Backers of the Tinley Park-Park District’s plan to convert environmentally tainted state-owned land for recreation uses, including a domed soccer field, urged Gov. J.B. Pritzker Tuesday to sign legislation that would sell the site to the district for $1.

The 280-acre property, northwest of the intersection of Harlem Avenue and 183rd Street, includes the shuttered Tinley Park Mental Health Center, and the Park District initially plans to redevelop 90 acres to include the soccer field, multipurpose sports fields and accessible playground.

Legislation approved by the Illinois House and Senate to transfer the property to the district was sent Thursday to Pritzker for his consideration.

“Let’s get it done, Gov. Pritzker, let’s sign that bill,” state Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Frankfort, said at a news conference near the Park District’s water park.

The property has languished over the last several years, with Tinley Park officials pushing the state to better maintain the site.

Village officials also wanted to acquire the site with an eye toward a mixed-use entertainment district that would produce tax revenue for the village.

Park officials say their development could bring regional youth sports tournaments to the village which in turn would help Tinley Park businesses such as hotels and restaurants.

“It’s a real plan that everybody can stand behind and this is what the community wanted,” said state Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island. “It’s the right thing for the state, it’s the right thing for the region, it’s the right thing for Tinley Park.”

He and Hastings shepherded legislation through their respective chambers in Springfield.

Park Board member Lisa O’Donovan said “cleanup is the No. 1 priority,” and “we want to be ready to go on Day 1 to tackle the cleanup.”

She is heading up a committee to oversee the redevelopment of the property.

In the new state budget, $15 million has been earmarked for demolition and environmental remediation of the site. District officials said they would revisit existing environmental studies to determine the site’s condition and cost involved to get it ready for redevelopment.

“We are confident the state is committed to helping us pay for the cleanup of the site,” O’Donovan said.

At one point, the property had been considered the site of a combination harness racing track and casino, or racino.

Language in the bill would prevent the site from being used for gambling purposes, noting the property “shall be used for public purposes only, including recreation and conservation” and stating it can’t be used for any purpose as defined under the Illinois Horse Racing Act or the Illinois Gambling Act.

Documents transferring the property “shall each contain a reverter clause” stating the property will return to the state’s control if the property is used for anything other than a public purpose, if an attempt is made by to sell or donate the property, or if the district “or any of its agents allow the property to be used for the purpose of gambling,” the legislation reads.

The deed transferring the property, which is in Tinley Park, to the Park District would also include that covenant, Rita said.

Hastings said in order to undo that prohibition on gambling uses, there would have to be fresh legislation approved by the General Assembly and signed by the governor.

“We don’t want a racino, we don’t want a casino on that property,” Hastings said.

mnolan@tribpub.com