The Village of Park Forest’s Teen Zone program has received a $1,500 donation from Dick’s Sporting Goods in Tinley Park, boosting local youth programming. This contribution was raised through the store’s “Round-Up at the Register” campaign and was presented during the Village’s Youth Day celebration on Saturday.
Scott Wilson, the general manager of the Tinley Park store, expressed that after observing the efforts of Park Forest’s Teen Zone and youth sports initiatives, his team felt it was important for the Recreation, Parks & Community Health Department to receive support.
“We’re honored to support the Teen Zone and witness the positive impact that recreational programs can have on teens in our communities,” Wilson said.
Recreation Manager Adina McCollough praised the donation and its potential for the program, stating, “We appreciate Dick’s Sporting Goods and Scott Wilson for recognizing our work. This gift will enable us to provide new equipment and activities, making Teen Zone more welcoming and inclusive.”
McCollough also mentioned that Wilson is interested in returning next year with a vendor table to foster deeper engagement with local youth programs.
This grant is part of the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation’s Sports Matter: Save Youth Sports initiative, which was launched in 2014 to address barriers to youth sports across the United States. Since then, Sports Matter has committed over $100 million nationwide, benefiting more than two million kids in all 50 states through equipment donations, registration fee support, league assistance, and infrastructure improvements.
In 2024, the foundation celebrated the program’s 10th anniversary with a $2 million grant initiative, awarding numerous local organizations with $10,000 grants to continue its mission.
McCollough said this support aligns with Teen Zone’s goal of providing inclusive sports and recreational opportunities for area teens.
“Sports build character, confidence, and connections," McCollough said. "Thanks to Dick’s and the Sports Matter initiative, our teens see that people believe in them and want to invest in their success.”