Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: September 25, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

Weekly eNews - September 25, 2025

Mayor's Message

“The truth is, unless you let go—forgive yourself, forgive the situation, realize the past is over—you cannot move forward.” - Unknown

As the seasons begin to change and we approach the final months of the year, I find myself in a reflective mood, and I imagine many of you do too. We think about where we have been, the choices we have made, and the people we have become. And so, I would like to ask you a simple but profound question: looking back on your life, do you have any regrets, or are you content with the path you have taken?

Life is a journey filled with choices, chances, and changes. As we grow older and look back, it is natural to ask ourselves: “Would I have done things differently?” “Have I lived the life I truly wanted?” Whether it is a missed opportunity, a relationship left unresolved, or a decision we wish we had made differently, it is a natural part of being human.

Read full message.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Proposed Chestnut Court Shopping Center TIF District

The City of Darien is exploring the creation of a Tax Increment Financing (“TIF”) District for the Chestnut Court Shopping Center, which is located at the southeast corner of 75th Street and Lemont Road. The city’s business community remains strong, even producing the highest sales tax ever in 2024-25. However, Chestnut Court continues to struggle, and much of the center is vacant. To encourage redevelopment of the underutilized/distressed Chestnut Court Shopping Center, the city council is considering this economic development resource to promote the redevelopment of the center. Illinois State Comptroller reports there are nearly 1,500 TIF Districts from more than 500 municipalities in the State of Illinois. Some of those communities with TIF Districts include Lake Forest, Deerfield, Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove, and Elmhurst. For detailed information and background, including a list of frequently asked questions, click here.

Darien's Website Has A New Look!

If you haven't seen The City of Darien's new website design, check it out at www.darien.il.us. We hope you'll enjoy the new, easy-to-navigate design, helping to keep our residents informed and connected!

Planning, Zoning & Economic Development Meeting Cancelled

The Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Commission meeting scheduled for October 1 is cancelled. See future meetings through the community calendar.

The City of Darien is Hiring

Join the City's team as a Part-time Accounting Clerk! Under direction of the Finance Director, this position is responsible for maintaining financial records, processing transactions, and assisting the accounting department with various tasks to ensure accurate financial reporting. Read the full job description and learn how to apply here.

Now Accepting Applications -
Police Officers
Lateral Entry & Initial Police Officers

The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners of the City of Darien is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer (lateral entry) and new officers. For lateral entry, applicants must have been employed as a full-time law enforcement officer in good standing in another law enforcement agency.

View Application Packet

For initial police officer positions, please visit this link. Required documentation is due October 14, 2025 with testing in November.

Darien Park District's Book Swap

Drop off your gently used children's books between September 28 and October 7 at the Darien Park District Community Center for the Children's Book Swap. On October 8, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., you can return to select new-to-you books using the ticket you receive during drop-off! Get more details on how to participate here.

Darien Park District Hoe-Down

Kick off fall at the Darien Park District's Hoe-Down on September 28 (12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.) at Darien Community Park. There will be punch cards available for purchase and lots of fun to be had, including: train rides, inflatables, food, and more!

Learn more in the Fall Program Guide.

Coffee with a Cop - October 1

The Darien Police Department will be hosting Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday, October 1 at the McDonald’s at 809 Plainfield Rd. in Darien from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Come by for great company and insightful conversations!

Traffic Safety and E-Bike/
E-Scooter Laws

Join the Darien Police Department to learn more about traffic safety laws, especially with regard to e-bikes and electric scooters.

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Indian Prairie Public Library

401 Plainfield Road, Darien, IL 60561

The 3rd Annual Oktoberfest

It's Oktoberfest Season! Join the City of Darien & the Darien Lions Club at Westwood Park for this year's celebration on Saturday, October 4, from noon to 10:00 p.m. There will be live music, authentic cuisine, beer, bingo, a cornhole tournament, a stein contest, face-painting, a bouncy house and more! Learn more at darienlions.org.

2025 Fire Prevention Open House

Your family is going to thank you for bringing them to the Fire Prevention Open House on Saturday, October 11. There will be a children's slide pole, a helicopter landing, free hot dogs, and lots more! Stop by Station 89 at 7550 Lyman Ave between 10:00 a.m and 1:00 p.m. to enjoy this event put on by the Darien-Woodridge and Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection Districts.

Recycling Extravaganza

Drive Thru & Drop Off

Saturday – October 18, 2025

10:00 am until 2:00 pm

St. John Lutheran Church - 7214 S Cass Ave

The Rotary Club of Darien is proud to announce their 4th Annual Drive-Thru Recycling Event in partnership with SCARCE!

The Rotary Club of Darien will be covering the cost of the shredding truck for document shredding (tax, bank, and medical records). This year, they are also adding a household battery collection (No car or boat batteries). Additional organizations will be there collecting a wide variety of items - see the full list here. Let's protect nature together by keeping recyclable and reusable materials out of the landfill!

An Introduction to Fiber Optic Internet

Learn about fiber optic internet and how it can work for you at the upcoming Streaming 101 Workshop at Indian Prairie Public Library on October 13 at 4:30 p.m. Space is limited, so be sure to register here!

Slingo Bingo - October 1

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Darien Woman’s Club will hold a “Singo-Musical Bingo Fundraiser on Wednesday, October 1st, at Alpine Banquets, 8230 Cass Avenue in Darien. Doors will open at 6:30 pm. Everyone is welcome! All proceeds from the $20 ticket purchase to play and donated raffles will be distributed to Wellness House in Hinsdale and People’s Resource Center. A cash bar will be available as well.

Darien Youth Club Celebrates 65 Years!

Darien Youth Club is celebrating 65 years with an anniversary party on Saturday, November 8th at 7:00 p.m.! See the full flyer here and RSVP here.

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