Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: May 29, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

Weekly eNews - May 29, 2025

Mayor's Message

Last Thursday, May 22, I attended my grandson Jake’s graduation ceremony at Hinsdale Central High School. As I sat there and watched each graduate receive their diploma, two thoughts crossed my mind; the first dealing with my history as a high school teacher and administrator when I oversaw or participated in over 37 such ceremonies, For me, watching my students graduate, always provided me with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that I might have touched their lives in a positive way, thus leading to their academic success. Early in my career I worked in a “early leaver” program, for troubled students who were returning to school and attempting to finish the required courses for graduation. Each year that I worked as director of that program, I felt a great sense of happiness for these young men and women who had overcome so many difficulties as they achieved their high school diploma. A number of these students still contact me even today, saying “thank you for being in my life.” That is the greatest reward I feel that an educator can experience.

The second thought that occupied my mind was how at age 18, these young people had their whole future ahead of them, and what exactly would that future be like; one of opportunity, or one where they would meet challenges that they would not be able to overcome. I watched as they accepted their diplomas, each with a smile on their face, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Today they would celebrate with family and friends; tomorrow they would begin the next chapter in their lives. My hope for each of them would be that they follow their dreams, adhere to their chosen path, and when obstacles arise, find ways to meet those challenges and achieve their goals. My focus may have been on my grandson and his future, but in my heart, the educator in me prayed that each of these young people find a path to success in their lives. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Congratulations Jake and congratulations to the Class of 2025, don’t ever stop believing and pursuing your dreams!

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Congrats to Darien's Graduates!

To all Darien graduates, congratulations on this incredible achievement! Your hard work, resilience, and dedication have brought you to this point. As you begin your next adventure, remember the lessons learned and the bonds forged here. We are immensely proud of you and can't wait to see the amazing contributions you'll make to the world.

Slow Down and Drive Safely

Summer is right around the corner and that means the school year is coming to a close. During the summer break, children are more likely to be playing outside near their homes or at playgrounds and parks. Take it slowly when driving through neighborhoods and always be on the lookout for children. Thank you for keeping our community safe!

Request a Vacation Watch from the Police Department

If you're going on vacation this summer and want someone to check on your property, submit a vacation watch request to the Darien Police Department. By adding your property to our database, it will be added to the list for officers to check on (time permitting).

Cops N' Bobbers - June 7

Get ready for a fun youth fishing event put on by the Darien Police Department on June 7, 2025! The event will take place at South Grove Park from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Reserve your spot here.

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.

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.

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!

Summer Reading Program

The Summer Reading Program at the Indian Prairie Public Library starts next week on June 5! This great program includes prizes for tracking your summer reading and is open to kids, teens, and adults. Learn more and register here.

The Darien Park District

If you're looking for fun summer plans, check out The Darien Park District! They have Movies in the Park, Summer Camps for the kiddos, and great park locations across the city with gardens, playgrounds, splash pads, and more. Get outside for some great summertime fun at our city's parks!

Prevent Tick Bites

As you start spending more time outdoors, be sure to take precautions to prevent tick bites. Ticks don't just keep to the woods, they can be found in neighborhoods and backyards and they can carry illnesses like Lyme disease. Learn more.

City Council Meeting - June 2

City Council will meet on Monday, June 2, 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 4

The Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Commission will meet on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. The agenda will be posted here.

Be in the Know - Help Spread the Word

Darien’s Direct Connect E-Newsletter (DC) is the City’s primary source of information for residents and businesses. Please tell your friends and neighbors about DC, forward this email to them, and ask them to sign up. Signing up is simple and can be done here.