Sales and events manager Hilary Poshek said she enjoys working with brides and other event hosts to transform The Lodge at KLM into the perfect venue for their celebration. (Jim Slonoff photo)
You won't find any cubicles or stuffy conference rooms at Hilary Poshek's place of work. Tucked inside a nearly 100-year-old home designed by a famous local architect, Poshek's office is surrounded by 52 acres of trees and parkland known as Katherine Legge Memorial Park.
As sales and events manager at The Lodge at KLM Park, Poshek spends her days showing potential event hosts what the venue has to offer and helping them to imagine how they will temporarily transform the rustic building into their own space.
"Weddings are our No. 1 type of event that we do there," Poshek said, but the historic building also is used for showers, parties, memorial services and an occasional corporate event.
Poshek joined the staff of the Hinsdale Parks and Recreation Department five years ago, bringing with her a master's degree in recreation, sport and tourism and more than 13 years of experience as superintendent of recreation for the village of Norridge. Poshek said her part-time position at The Lodge allows for a shorter work week, a shorter commute and more time to spend with her husband, three children and two puppies.
A native of Brookfield and a former summer camp counselor at The Community House, Poshek was familiar with Katherine Legge Memorial Park long before she began working there.
"It's beautiful here," she said, but despite its tranquil surroundings and long history, the venue's adaptability might be its greatest asset.
With space indoors and out, The Lodge can comfortably host a seated meal for up to 150 guests. With the use of both floors, the space can accommodate up to 200 for less formal events such as open houses, Poshek said. Tents can be set up outside, further expanding the area available to guests.
Event hosts can choose their own caterer, who will have access to the facility's full catering kitchen, and hosts are free to decorate The Lodge as they wish.
"We've had some beautiful weddings here," she said.
Some brides have rented Victorian furniture to turn the space into a turn-of-the-century parlor, while others have embraced the venue's existing look to create an urban farmhouse theme. Perhaps one of the most unique weddings occurred a few months ago, when a couple hosted a Halloween-themed celebration, turning The Lodge into something resembling a haunted house.
Located on the east side of County Line Road, The Lodge follows Cook County's COVID-19 restrictions and mask mandates. Its location also means that couples must acquire their marriage license from Cook County - something that sometimes comes as a surprise, Poshek said.
When The Lodge isn't being used for a wedding or other special event, it's used by the Hinsdale Parks and Recreation Department for classes like fencing, taekwondo and yoga.
"Occasionally the rec department will utilize the space for an event," Poshek said, including the Corks and Forks wine and food event set for March 4.
"It was always meant to be a place to recreate and to gather," Poshek said of The Lodge, which was built in 1927 by Alexander Legge and donated to the village in 1973. Whether it's for a wedding or breakfast with Santa, the facility continues to fulfill that purpose.
- by Sandy Illian Bosch
