Empathy, Experience and Excellence

WEST SUBURBS

Downers Grove traces its name to Pierce Downer who settled the area on 150 acres in 1832. The arrival of the railroad in 1864 brought new opportunities and stimulated growth. The mid-1960s to the mid-1980s saw a boom period in which the population doubled. Abundant trees, parks and greenery earned Downers Grove the nickname, “Village of Trees.” Students attend elementary schools in District 58 or 69, and high school at Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South (District 99). Downers Grove has park sites totaling 500 acres. More than 500 programs are coordinated by the Park District and are devoted to sports, recreation, leisure and learning, including fully-developed programs for people with disabilities. The downtown area has a thriving shopping district, new construction condos, and entertainment venues that include the Tivoli Theater.

Incorporated in 1926, Westmont has continued to grow dramatically as a result of booming industry in nearby communities. Most students attend school in District 201. High School students attend Westmont High School, Hinsdale Central, or Downers Grove High Schools. The Westmont Park District maintains 65 acres of land incorporating parks, playgrounds, playing fields and a community center.

Planned in part by Frederick Olmsted, the designer of New York’s Central Park, Clarendon Hills is a “picture book small-town community.” Not quite two square miles in size, the Village projects a distinct charm and style. Residents and local organizations take an active role in maintaining the beauty of their community. District 181 houses two elementary schools. High school students generally attend Hinsdale Central High School in District 86. Four parks, two man-made lakes, a golf course, tennis courts, and several playgrounds are maintained within the village.

Declared as "A Nice Place to Live", Darien is a city in DuPage County, about 20 miles southwest of Chicago's Loop. The city was named after a town in Connecticut. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, Darien was the youngest municipality in DuPage County. The city perfectly exemplifies the monstrous suburban development that occurred post-World War II. Darien is often associated with the Argonne National Laboratory, which is located nearby. In the 2010 census, the population of Darien was 22,086.

Founded in 1873, historic Hinsdale is one of the Western Suburb’s most prestigious communities. Gently rolling lawns and quiet streets are bordered by oak, maple and elm trees. Downtown Hinsdale is a charming destination that offers fashionable boutiques and plentiful dining options that range from casual to upscale. In addition to several local plazas and the central business district offers charming shops and small businesses. Hinsdale Schools include Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South High Schools, a middle school and five public elementary schools. The Village is home to parks that span over 120 acres and include tennis courts, a swimming pool and playgrounds. Cross-country skiing, swimming, archery and horseback riding are among the offerings.

Early settlers to Lisle were attracted by the prime timber, agricultural land and plentiful water resources available. In 1850 Lisle Township was created, but the Village of Lisle was not incorporated until 1956. Today Lisle is situated at the crossroads of two major interstates in the heart of DuPage County’s High Tech Corridor. The town offers an ideal setting for residents, businesses and visitors alike. Lisle is served by two public school districts, Community Unit School District 202 and Naperville 203. Benedictine University is located within the Village and College of DuPage and North Central College is located nearby. The Park District maintains a community fitness center, an aquatic park and golf course in addition to the many park facilities found in the area.

Founded by famed sportsman and captain of industry Paul Butler, Oak Brook has evolved into a thriving, sophisticated community. A modern commercial and retail base is complemented by abundant woodlands, ponds, streams, gently rolling hills and stately homes on tree-lined streets. Oakbrook Center has a growing reputation as Chicagoland’s premiere shopping site. Eight school districts serve the Oak Brook community. Most elementary students attend schools in District 53. Area high schools include Hinsdale Central (District 86), Downers Grove North (District 99) and York High School in Elmhurst (District 205). An avid polo player, Paul Butler was responsible for the polo field, which is home to the Butler National Polo Tournament. The village-owned Oak Brook Golf Club, sprawling 1800 acre Fullersburg Park, and the Oak Brook Sports Core with tennis and soccer facilities are popular recreational options for residents. The Park District coordinates numerous seasonal activities for the enjoyment of all age groups.

Villa Park is known to residents as the garden village. Playgrounds, garden plots and lagoons can be found in the Village’s parks. A nine-hole golf course features a sevenacre pond. The community has access to the Illinois Prairie Path, a 45-mile linear bike trail. An active Chamber of Commerce co-sponsors special events with other community organizations such as the Villa Park Historical Society. Elementary School Districts 45 and 48 serve the community. The Village has an after-school sports program at three elementary schools and other village facilities. Students continue their education by attending Willowbrook High School in District 88. Villa Park’s Recreation Division offers more than 600 programs. The Village owns two community centers, two swimming pools, eight tennis courts, two sled hills, three fishing lagoons and a golf course.