Olympia Fields is a village located in Cook County, Illinois, south of Chicago. According to the 2020 census, the population of Olympia Fields was 4,718. The town developed around the renowned Olympia Fields Country Club, which was first founded in 1915.
During the 1830s, immigrant families used to cultivate the land in the region that now makes up the village. In the 1850s, the Illinois Central Railroad started operating in the area, leading to an increase in both population and economic development at that time.
Olympia Fields can be found at the coordinates 41°31′6″N 87°41′34″W, which translate to 41.518290, -87.692744.
The census gazetteer files from 2021 report that Olympia Fields has a total area of 7.61 square kilometers, with 99.86% of it being land and 0.14% being water.
The 2nd congressional district of Illinois encompasses Olympia Fields.
Olympia Fields village is situated two miles east of Interstate 57, between Vollmer Road and US Route 30, also known as Lincoln Highway.
A portion of the village falls outside the boundaries of Arcadia Elementary School in Olympia Fields, and instead, is served by Western Avenue Elementary School in Flossmoor.
Institutions of Higher Learning
Prairie State College, located in Chicago Heights, is a community college that provides associate degrees in various fields of study, such as liberal arts, business, and vocational training. Governors State University, situated nearby, offers a diverse range of programs and curriculums. Additionally, Joliet Junior College, South Suburban College, Trinity Christian College, and Lewis University are all within close proximity to the village, providing further options for higher education. Chicago, with its numerous institutions, is also a viable option for those seeking to pursue higher learning.
The following individuals have made notable contributions in their respective fields:
* Lou Boudreau, a renowned baseball player and Hall of Famer, passed away in Olympia Fields.
* Dee Dee Davis, an actress and comedian known for her role on The Bernie Mac Show, died in Olympia Fields.
* Kendall Gill, a retired professional basketball player, was a prominent figure in the sport.
* Toi Hutchinson, a Democratic member of the Illinois Senate, represents the 40th District.
* Rudolph Isley, a singer-songwriter and founding member of The Isley Brothers, has made significant contributions to the music industry.
* J. Ivy, a Grammy Award-winning poet, has been recognized for his outstanding work in literature.
* R. Kelly, a successful R&B singer-songwriter and producer, has had a notable career in the music industry.
* Robert L. Martin, a Tuskegee airman and WWII fighter pilot in Europe, has made significant contributions to the military.
* Barbara McKinzie, the 27th international president of Alpha Kappa Alpha, served from 2006-2010.
* Nnedi Okorafor, a Nigerian-American writer, has won numerous awards for her work in fantasy, science fiction, and speculative fiction, including the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel and the Wole Soyinka Prize for African Literature.
* Jim Osborne, a former defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears, was a notable figure in the sport.