Will County Gazette

The Park Forest Teen Zone program has received a $1,500 donation from Dick’s Sporting Goods in Tinley Park. The funds were collected through the store’s “Round-Up at the Register” campaign and presented during the Village’s Youth Day celebration.

Scott Wilson, general manager of the Tinley Park location, said his team wanted to support the Recreation, Parks & Community Health Department after seeing the work done by Teen Zone and local youth sports initiatives. “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 expressed appreciation for the contribution. “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.” She also noted that Wilson is interested in returning next year with a vendor table to engage further with local youth programs.

The grant comes from the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation’s Sports Matter: Save Youth Sports initiative, which began in 2014 to help reduce barriers to youth sports across the country. Since its launch, Sports Matter has pledged over $100 million nationwide and supported more than two million children in all 50 states by providing equipment donations, registration fee assistance, league funding, and infrastructure upgrades.

In 2024, marking its tenth anniversary, the foundation introduced a $2 million grant program that awarded several local organizations with $10,000 grants as part of its ongoing mission.

McCollough said this type of support matches Teen Zone’s objective of offering inclusive sports and recreation opportunities for teens in the area. “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.”