Village Manager's Message

The scientific definition of summer is that it starts on the solstice which is roughly June 21st and ends when the days and nights are equal again at the autumnal equinox about September 21st. For most people, however, Summer starts the Tuesday after Memorial Day and runs until Labor Day. This week we had two Summer, kick-off events at Cortesi Park, and both involved cooperation with the VFW. Monday morning, VFW Post 2081 held a solemn and respectful ceremony honoring those who “gave the last full measure of devotion” as President Lincoln said, for our country. Post-Commander Jim Blankshain gave a stirring speech and Board President Nick Cuzzone provided inspiring words about unity as well. On Thursday we kicked off the Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer Concert Series and Post 2081 provided refreshments. Petty Cash played to a large crowd and got the entire show in before the rain came. There are four more concerts this month and five more in August, all at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday Night at Cortesi Park (concessions start at 6:00).

One more event that the Village and Villa Park VFW Post 2081 will be working on is the annual July 4th Parade which will start at 10:00 a.m. and follow the same route as last year. Standard Equipment and Safari Land have signed up as Presenting Sponsors and LRS, Storino, Ramello and Durkin, Midland Plumbing and Tri-Town YMCA are Patriotic Sponsors. Groups that want to participate in the parade should register online (Click here) or call the VFW at 630-834-8191 to register. The deadline is June 15th.

This week I attended the DMMC Awards Banquet and the DMMC Man-ager’s Committee Meeting. Although I wasn’t able to attend the Intergovernmental Meeting last night (Thursday), I did meet Tuesday morning with D45 Superintendent Palmisano and we continued to talk about ways that we can continue cooperation together beyond baseball. I met with Community Development Director Marc McLaughlin, Parks Director Greg Gola, and Parks and Grounds Superintendent Brian Roche to select a firm to recommend doing a Comprehensive Building Assessment. As the Board will see on the Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday the 12th, we have some deferred maintenance to address. I met today with Fleet Superintendent Matt Frieri to get an update on our fleet needs as we look at developing our 2024 Budget. We also had an internal meeting (which included Environmental Concerns Commission members) to review progress and provide input on the Railroad Grade Separation Study. Finally I met with Department Heads individually and together this week.

If you are looking at ways to enjoy the beginning of summer Jefferson Pool opens tomorrow (Saturday, June 3rd). We have sold twice as many family pool passes this year as last so the fee adjustments the Board made seem to be appreciated.

Sincerely, 

Matt Harline 

Village Manager

To access the full manager's report, click here

To access last week's manager's report, click here

2023 Summer festival 

Villa Park Summer Festival is an annual gathering of people coming together to enjoy music, food, libations, entertainment, local vendors, and each other.  This one-day event serves as a kick-off to summer. This year the festival will be held Saturday, June 24, 2023, 11 am-10:30 pm. 

EVENT DETAILS INCLUDE:

Kids Attractions - including a Giant Inflatable Area, Childrens Magician, Balloon Animal extraordinaire, and Face Painter - open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm 

Local food vendors: Michael Anthony's, Firewater BBQ, Flavor Frenzy, Hello Boba, Molcajete Mexican Grill  

Business vendors: We currently have over 30 local vendors.

Event Location: Ardmore Business District (Ardmore and Park Blvd, next to Illinois Prairie Path)

Parking Information: W and E Central Blvd, (North of W Park and Ardmore), E Park Blvd (Just south of Prairie path) 

8 musical performers at the Rugaard Gazebo 

Combat Fusion - 11:30 am to 12:30 pm

Katie Kostner - 12:45 to 1:45 pm

Scottie Long - 1:45 to 2:45 pm

Neal Rudnik - 2:45 to 3:45 pm

Seven Soul - 4:15 to 5:15 pm

The Cave Dwellers - 5:45 to 7:00 pm

Dixon Bandits - 7:30 to 9:00 pm

Lake Effect - 9:30 to 10:30 pm 

Annual Independence 

Day Parade 

Happy Independence Day! Hosted by the Villa Park VFW Post 2801, Join us for this annual Villa Park event. This year’s theme is “Reflections" The parade route is approximately 2 miles long. We step off at 10:00 AM, going west on Central to Harvard, South on Harvard to Madison, East on Madison to Summit, North on Summit to Park, and West on Park to Ardmore for dispersal. Thank you to the Villa Park Chamber of Commerce, Tri-Town YMCA, and the Villa Park Public Library for making this event possible. 

Do you want to sponsor or participate in the event? 

Participant and sponsorship forms can be found here.

NO-MOW MAY 

Thank you to everyone who participated in No Mow May. The new initiative was a great way to support biodiversity and let our lawns flourish. 

Allowing the grass to grow long provided essential habitats for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. 

As a friendly reminder, Regular Lawn Code Enforcement resumes in June.

Jefferson pool passes on sale Now!

Water are you doing this summer? Jefferson Pool is open now! Call 630.834.8970 or visit the Iowa Community Center for more information.

Job Openings

We are now hiring for multiple summer seasonal positions. To apply, please visit here.

Upcoming meetings and events

Never miss a meeting or special event. To access our full calendar, click here.