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 Message from Mayor Goczkowski
The first day of spring is less than 10 days away, bringing the promise of warmer weather to our area. Spring also brings increased momentum to initiatives that will help reshape and improve our community. Starting next week, IDOT will begin construction on the Rand Road Bridge. Please read below for more information on how this work will impact local traffic and what you can expect from the renovated bridge.
With the change in season comes the return of community activities. On Saturday, March 14, the Des Plaines Youth Commission will host its annual Fun Fair from 4 to 7 p.m. at Prairie Lakes Community Center. Attendees can enjoy live performances, face painting, and a variety of interactive activities designed for children of all ages. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to celebrate the season together.
A couple of weeks later, residents can get a head start on spring cleaning at the City’s Shred Event. On Saturday, March 28, the event will be held at the Public Works facility on Joseph J. Schwab Road and is open exclusively to City residents. This provides a safe and convenient way to securely dispose of personal documents.
As you plan your schedule, please also remember that the primary election takes place next week. More details are included below.
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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City Council Preview
City Council will meet on Monday, March 16, at 7 p.m.
For meeting details, including the agenda when it is available, visit the City’s website.
You can also watch a livestream of the meeting, or view recordings of past meetings, by visiting the website.
Rand Road Bridge Construction Starts March 16
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is starting construction for the Rand Road Bridge Replacement over the Des Plaines River on March 16, 2026, weather permitting.
Stage one of this project will shift eastbound and westbound traffic on Rand Road to the south side and reduce to one lane in each direction to accommodate work zones. Ballard Road and Hawthorne Lane will have new lane configurations for entering and exiting Rand Road during construction.
The project includes roadway reconstruction and widening, traffic signal modernization, drainage improvements, lighting improvements, water main improvements, and construction of a new multi-use path and landscaping from Ballard Road to Elk Boulevard in Des Plaines.
Motorists should anticipate delays and allow additional time for trips through the area. Drivers are encouraged to pay close attention to detour signs in the work zones, obey posted speed limits, and remain alert for workers and equipment. View the full press release at desplainesil.gov.
Primary Election Information
Early voting at the Des Plaines Public Library will run through Monday, March 16. The library will be open for early voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days through March 16, with slightly reduced hours on Sunday, March 15. Please note: the library will NOT be a polling place on Election Day.
Polling places vary by voter. While City Hall serves as an Election Day polling place for some residents, many voters are assigned to other locations. To find your polling place, visit the Cook County voter information page.
For more details on the upcoming primary election, visit desplainesil.gov/elections.
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Come One, Come All! Des Plaines Youth Commission Fun Fair Scheduled for March 14
The Des Plaines Youth Commission will host its annual Fun Fair on Saturday, March 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Prairie Lakes Community Center. This free, family-friendly event features live entertainment, including JG’s Reptile Road Show and magician Keith Cobb, as well as face painting, make-your-own buttons, and a scavenger hunt.
The Fun Fair is one of the Youth Commission’s largest events of the year, organized by Commission members and volunteers. Community organizations will also have tables and activities, offering a variety of experiences for families to enjoy together.
Save The Date: Spring Shred Event
Spring into action and declutter the eco-friendly way! Join us for the Spring Shred Event on Saturday, March 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Public Works facility (1111 Joseph J. Schwab Road). Safely dispose of sensitive documents and help reduce landfill waste. Please note the following guidelines:
- This event is available to residents of Des Plaines only. Proof of residency may be required. Business materials are not accepted.
- There is a 2-box maximum per vehicle and only paper products will be accepted. Staples and paper clips are allowed, but binders, binder clips, butterfly clips, rubber bands, and other metal or plastic should be removed before disposal.
- Three ring binders and the like cannot be put into the machine. Paper in binders will need to be removed prior to shredding.
- The shredder can only take paper. Please plan to take back any bags or boxes you bring your paper in.
- Event is first come, first served. Once the shredding truck has reached capacity, the event will conclude.
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Fresh Faces: Derek Budnik
From February 22–28, the City of Des Plaines celebrated Engineers Week. In honor of the occasion, the latest episode of our Fresh Faces series spotlights civil engineer Derek Budnik.
Watch the episode below to learn how Derek contributes to the City’s Public Works and Engineering department and supports projects that keep Des Plaines running smoothly.
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Upcoming Meetings and Reminders
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3/14 - Youth Commission Fun Fair | 4 - 7 p.m. at Prairie Lakes Community Center
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3/16 - City Council Meeting | 7 p.m. at Des Plaines City Hall
- 3/20 - Spring Begins
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3/28 - Spring Shred Event | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. at Public Works facility
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4/6 - LRS Spring Curbside Collection Begins| More information on City website
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4/6 - City Council Meeting | 7 p.m. at Des Plaines 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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