April 21, 2021 Update from the Mayor
Celebrate Earth Day April 22
This year’s theme is “Restore Our Earth” and asks us all to focus on restoring the world’s ecosystems through natural processes, emerging green technologies and innovative thinking.
Remember, as you may be looking to do some spring cleaning around the house, the city of Hickory Hills already has a convenient way to dispose of electronic wastes, solvents and other hazardous wastes that we do not want in landfills. Simply call 1-800-449-7587 to speak with the Waste Management At Your Door representative to schedule. All you have to do is leave the materials at your front door and Waste Management will remove on your scheduled pick up date.
New Baseball and Softball Training Facility in Hickory Hills at 9905 S. 78th Avenue
D-BAT Hickory opened its doors to the general public on April 19, 2021. The owners – Mike Nestad, Mark Harmon, Pete Lisnic, and Steve Rowling – are lifelong baseball players and fans, and have played men’s league baseball together for over 20 years. The friends with strong South Side roots were acutely aware of the lack of state-of-the-art training facilities available to local baseball and softball players and embarked on a journey to establish such a facility. Their search led to a partnership with D-BAT, a Texas-based national franchisor with over 100 locations in the United States and 6 in China, and the formation of D-BAT Hickory.
D-BAT Hickory contains 21,456 square feet of space dedicated to fun, state-of-the-art training and instruction, and fulfilling the D-BAT credo of Developing Beliefs, Attitudes, and Traditions. The facility was designed to provide an environment that invites parents to be a part of their ballplayer’s development. D-BAT Hickory has invested in technology including advanced pitching machines, and HitTrax training and analytics equipment for baseball and softball players of all ages. A party and conference room allows for both enjoyment of special events and post-training learning opportunities.
It is important to note that DBAT is open to the public for batting cage use and facility rental. They offer both individual training session and monthly unlimited packages so that you can select the package that is best for your player. The place is truly spectacular and you really have to see it in person to appreciate it. I would encourage you to stop in to see for yourself.
Recent ribbon cutting ceremony at DBAT. Pictured from left to right: Hickory Hills Aldermen Kman and Fonte (3rd Ward); Alderman Purtill (2nd Ward); Teresa Stack, the Secretary of the Hills Chamber; Mayor Howley; Alderman Waight (1st Ward); City Clerk Dee Catizone and the owners of DBAT Hickory.
Photos of the spectacular DBAT Hickory training facility below.
Planned Taco Bell Remodeling
Below are some renderings of the proposed Taco Bell remodeling. The exterior will be dramatically changed to be more in-line with the current designs seen at new Taco Bell restaurants. One of the main features will be a new rustic, metal tower at the corner of the building. The interior also will be completely updated to the current dining room and interior design styles at other newer locations.
Relationship Ender
Nature Never Ceases to Amaze
Stay safe, vaccinate and please continue to wear a mask.
Mayor Mike