NEW LENOX – The newly opened Crossroads Sports Complex is already proving to be a resounding success, according to a report delivered at the New Lenox Village Board meeting on Monday.

Village Administrator Kurt Carroll shared overwhelmingly positive feedback on the facility’s first three weeks of tournament operations, noting that the major village project was completed on time and under budget.

“I think the best compliment that the village could have received and also the park district is that they didn’t realize it was our first tournament,” Carroll told the board. “It was that well-run out of the box.”

The state-of-the-art facility, a long-term goal for the village, has been bustling since its recent grand opening. Carroll praised the extensive work of village and park district staff, both in the lead-up to the opening and in their current on-site management.

“That was a testament to the staff beforehand and also now that are out there on the site,” Carroll said. “They did an excellent job.”

While acknowledging there are still minor punch list items to address and room for improvement, Carroll emphasized that the initial operations have gone “very well.” He added that the administration would soon present plans for the project’s next phase.

“Your dream of the sports facilities has started out very successfully,” he said to the trustees.

Trustee Bryan Reiser echoed the positive sentiments, sharing a personal story from the complex’s grand opening.

“I had the chance to attend the grand opening and the ceremonial first pitch at the sports complex and was able to tour the place,” Reiser said. “Fantastic facility. I’ve been to many of those throughout our region and I can definitely say that we have the best.”

Reiser recounted a moment he shared with his 11-year-old son while taking in the new park. “Both my son and I looked at each other at the same time and said the same thing: ‘I can’t believe this is in our town,'” he said. “Everybody should be very proud of what we have here and great job to staff.”

The board meeting was conducted by Trustee Keith Madsen in the absence of Mayor Tim Baldermann.