50-Acre Park Renamed 'James J. Sexton Park,' In Honor Of Former Mayor

EVERGREEN PARK, IL – Former Mayor James Sexton, who walked away in May 2021 from “the job of a lifetime,” finally gave in to having a park named in his honor during a brief dedication ceremony on Thursday.

Sexton was elected mayor in 2001, and served through May 2021, when current Mayor Kelly Burke took office. From here on out, 50-Acre Park will be known as James J. Sexton Park, with the first event taking place Friday evening for a children’s Halloween costume parade.

In 2010, Sexton led the redevelopment of the former Evergreen Golf and Country Club, including preservation of an acreage for public green space west of the CSX tracks. The other half of the grounds was turned into commercial development, anchored by Meijer and Menard’s.

The park, which is located at 91st and California, opened in 2014 and includes a barn with farm animals, a dog park, a driving range, and a disc golf course.

“It is an honor to name this park for Jim Sexton who has dedicated so many years to serving the residents of Evergreen Park,” Mayor Kelly Burke said.

“It’s a well-deserved honor for a person who dedicated most of their life to make Evergreen Park a great place to live and raise a family,” Tr. Mark Marzullo said.

James McQuillan thanked Sexton “for his vision and planning of a multi-use park and open space.”

While there were overtures before to name a park or public building after Sexton, his colleagues said he never wanted the recognition. The closest they claim was last year, when Sexton cut the ribbon on the new sports complex at Evergreen Park Community High School, and the entrance off 99th Street leading into the new fields was designated with an honorary street sign.

He even wanted Thursday’s park renaming ceremony to be short, with no advance fanfare. Members of former Sexton’s family, many friends, village staff, and community members in attendance.

“I am very proud to have my name on this park, but I’m much prouder of the friends and residents I have met in this Village over 35 years,” Sexton said.

Sexton decided 40 years ago to get involved in village government, seving as a village trustee and village clerk before being elected mayor in 2001. He also spent some time as a member of the youth commission and the fire and police commission. The purchase and development of the park is one of the most noted accomplishments from Sexton’s time as mayor of Evergreen Park.