Downers Grove has over 40 parks located within it's city limits. And the Park District has done an extraordinary job of maintaining them, and providing environments that allow people to partake in a variety of activities, including, but not limited to ice skating, fishing, golf, swimming, team sports, tennis, and neighborhood playground.
The Park District also develops and coordinates activities for individuals and families. They present a quarterly calendar of leisure and sports related classes for people of all ages and skills. Everything from ballroom dancing or fencing to computer basics or baskets made from bread. The Halloween Window Painting was a favorite when I was a child, and is still eagerly anticipated by the young citizens of the town. The Maple Grove Easter Egg Hunt, Summertime Bed Buggy Race, Fishing Derby and Breakfast with Santa are a few of the activities sponsored by the Park District Staff. They also organize day trips to locations in and around Chicago, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana.

What else is there to love about Downers Grove?:

TJ's for the endless cup of coffee. People in Downers love to gather with friends for coffee and conversation. No planning or scheduling, just a quick call to meet and come as you are.

Farmer's Market held on Saturdays by the train station. It's the only place where I can find wax beans. My new veggie discovery this year at the Market was a squash called Patty Pan. It looks like a little flying saucer. Just steam or nuke and enjoy the wonderful asparagus/zucchini flavor. Besides locally grown vegetables, produce is brought in from out of state, along with fresh flowers and home made canned goods.

Hospitality Day is celebrated the first Sunday following Thanksgiving. It is the "kick off" for winter and the oncoming holiday season. A parade is held on Main Street, culminating with the arrival of Santa Claus. Local merchants extend their hours for the day, and in an openhouse fashion, display their wares and offer warm drinks and refreshments for their "guests". There are sleigh rides in the park, horsedrawn carriages glide through the streets, and the official lighting of the Village Christmas tree, decorated with ornaments made by village school children and youth groups.

Founder's Hill is a fairly new addition to the town. It is a brew pub located on the edge of the downtown area. It is in an old publishing house, and whenever I'm there, I can remember running through the building as a young child with a friend as we waited for her father, the publisher, to finish for the day. The pub has an atmosphere that is very warm and a menu that is out of the ordinary. I'm not a beer drinker, but have been known to sip on the raspberry beer on occasion at this brewpub.