Soccer league could relocate to Mundelein from Hoffman Estates
Officials with a Hoffman Estates-based soccer league want to relocate to Mundelein and create new fields at an old golf center, newly released village documents indicate.
The Pan American Soccer League has played its games at a forest preserve in Hoffman Estates since 2000. But high demand for fields has led to scheduling problems, according to a memo from Mundelein Planning and Development Director Victor M. Barrera.
League officials want to create new fields on Route 45 east of Route 83, land now occupied by Be Timmy’s Golf Range.
Two fields are proposed, with most games on weekends and weeknights.
The fields could be used between 4 and 9 p.m. weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays, according to village documents.
Teams in youth and adult leagues likely would play on the fields, according to village documents and testimony at a recent plan commission discussion of the proposal.
League president Raul Garcia, a Mount Prospect resident, was among the people who spoke on behalf of the project. He could not be reached for comment Friday by the Daily Herald.
Seasons typically begin in April and run through September, according to documents. The league averages 14 teams a year.
The league would lease the site from the landlord. Existing golf-related structures would remain in place.
Although it’s been recommended by the village’s plan commission, police department officials have raised concerns about the plan.
Officers have handled complaints of drinking, public urination and fighting at games from such leagues “for years,” according to the village memo.
The Mundelein Park and Recreation District no longer rents field space to such leagues because of the problems, the memo stated.
Additionally, police are concerned about whether enough parking exists for players, fans and other attendees.
The village board needs to approve the plan for it to move forward. A special permit is needed to operate a recreation facility at that site, and a parking proposal must be granted, too.
Trustees will debate the proposal at their next meeting, set for 7 p.m. Monday at the main fire station, 1000 N. Midlothian Road.