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 Message from Mayor Goczkowski
As Halloween approaches, we hope families in Des Plaines have a fun and festive evening enjoying all the holiday traditions. While celebrating, it’s important to keep safety in mind; see below for tips to make trick-or-treating safe for everyone.
After the Halloween festivities, residents can continue the autumn fun by bringing their pumpkins to the City’s annual Pumpkin Smash composting event on Saturday, November 8. Held in partnership with the Des Plaines Park District, this event is a great way to dispose of pumpkins and support sustainable practices.
Events like Harvest Hoot earlier this month and the upcoming Pumpkin Smash are part of the City’s ongoing efforts to provide enjoyable, community-focused activities. The City of Des Plaines Media Services team invites residents to share their thoughts on city-sponsored events through a short survey. Feedback will help guide future planning and ensure these programs continue to be even more enjoyable for the community.
In the meantime, please share this e-news with your family, friends, and neighbors, and encourage them to subscribe. If I can be of assistance to you, please feel free to contact me at 847-391-5301 or agoczkowski@desplainesil.gov.
Yours in service,
Andrew Goczkowski
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Halloween in Des Plaines
The City of Des Plaines does not set designated hours for trick-or-treating on October 31. Parents are encouraged to stay alert after sunset and take steps to help ensure an enjoyable evening for everyone. A full list of safety tips is available at desplainesil.gov/halloween. Residents can also find printable flyers on the site to indicate whether their house is participating in trick-or-treating.
As families head out for Halloween, the Des Plaines Fire Department reminds residents to be careful with open flames and decorations. Using electric candles or glow sticks and keeping decorations away from heat sources helps everyone in the community enjoy a fun and safe holiday.
City Offices Closed on Veterans Day
City offices are closed on Tuesday, November 11, for the Veterans Day holiday. Refuse collection will follow its regular schedule.
Update Regarding ComEd Utility Expansion at Rand Road and Union Pacific Railroad
Road Closures To Be Completed by November 21
Commonwealth Edison is continuing work on infrastructure improvements at Rand Road and the Union Pacific Railroad crossing. Due to utility conflicts, the project schedule has been adjusted, and work is now expected to be completed by November 21.
Rand Road will remain closed to all traffic at the Union Pacific Railroad crossing just northwest of Graceland Avenue. A posted detour is in place, directing drivers to use Golf Road and Des Plaines River Road.
The project involves installing multiple electrical manholes and duct packages to support utility expansion.
Motorists should anticipate delays and allow extra time when traveling through the area. Drivers are reminded to follow detour signs, obey posted speed limits, and stay alert for workers and equipment. For questions or concerns regarding this project, contact ComEd directly at 779-231-1737 or visit comed.com.
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Take the City-Sponsored Events Survey
The City of Des Plaines Media Services team invites residents to complete a short survey to share their thoughts and experiences on city-sponsored events. Responses help the team understand what is working well and where improvements can be made for activities such as the Independence Day Parade, Harvest Hoot, and Food Truck Round Ups. This feedback will guide future planning and help ensure programs are even more enjoyable for the community moving forward. Thank you for taking the time to share your input!
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Squash Halloween Waste At Pumpkin Smash
Don’t be scared by Halloween cleanup! In partnership with the Des Plaines Park District, we’re hosting the Pumpkin Smash composting event on Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the north parking lot of Prairie Lakes Community Center. Just toss your pumpkins, jack-o’-lanterns, and gourds into the designated dumpster, and WasteNot Compost will do the rest.
New this year, we are also collecting plastic and foil candy wrappers for recycling both at the Pumpkin Smash event and in a special drop-off bin in the City Hall lobby throughout November. It’s a simple way to keep those wrappers where they belong and avoid post-Halloween mess.
Visit desplainesil.gov/sustainability to learn more about the Pumpkin Smash.
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Fall Into A New Career with the
Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce
On Wednesday, November 5, the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce will host a Career Fair at the Des Plaines Public Library, offering an opportunity for local employers and job seekers to connect and explore available positions.
The career fair begins with a private session for veterans, including participants from the Chamber’s “Back to Work Boot Camp” program. From 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the fair opens to the public.
Attendees are encouraged to bring updated copies of their resume and dress in professional attire.
ICYMI: Des Plaines Fresh Faces - Raul Ramirez
Fresh Faces is a series that highlights new team members across City of Des Plaines departments, giving residents a closer look at the people who serve their community. In the latest episode, meet Raul Ramirez, a recent hire of the Des Plaines Fire Department, who grew up in the city and is dedicated to protecting the community that shaped him.
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Explore the Fall 2025 Edition of Access Point
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The latest edition of the Access Point resident newsletter is here, featuring updates on City services, upcoming events, community highlights, seasonal reminders, and important information to help you stay connected with what’s happening in Des Plaines. While printed copies have been distributed throughout the community, a digital version is also available on the City’s website for easy access anytime.
Spanish and Polish translations are also accessible online to help ensure that all residents can stay informed and engaged in City news and activities.
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Upcoming Meetings and Reminders
- 11/02 - Daylight Savings Ends
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11/03 - City Council Meeting | 7 p.m. at City Hall
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11/08 - Pumpkin Smash | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Prairie Lakes Community Center
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11/11 - Veterans Day Holiday | City Offices Closed
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11/17 - City Council Meeting | 7 p.m. at City Hall
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City of Des Plaines
Phone 847.391.5300 |
1420 Miner Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016 |
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