What an incredible year it has been! We’ve had a busy and productive 2022, and have accomplished some amazing things! Continuing to rebuild our infrastructure while being fiscally responsible, the Village has made extraordinary strides in improving our quality of life. In terms of our economic development, there isn’t a moment that we can recall where so many projects occurred simultaneously. The community will see a true facelift. With new additions Starbucks, Town Center Pointe Apartments, Midwest Express Clinic, Epic Wings, Tropical Smoothie Café, and Sweet Vegan Bakes all opening this year, Richton Park is slated to be a true destination with citizens. We have also been “cleaning up” the Village by acquiring various vacant properties for future redevelopment. Work is being done! We are so grateful to all our dedicated employees who have continually gone above and beyond taking care of all our projects, programming, and day-to-day operations and service.
These past couple years, Richton Park has had an unrelenting commitment to community. Neighbors helping neighbors, businesses and organizations pitching in, and our community pulling together with the most generous outpouring of assistance, contributions, and displays of compassion, have been unlike anything we have ever seen. This is proven throughout our supportive and enriching initiatives, events, and activities. We have come together and worked together, united in our commitment to stay strong, persevere and help make things better. Together we are at our best. Great communities are built and maintained on pride and spirit that foster volunteerism and generate tremendous contributions. That is what we have built here together in Richton Park, and with your support, we can continue to build an inclusive, vibrant, safe, welcoming, and illustrious premier Village!
Of course, we’ll have all your favorite Village events in 2023, including the annual Daddy-Daughter Dance, Clean-Up Day, Resident Appreciation Day, National Night Out, House Music Fest, Juneteenth Celebration, “Your Party” Music Festival, Trail of Treats, Small Business Pop-Up Shop, and much, much more! In addition, we’re even introducing a few NEW events to their our impressive lineup. We are all about providing opportunities for us to continue to connect as a people. With this in mind, nothing is more important than ensuring the health, safety, and quality of life of all citizens, residents, businesses, and staff. YOU, the people are our top priority, and everything we do, offer, and support, is based on that very premise. That continues to be our focus going into the new year, and reaching new highs and exposure is on our horizon. Our Village events are emblematic of everything that is good about being in a smaller Village, but with a big personality.
Just as a strong community rallies together in good times, it bands together and supports each other in tough and unfortunate times as well. This winter season we lost one of our very own, Village Trustee Joseph Canady, who will always be remembered for his great personality, passion, and commitment to serving not just Richton Park, but the entire Southland. I like to think that when someone passes on, a little piece of them remains behind in all the people they have impacted during their lives. With that, Trustee Canady will live on forever.
It is a true honor and blessing to serve you as President of Richton Park. As our work is never done, we have countless successes for our town, and I look forward to sharing our visions, accomplishments, and triumphs throughout the future. We are confident that 2023 will be an important and transformative year for the Village.
This is Richton Park. This is Your Home.