Local officials, organizations object to sell of the Arlington Park racetrack, leaving its future uncertain. | Stock Photo
Local officials, organizations object to sell of the Arlington Park racetrack, leaving its future uncertain. | Stock Photo
With the recent sale of Arlington Park, hopes for a second century of horse racing have come to an end, and the transaction has multiple groups disappointed.
No one knows for sure what the horse racing track's future will bring.
Dave Parulo, president of the region's tourism bureau, Meet Chicago Northwest, said that the iconic attraction could be suitable as a home site for major sports teams, a large mixed-use development, and anything in between given its location and transportation infrastructure.
"Arlington Park is an iconic attraction that's marked Arlington Heights since the 1920s. It's even in their logo. For tourism, it's something we've been able to promote for years," Parulo said, the Daily Herald reported on Feb. 23. "If a careful planner gets involved, it could be a unique opportunity," he said. "I'm very hopeful. The village of Arlington Heights is a very professional community and have a very professional community development department. You adapt. I think it's important to note that this is a very first step."
He's not the only one who is disappointed in the sale of the racetrack.
Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) expressed disappointment when Churchill Downs, Inc. did not host casino games at the site.
"I'm sorry to see Arlington Park go," Gillespie said, the Daily Herald reported. It's been an institution in the Chicago area."
The Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association released a statement condemning the move.
The Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association also condemned the move, and Church Hill Downs, Inc.
"Since purchasing the majority stake in the nearby Rivers Casino, Churchill has all but abandoned any meaningful commitment to Illinois racing," the organization said in a statement reported by the Daily Herald. "Churchill abruptly reversed course, deep-sixed that Arlington development plan, and instead devoted itself to ensuring that Arlington could not become a gaming competitor to Rivers."
Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) praised the venue's impact on the area's suburbs and said that changes in the gambling laws over three decades were a big part of this situation's outcome.
"Thirty years after its reconstruction, it remains a unique and beautiful facility for horse racing and many other community events," Morrison said, the Daily Herald Reported.
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