Schaumburg's Prairie Center renamed for Mayor Larson
Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson, who has overseen the renaming of several public buildings and spaces to honor people who have served the village with distinction during his 30 years in office, will soon receive such recognition himself.
Trustees voted unanimously Tuesday to rename the Prairie Center for the Arts next to the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center after Schaumburg's longest-serving mayor.
Trustee Tom Dailly, who made the motion, said such an honor is already long overdue and something he felt should be done during Larson's 30th anniversary year.
"Name me another community anywhere that has had a mayor for 30 years," Dailly said.
He added that he and his fellow trustees felt the Prairie Center was clearly the village building most reflective of Larson's particular passion for Schaumburg.
"The Prairie Center has always been near and dear to Al's heart," Dailly said. "It's more intimate. It's a comforting place and a better way to honor him."
Not only has Larson been strongly supportive of the many programs housed at the 31-year-old Prairie Center, but he also was instrumental as a trustee in steering its precise size and location on the municipal campus, Dailly said.
Larson told the six trustees he appreciated their recognition as well as their own years of dedication to the village.
"I would like to thank the board for this honor you've bestowed upon me," he said. "It's something I will always treasure. ... It's a tremendous honor."
"Hear, hear!" said Trustee George Dunham before leading those in attendance at Tuesday's village board meeting in a standing ovation.
After the meeting, Larson said the Prairie Center has always been central to his belief that art and culture are integral parts of a healthy community.
"I didn't want it to be just a showcase where people would come to be entertained, I wanted them to be involved," he said of the many programs there for residents to participate in the arts.
A ceremony for the renaming of the building is being planned for a weekend either just before or after Septemberfest, which runs during Labor Day weekend.