicating real funding to parks and public spaces.
View the capital plan (PDF)Sargent Means Park
Four brand-new tennis courts striped for pickleball and volleyball.
Nearby referenceFrankfort Square Community Park
Right around the corner from us, with a well-used community garden.
Nearby referenceTolentine Park
A community garden, splash pad, and basketball courts in one park.
Nearby referenceThe economic case
Research consistently links park amenities to measurable property-value gains, a pattern that shows up across each category below, though exact figures for Ridgeland Manor would need fresh, local analysis.
Proximity to parks
Consistently linked to higher resale value
Tennis & recreation courts
A recognized premium amenity
Water features
A strong draw for families
Combined amenities
Effects tend to compound together
Many communities see this investment pay for itself over time through higher home values and demand.
How it could happen
Multiple funding paths and, for the adjacent Village-owned land, multiple partnership models, none placing the full burden on any single household.
Financing
HOA Loans
HOA-specialty banks offer 5–15 year terms, up to $3M for comprehensive development.
Special Assessments
One-time fees among homeowners, viable for smaller projects and structured to minimize the burden.
Grant Funding
USTA courts grants, Illinois PARC ($25K–$2.5M), and OSLAD (up to $600K) grants can offset a meaningful share.
Land & partnerships
Joint Development Agreement
The Village and HOA share costs and management, reducing HOA burden while broadening access.
Public-Private Partnership (P3)
Village land paired with HOA funding, often scoring higher in competitive grant programs.
Long-Term Lease Agreement
A 25–50 year ground lease: HOA develops and maintains, Village retains ownership.
Direct Land Purchase
The HOA acquires the property outright, pending Village Council approval.
A dedicated subcommittee
A parks subcommittee to plan and oversee these improvements:
- 3–5 Ridgeland Manor residents
- A clear mandate for park planning and oversight
- Regular reporting to the full HOA board
- Defined budget approval processes
A phased timeline
- Phase 1Months 1–3
Subcommittee formation, needs assessment, and grant applications.
- Phase 2Months 4–8
Financing decisions, contractor selection, and permit acquisition.
- Phase 3Months 9–18
Construction implementation and completion.
Timeline is illustrative and subject to change.