NEW LENOX – After months of anticipation and intensive work, the New Lenox Community Park District is making final preparations for the grand opening of its flagship Wintrust Crossroads Sports Complex, scheduled for Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29. The massive new facility represents a significant investment by the district and is expected to become a regional draw for sports and recreation.

At the June 18 Board of Commissioners meeting, park district staff provided updates on the flurry of activity at the site. Executive Director Greg Lewis commended the staff for their hard work in getting the complex ready for its debut.

“There is a lot of work going on at the Crossroads Sports Complex,” Board President Schulz noted during the meeting. He highlighted the progress made, including the assembly of 58 bleachers and numerous soccer goals across the fields. The complex’s playground is also complete, featuring a modern, poured-in-place rubber safety surface.

The comprehensive planning for the complex’s launch extends beyond construction. To ensure smooth operations, staff members Gary Wilde and Owen Sigrist recently traveled to the Elizabethtown Sports Complex in Kentucky to gain insights from a similar large-scale facility. This week, staff are undergoing field training and conducting final “punch list” walkthroughs to address any remaining issues.

To manage the new amenities, the district has brought on new leadership. Director of Business Services Jason Braglia formally welcomed Brittany Delrose as the new Assistant Director of Food and Beverage Operations for the complex. Braglia noted that Delrose, who previously worked at the Sanctuary Golf Course, has “dove right into her new position.” The opening has also led to an influx of new employees, with Braglia’s staff busy with onboarding and preparing for the district’s annual audit.

The new complex is already being integrated into the district’s programming. Commissioner Fischer announced that the Fall Adult Softball League will move to the new facility next season.

The grand opening celebration is a two-day event. It will kick off Saturday, June 28, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and continue Sunday, June 29, from noon to 4:00 p.m. The park district has also announced that the Village of New Lenox Independence Day Celebration will take place on July 4th at the New Lenox Commons, with music beginning at 6 p.m. and fireworks at dusk.