My name is William Pariseau, I am a Boy Scout from Troop 237 in Frankfort Square. 

I used to live in Homewood. My grandparents still live in Homewood, and I go to music lessons at the Melody Mart in the downtown. I pass by the American Revolution Bicentennial Memorial Park (Independence Park) that is just off Dixie Highway all the time. 

It looks like it hasn’t been maintained, repaired, or landscaped in a long time. The flagpole is missing a flag and a halyard to raise a flag. The concrete planters are in disrepair. The plaque with the names of the donors and the dedication language needs cleaning. The benches surrounding the memorial park are barely visible with the grass. There also appears to have been a light at the base of the monument that is now missing. 

Next year, in 2026, is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Fifty years ago, Homewood residents came together to say, “We, the people of Homewood in order to form a more perfect community, establish open lands, insure domestic tranquility, provide for common recreation, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of nature to ourselves and our posterity do ordain and establish this Bicentennial Park for the people of Homewood.” 

Hopefully the village is thinking about fixing up the park. If it is not already planned, it would be a good project to do so Homewood is ready to celebrate the 250th birthday of America. 

William Pariseau
Tinley Park

Editor’s note: The Village of Homewood entered into a redevelopment agreement in December with a business owner who plans to build a Mexican restaurant at 18134-18138 Dixie Highway. Independence Park is expected to be part of the new development.