Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: June 12, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

Weekly eNews - June 12, 2025

Mayor's Message

“The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it’s a part of our past, Ray. It reminds us of all that once was good and that could be again.”

- James Earl Jones in “Field of Dreams”

I attended my first baseball game when I was nine years old, and the memory of that game has stayed with me my entire life. My dad was not a lover of sports; his concentration was always on the academic, and when it came to his son, my academic success was more critical in his mind than my playing sports. To his credit, and I believe due to his love for me, he recognized that his son loved baseball, and while we would “never have a catch,” he knew my love of baseball was a big part of my world, and he found a way to get tickets for the two of us to attend a Chicago White Sox game. The year was 1959, and the White Sox, who were on their way to winning the American League pennant, were in competition with the Cleveland Indians for the pennant, and surprisingly, my dad was able to get us tickets to see these two teams play.

The night of the game was almost like a dream come true; our evening started out with dinner at a fancy restaurant, and then our trip to the ballpark. In 1959 the Sox played at old Comiskey Park, but to me if was one of the most beautiful sights I had ever seen, the lush grass, the infield diamond were all there in living color as opposed to our black and white television at home, it was as they say, “a field of dreams.” The game went as I dreamed it would, with the Sox winning 4-3. That would be the only game I attended with my father, but that wouldn’t matter, it has cemented my love for the game, deepened my relationship with my father, and it made me a life-long Sox fan.

There are times I recount that evening, and its impact on my life. As I grew into adulthood, married and had my own children, I saw the bond that could develop between a father and his children through sports, especially baseball. My sons all grew up devoted fans of the game, and we have had numerous opportunities to witness together the ups and downs of our beloved Chicago teams. The other day, I had a chance to attend a Sox game with two of my three sons, and as we sat there watching the game, I thought how the game of baseball really epitomizes life; there are days when we “lose” and things don’t go as expected, but there is always tomorrow, when a “new game” gives us a chance to overcome yesterday’s problems. That is a lesson, I hope my sons will always remember and will pass on to their children.

My father may not have known the impact that game would have on me; recounting that game, I was reminded that as James Earl Jones said, baseball, “ …it’s part of our past. (Ray) it reminds us of all that once was good and that could be again.” Maybe my dad did know more about life than I ever imagined; maybe he knew that his son would come to gain a life lesson that in life “only two things matter: being prepared to seize the moment and having the courage to take your best swing.”

Thanks Dad for understanding your son so well; I will always appreciate your stepping out of your comfort zone to support my love for baseball and the lessons it epitomizes.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Shop Local for Father's Day

Celebrate the amazing dads in Darien by shopping locally! By supporting local businesses, you are strengthening our community while finding great gifts to surprise all the father figures in your life. Have a Happy Father's Day, Darien!

Summer Sponsorship Packages Available and Discounted!

For a limited time only, The City of Darien and the DBA are offering special sponsorship packages for summer events! You will be able to market your business at two of our most popular events for a discounted fee! Offer ends on June 18th. Click here to see the offer.

Cops & Bobbers

The Police Department's Cops N’ Bobbers event was held this past Saturday, June 7th. The event was a huge success - thanks to the Police Department and everyone who participated, and a special thank you to Officer Parris, who organized and put her heart and soul into this event! Check out the video recap below.

The Darien Lions Club invites you to participate in our 54th annual Independence Day Parade on Friday, July 4th, 2025. Come out and join the community in this celebration of our nation's independence.

The parade route will be the same as in 2024. Parade entrants will assemble in the Jewel Parking lot beginning at 8:15 a.m. for the Parade lineup. The Parade will begin PROMPTLY at 9:30 a.m. and follow the parade route. It will be the responsibility of each participant to provide their own vehicle for the Parade. Learn more about the route, rules, and recommendations of the Parade here.

All entrants must complete and submit a Parade Application Form and return a signed copy acknowledging the Parade Rules to the parade chairman by June 23. You can email your forms to: Darienfourthofjulyparade@gmail.com. Please complete the form with your comments for the Master of Ceremonies to read when passing the Reviewing Stand in the Parade.

Outdoor Flea Market - June 14

Come out to find treasures at the Darien Park District's Outdoor Flea Market at Westwood Park this Saturday, June 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Admission is Free!

Darien's Summer Concert Series

Mark your calendars for Darien's Summer Concert Series starting in just a few weeks! Plan to bring the family out to Westwood Park on June 26 for Hoodwink'd, on July 31 for Ocean's Rat Pack, and on August 28 for The Stingrays. These free summer shows start at 6:00 p.m. and you won't want to miss a single one!

Road Rehab Program

Road rehab work for the City of Darien has begun and will continue through the beginning of June. Check out the schedule here.

The awarded vendor for the 2025 Road Resurfacing Project is Schroeder Asphalt Services, Inc., and the work will consist of the following:

A) Grinding - this process utilizes equipment to remove approximately 2 to 4 inches of the existing roadway. Please use caution while entering or exiting your driveway, as there will be a bump. All driveways that will have the existing asphalt removed in excess of 2.5 inches shall be temporarily ramped.

B) Binder - an asphalt product used as a base within the roadway.

C) Bituminous Surface - final application - top coat of the roadway.

Please be advised that your vehicles do not need to be relocated from your driveway, during any portion of the construction. However, there is an oil-based emulsion used as a bonding agent which will track onto driveways if driven thru immediately after application. The bonding agent becomes tack free within 1 hour. The construction crews will assist guiding you from the driveway if they are simultaneously grinding or paving through the frontage of your residence. Please note, should you notice a lack of construction activity on your street, the crews are performing one of the abovementioned processes at another designated roadway.

2025 Concrete Replacement Program

The City of Darien will be providing residents interested in replacing their driveway, apron and City sidewalk the opportunity to participate in the 2025 Concrete Replacement Program. Suburban Concrete, Inc. is the vendor for the program this year with pricing as follows:

Driveways

Sidewalks

Apron w/fiber mesh

Curb & gutter

Sealer

$ 20.00 per square foot

$ 9.00 per square foot

$ 9.50 per square foot

$ 33.00 per lineal foot

$ 4.50 per square foot

Residents may be able to obtain a lower price quote from a local concrete company. Suburban Concrete, Inc. may be higher as they pay employees prevailing wages established for DuPage County. Private companies may not be required to pay those same employee rates. Additionally, Suburban Concrete, Inc. uses a state designed cement mix of 4.6 (4.6BAG+145SLAG+WR) as others may use a less expensive/desired cement mix.

Residents interested in participating in the program should contact Diane with the City of

Darien at 630-353-8102 to request a proposal.

The deadline to participate in the program is June 30.

Summer Watering Restrictions

During the period of time from May 15 to September 15 of each year, water from the city water system is not to be used for watering or sprinkling of gardens, lawns, trees, shrubs or other outdoor plants between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Watering is not permitted on consecutive days, odd numbered addresses are restricted to watering on odd numbered dates, even numbered addresses are restricted to watering on even numbered dates.

PhilanthroParty: Where DuPage Teens Turn Passion into Action

The DuPage County Prevention Leadership Team (PLT) and Reality Illinois Teen Advisory Board will be hosting the 8th annual Teen PhilanthroParty on June 17, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Institutional Resource Center (IRC) at the College of DuPage.

This PhilanthroParty is a party with a purpose and an opportunity for high school-aged teens in DuPage County to connect and make positive changes in their community.

Teens will reflect on their personal drive, explore the impact of their words, and learn the difference between empathy and sympathy. They will also practice sharing stories, actively listening to others with empathy, and engaging in team-building activities to strengthen connection and collaboration.

Teens can register for the Teen PhilanthroParty here. For more information on the Teen PhilanthroParty or to learn more about PLT and the Reality Teen Advisory Board, visit www.dupageplt.org/reality.

Read the full press release here.

Road Trip Safety

Summer is a great time for road trips. There is no better way to see the country with your family than to pack up and hit the road! The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminds you to take time to prepare to prevent any delays during your vacation:

Ensure your car is in good working condition. Check your A/C, hoses, tires, fluid levels, lights, and wipers before heading out and make any needed repairs.
Stock your vehicle with essentials and an emergency kit. Don't forget to include: a cell phone charger, a flashlight, jumper cables, a tire guage, snacks, and water.
Plan your route ahead of time. Always check the weather, road conditions, and traffic before leaving.
Stay alert when driving. Take breaks to stretch and rest. Put down your phone when it's your turn to drive!
Find more safety recommendations here.

National Immigrant Heritage Month

Since June of 2014, Immigrant Heritage Month has given people across the United States an opportunity to annually explore their own heritage and celebrate the shared diversity that forms the unique story of America.

The significance of National Immigrant Heritage Month lies in its mission to promote understanding and appreciation for the immigrant experience and the valuable contributions immigrants have made and continue to make to American society. Immigrants have played a vital role in shaping the nation’s history, economy, culture, and society across various fields such as science, arts, sports, and technology. This month-long celebration helps raise awareness about the importance of immigrants and fosters a more inclusive and diverse society. It encourages communities to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures and stories brought by immigrants and highlights the shared values and dreams that unite people from different backgrounds.

Click here to learn more.

City Council Meeting - June 16

City Council will meet on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. The agenda will be posted here.

Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Meeting - June 18

The Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Commission will meet on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. The agenda will be posted here.

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