Joliet’s Zoning Board to Review Joliet Catholic Academy’s New Outdoor Sports Stadium Plans
The city of Joliet’s zoning board is set to meet a week from today, on Thursday, April 17, at 2 p.m. in the second floor City Council Chambers, to discuss the Joliet Catholic Academy’s (JCA) ambitious multi-million-dollar construction plans for a new outdoor sports stadium on the former Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home property. For decades, Joliet Catholic has held its home football games at the Joliet Park District’s Memorial Stadium. However, the academy now requires a special use permit to proceed with the project, as reported by the city of Joliet staff.
The Need for a Special Use Permit
According to the city’s board of zoning documents, JCA’s petition seeks a special use permit “to allow athletic fields incidental to a private high school” located at 1201 Wyoming Avenue and 1200 N. Larkin Avenue. The project would involve renovating several existing fields, as well as constructing a new football field and eight new tennis courts on the Our Lady of Angels property.
Capacity and Parking Considerations
The multipurpose athletic field is predicted to have a capacity between 6,000 and 7,000 people, with 5,500 seats. JCA has proposed ample on-site parking to accommodate these crowds, but staff approval of a more detailed parking and traffic plan is necessary before issuing a building permit for the football field construction.
Community Engagement and Concerns
In October 2024, JCA held an open house to discuss the proposed athletic fields complex with nearby residents. While most attendees supported the project, some expressed concerns over potential increased traffic, noise, and crime. The petitioner emphasized that the new stadium would contribute to the academy’s long-term viability in Joliet.
Impact on the Community and the World
Locally, the new sports complex may bring increased economic opportunities for businesses in the area, as well as create jobs during the construction phase. It could also foster a stronger sense of community through shared athletic experiences. However, residents may face the downsides of increased traffic, noise, and potential crime around the stadium during events.
On a larger scale, the project may inspire other communities to invest in similar athletic facilities, potentially leading to a trend of revitalizing underused properties for sports and recreational purposes. Furthermore, it aligns with the growing trend of private schools investing in state-of-the-art facilities to attract and retain students.
Conclusion
The Joliet Catholic Academy’s plans for a new outdoor sports stadium on the former Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home property are under review by the city’s zoning board. The project, which includes renovating existing fields and constructing a new football field and tennis courts, will require a special use permit to proceed. While some residents have expressed concerns over potential downsides, the petitioner believes the stadium will contribute to the academy’s long-term viability and bring economic opportunities to the community. The project’s impact may extend beyond Joliet, inspiring similar investments in other communities and aligning with current trends in private education.
