A Message From Mayor Gina Cunningham: Windsor Lakes Apartment Fire

Dear Neighbors,

The Village of Woodridge extends our heartfelt support to the families and individuals affected by yesterday’s fire at Windsor Lakes Apartment Homes. While we are grateful that there were no fatalities or serious injuries, we know that many of our neighbors are facing a difficult and uncertain time, including being displaced from their homes.

In moments like these, Woodridge truly shows its heart and strength, not just as a Village, but as a caring and compassionate community.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District, the Woodridge Police Department, and the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District, and all of the emergency personnel from neighboring communities and beyond who responded. Their swift response, professionalism, and dedication to protecting our neighbors and community were evident throughout the day.

A special thank you to the Windsor Lakes Apartment property management company, Morgan Properties, the American Red Cross, our Woodridge Police social worker Felicia Acosta, SCARCE, the Woodridge Neighbors Helping Neighbors, the West Suburban Community Party, and our Woodridge Volunteer Corps (CERT), who provided immediate and much-needed assistance and resources.

We know our community always shows up when our neighbors need us most. It is one of the things that makes Woodridge so special. In challenging moments, our community has a way of rising to the occasion, and yesterday was no exception. We have already received numerous messages asking how our neighbors can help and where they can donate. At this time, all of the displaced families have found temporary housing, and we are continuing to work with our partners to provide ongoing resources and support.

For those who would like to help immediately, donations can be made in the following ways:

• Gift cards, fuel cards, and food donations can be donated at the West Suburban Community Pantry located at 6809 Hobson Valley Dr ., Ste. 118, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

• Blankets, clothing, and personal care items can be donated at the Windsor Lakes Leasing Office located at 7499 Woodward Avenue, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., and on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Donated items should be new.

• We are working on setting up a monetary donation option through Woodridge Neighbors Helping Neighbors, which we hope to have available early next week. They are a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

At this time, these are the donation items we currently have the capacity to accept. As we continue to assess the needs of our neighbors, we will share additional information if other donations are needed.

We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of compassion, support, and generosity of our community. Please continue to keep our affected neighbors in your thoughts as they continue the process of recovery and rebuilding their homes.

For additional information about yesterday’s fire, including details about the response and the ongoing investigation, please see the joint press release from the Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District, Woodridge Police Department, and the Village of Woodridge: www.woodridgeil.gov/news_detail_T48_R446.php

With Warm Gratitude,

Mayor Gina Cunningham

Free Car Seat Safety Inspection Event

The Woodridge Police Department, Senator John Curran, and the Illinois Department of Transportation invite the community to a Free Car Seat Safety Inspection event tomorrow, Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Cypress Cove (8301 S. Janes Ave.).

During this event, professionals will check for proper car seat installation, harness fit and positioning, car seat expiration and recall information, and whether your child's car seat is correct for your child's age, height, and weight. Join us for this free event aimed at helping to keep our children safe!

Please make sure to bring your child's car seat or booster seat to the event for inspection.

We're Hiring at the Village of Woodridge

Looking for an opportunity to serve your community? The Village of Woodridge is hiring for a variety of positions including Auxiliary Snow Plow Drivers, an Administrative Assistant, and Entry and Lateral-Entry Level Police Officer.

From public safety and public works to administrative and other municipal roles, our employees play an important part in keeping Woodridge a great place to live, work, and visit.

View current job openings, learn more about available positions, and apply online through the Village’s employment portal.

Rescheduled Fourth of July Fireworks Show

This year, our 2026 Woodridge-Downers Grove Fourth of July Fireworks display unfortunately had to be canceled due to inclement weather. The rescheduled display will now take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. The best place to view the show is in the parking lots along 75th Street and Lemont Road. Grab a chair, a blanket, and come watch the show!

As we look forward to the rescheduled fireworks show, please remember that non-permitted fireworks are prohibited in Woodridge. We ask everyone to help keep our community safe and be respectful of our neighbors by leaving the fireworks to the professionals. If you see non-permitted fireworks being used, please call 911 to report them.

Please be advised that storms are currently in the forecast for next week. At this time, we are continuing to plan for the fireworks show as scheduled. However, if weather conditions, including storms or saturated ground, make it necessary to cancel the show, we will notify the community by 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026 through our Village communication channels (Facebook, website, etc.)

Woodridge Parkway Tree Removal and Tree Cost Share Program

We’ve received some questions from residents about parkway tree removals, including what happens when a tree needs to be removed and whether a new tree will be planted.

Woodridge takes great pride in its trees and forestry program. Our certified arborists regularly inspect parkway trees, and since 1992, Woodridge has been recognized as a Tree City U.S.A. community for its commitment to maintaining and growing our urban tree canopy.

Unfortunately, sometimes it may be determined that a parkway tree needs to be removed due to declining health or safety concerns.

When a parkway tree is removed, the Village will evaluate the area to determine if a new tree can be planted. Tree placement depends on available space, underground and overhead utilities, sight lines, and other site conditions. Parkway trees are generally planted in the spring and fall.

Regardless if a tree needs to be removed, Woodridge residents always have the opportunity to participate in Woodridge’s 50/50 Tree Share Program, which allows residents to purchase a parkway tree at 50% of the cost, with the Village covering the remaining cost and handling the planting and ongoing maintenance.

Learn more about Forestry and the 50/50 Tree Share Program on our Village website.

Your Woodridge Clean Up Day is Approaching!

Each household’s annual Clean Up Day will take place during the week of October 5, 2026. During the week of October 5 - 9, on your regular collection day, you can dispose of an unlimited amount of refuse, including furniture, carpeting, bulky items, and general junk.

Please ensure all items are properly bundled, bagged, and prepared for pick-up as you would on any regular collection day. Note that building materials, railroad ties, tires, and hazardous waste are excluded from this program. Additionally, electronic items (anything with a plug) cannot be collected as part of the Clean-Up Day program due to landfill restrictions.

FLASHBACK FRIDAY

Woodridge Public Library (1966 - 1969)



As Library Card Sign-Up Month wraps up, we thought it only fitting to share a flashback photo of the Woodridge Public Library taken sometime between 1966 and 1969! The Library’s first Board meeting was held in May of 1967. In January of 1969, the Board purchased a house with less than 1000 square feet at 2916 Forest Glen Parkway in which to house the Library. Laurie Kagann was hired as the first professional librarian, and Board President Myra Mahlke was elected in April of 1969.

Do you have a Woodridge flashback photo?

Share it with us, and it could be featured in the next E-News issue!