A Century of Community • Progress • Promise

The Village of Richton Park is proud to announce the launch of a monumental, yearlong celebration honoring its 100th Anniversary - a century marked by growth, resilience, diverse cultural roots, and an unwavering commitment to community. Since its incorporation on June 8, 1926, Richton Park has transformed from a small settlement along historic Indigenous pathways into a vibrant, forward-thinking suburb recognized for its progress, inclusivity, and innovation.

The Centennial Celebration, beginning January 2026, will highlight Richton Park’s rich past, dynamic present, and illustrious future through special events, storytelling, public art, commemorative items, and community engagement initiatives. Learn more at http://richtonpark.org/Centennial

A Legacy Rooted in History

Long before Richton Park became an incorporated village, its land served as a crossroads of cultures and a passageway for people seeking new horizons. Sauk Trail, today a central artery of the community, was once a significant route used by Native American tribes for travel, trade, and connection across the region.

Richton Park is also part of the nation’s profound story of freedom. Historical accounts indicate that areas within the region served as stopovers on the Underground Railroad, providing refuge and hope to enslaved Africans and African Americans seeking liberation. This legacy of courage and compassion continues to inspire the community’s values.
Through the decades, Richton Park has evolved from a modest railroad community to a flourishing municipality known for its neighborhoods, parks, schools, cultural diversity, and strong civic pride. Today, residents enjoy a community that honors its heritage while embracing progress and opportunity.

A Century of Growth - A Future of Momentum

Over 100 years, Richton Park has grown into a thriving community that champions opportunity, economic development, environmental sustainability, public safety, educational excellence, and quality of life. The Centennial Year serves not only as a reflection of past achievements, but as a declaration of the Village’s commitment to the decades ahead.
“Our Centennial is more than a milestone, it is a celebration of who we have been, who we are now, and who we continue to become,” says Village President Rick Reinbold. “From our historic roots along Sauk Trail to our modern advancements, Richton Park’s story is one of unity, resilience, and bright possibility. In 2026, we invite everyone - residents, businesses, partners, and visitors, to celebrate this remarkable journey with us.”

A Yearlong Celebration: 2026 Centennial Events & Experiences

The entire year of 2026 will be dedicated to honoring Richton Park’s past, present, and future through a vibrant series of community events, creative initiatives, and commemorative projects. Highlights will include:

• Centennial-Themed Signature Events
  Major Village events throughout the year - festivals, concerts, parades, and cultural celebrations, will feature special centennial displays, recognition moments, and more. Flagship Centennial events consisting of Resident Appreciation Day and more.
• Community Storytelling & Historical Exhibits
  Residents will be invited to share memories, photos, and stories, which will be featured digitally in Centennial content, and in public locations to honor generational narratives. Please email RP100@richtonpark.org to share.
• Public Art & Visual Displays
  Centennial branding will be visible throughout the Village via banners, billboards, posters, and public installations celebrating Richton Park’s identity and progress.
• Digital Campaigns & Social Media Features
  A yearlong digital storytelling series will highlight historical milestones, notable residents, community change-makers, and visions for the future.
• Commemorative Merchandise & Collectibles
  Limited-edition centennial items - guidebooks, commemorative coins, apparel, and keepsakes to take home a piece of village history. Both free and for-purchase.
• Special Community Engagement Initiatives
  Youth projects, themed contests, and legacy activities will bring all generations together in celebration.

Honoring the Past. Celebrating the Present. Inspiring the Future.

Richton Park’s 100th Anniversary is a once-in-a-lifetime event, an opportunity to reflect on the Village’s remarkable transformation and honor those who paved the way, all while empowering the next century of growth, unity, and community advancement.

Throughout 2026, the Village encourages all residents, families, business owners, partners, community stakeholders, and visitors to participate in the celebration and share in the pride of this historic milestone.