Village of New Lenox Board of Trustees Meeting | September 2025

Article Summary: The New Lenox Village Board has approved the purchase of nearly $43,000 in new food service equipment for the beer garden and concession stands at the Crossroads Sports Complex. The investment is part of a plan to expand the menu and operating hours at the complex to better serve the community and visitors.

Crossroads Sports Complex Equipment Key Points:

• The board approved a purchase of $42,954.29 for new kitchen equipment from March Equipment.

• The new items include cook/hold ovens, a slow cooker, and pizza ovens.

• The purchase aims to expand the menu and hours at the complex’s beer garden.

• The village waived the formal bidding process to expedite the purchase.

The New Lenox Village Board on Monday, September 8, 2025, unanimously approved the purchase of $42,954.29 in new kitchen equipment for the Crossroads Sports Complex as part of a strategic plan to enhance its food and beverage offerings.

Mayor Tim Baldermann explained that the investment is aimed at expanding the menu and hours of operation at the complex’s popular beer garden. “We’re looking to expand the menu there and to expand the hours of operation,” Baldermann said. “Something that would be nice for the community and others to be able to go up and partake in it.”

The new equipment, which includes three cabinet cook/hold ovens, a slow cooker, and two pizza ovens, will be purchased from March Equipment. The park district, which manages the facility for the village, recommended the vendor based on prior experience. To facilitate the purchase, the board first voted to waive the formal bidding process.

The move is intended to transform the beer garden into more of a restaurant-style destination for residents, visitors, and employees from nearby businesses like Silver Cross Hospital. “I think it’s a pretty small investment considering that we want to expand the operations up there,” Baldermann commented.