Orland Hills, the youngest Village in southwest Cook County, was formerly known as Westhaven. There is very little official record regarding the Westhaven area prior to its incorporation on June 30, 1961. At that time Westhaven boundaries included 167th Street on the north, 169th Street to the south, 94th Avenue on the west and 90th Avenue on the east.
Westhaven held it's first Village Board meeting on August 3, 1961 with President Raymond Pecor presiding with Clerk Joan Bartlett, J. Marks, A. Mallo, E. Mallo, J. Ryan, J. Holmes and D. Pierson appointed as Trustees. The Village Clerk resigned four days later.
The first Ordinance passed was to establish the meeting place as 9456 West 167th Street. Shortly thereafter, the village annexed 10 acres at the southeast corner of 167th Street and 94th Avenue. A Zoning Commission was formed and a Planning Commission appointed to prepare a zoning ordinance and district map.
In 1961, a volunteer Police Department was formed which included the Village President and Trustees, who were all designated as conservators of the peace. Additional annexations that year expanded the Village limits north and northeast to 159th Street and 88th Avenue.
1962 brought several additional annexations and a water franchise was established with Fernway Utility Company. This gave the company and its successors (now Citizen's Utilities Company) the right and privilege to supply water within the existing and future limits of the Village through December 31, 1991.
In 1963 annexations brought the Village limits south to 171st Street.
In 1971, property along Route 45, south of 167th Street was annexed into the Village.
In 1974, property was developed into single family housing which included development of 40 acres of open lands for storm water storage, a man-made lake and the donation of 5 acres of land, now known as Richard F. Kelly Park.
The Village Hall at 16801 S. 94th Avenue was the first actual municipal building of the Village.
In 1976, approximately 40 additional acres along 94th Avenue were annexed into the Village. Additionally, that same year, 24 acres were annexed along 159th Street that were intended for commercial use and multiple family dwelling.
1977 brought additional annexations of land between 167th Place and 169th Street on 88th Avenue and construction of the Green Acres Subdivision began. Additional property north and west of Fernway School was annexed and development of the Park View subdivision began.
A special census conducted in 1978 showed Westhaven's population as 2,034.
In 1980, 20 additional acres were brought into the Village through an annexation of property at the corner of 88th Avenue and 171st Street. Construction of the Westwood subdivision began and the population grew to 2,703.
By the mid-1980's development and construction of new homes brought the population to just fewer than 5,000 residents.
In April 1986, through the passage of an ordinance, the name of the Village was changed to Orland Hills.
1993 – The Village held its very first Orland Hills Jamboree, which has since become a much-anticipated annual occasion. This event was held at the Orland Towne Center, and it included carnival rides, games, food and live entertainment.
1994 – The first comprehensive road improvement program was established in Orland Hills. Mayor Hastings organized a formal review of all road surfaces and grading of the streets. A multi-year plan was developed and launched. This was the beginning of progressive infrastructure management for the Village.
1995 – Expanded municipal services were provided in a new Village Complex (16033 S. 94th Avenue). This facility houses all Village administrative functions as well as the Village police department. It is a 15,000 S.F. facility constructed and furnished for $1.5 million.
1996 – The Orland Hills Pepperwood Subdivision of about 330 homes began construction.
1997 – Mayor Hastings was able to secure Federal Grant money, which funded the resurfacing of 167th Street from 88th Avenue to 96th Avenue.
1998 – The Orland Hills Public Works Building (16533 S. 94th Avenue) is opened. This facility was constructed at a cost of $700,000.00.
1999 - The second comprehensive road improvement program was enacted in Orland Hills. A new multi-year plan was developed and implemented. This continued the progressive infrastructure management for the Village.
2000 – The Village hosted their first fireworks display and celebration, which has become an Annual Independence Day Festival.
2001 – This year the Village celebrated the 40th Anniversary of its incorporation. It also marked the grand opening of the Orland Hills Senior/Community Center (16553 S. Haven Avenue); which was constructed at a cost of $2.7 million. The Community Center has an NCAA sized basketball court, amenities that serve for children's day care, a walking path, Volleyball, Senior Bingo and a community service room that can be rented for weddings, showers or parties.
2002 - Developers began the planned unit development of the Liberty Square condominiums, located West of Route 45, which increased residential availability in Orland Hills.
2003 - The Village added "Dial-A-Ride" transportation services to its long list of residential assistance efforts.
2004 - A third comprehensive road improvement program was enacted in Orland Hills. This continued the progressive infrastructure management for the Village. Mayor Hastings and the Village Board adopted a new revised Comprehensive Plan for Orland Hills.
From its inception in 1961, the Village of Orland Hills has continued to grow in a positive and well-planned manner. Reforming and adopting the new Comprehensive Plan - 2004, established renewed and concentrated emphasis on future development of this community’s residential and commercial prospects.