Beyond resolving long-standing drainage issues, the project reinforced the village’s commitment to supporting its business community through practical, long-overdue infrastructure investment. Looking ahead, Willowbrook is preparing for even larger undertakings. Halloran points to a recently released stormwater master plan outlining $25 million to $30 million in projects over the coming years, alongside a comprehensive water infrastructure master plan focused on long-term system resilience. PARKS AS COMMUNITY ANCHORS Few areas illustrate Willowbrook’s transformation more clearly than its park system. Over the past four years, the village has invested $15 million in park improvements, including a nearly complete $9 million community park project supported by approximately $2 million in grants. “We’re not just doing one part of town,” Mayor Trilla points out. “We’re going around the entire village.” Willowbrook’s approach is especially notable because it operates its own Parks Department, an uncommon model in Illinois. “We’re one of only four municipalities in DuPage County with a Parks Department,” Halloran explains. “That means we’re saving residents from an additional taxing body.” The department has grown to four full-time staff and now offers programming for residents of all ages, from preschoolers to seniors in their nineties. “Our parks department probably runs about 500 programs a year,” Mayor Trilla adds, underscoring the role parks now play in strengthening community life. MEETING AN UNMET NEED One of Willowbrook’s most innovative initiatives has been to expand senior programming through partnerships with neighboring communities that had scaled back their offerings. “We took over senior programming for several surrounding towns,” Halloran notes. “What we were told wouldn’t work financially has turned into a sustainable new revenue stream.” 251 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 01 VILLAGE OF WILLOWBROOK, IL
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx