Willowbrook, IL Award: Village Wins 2026 Best Green Practices Honor

Willowbrook, IL – Willowbrook has earned statewide recognition for environmental improvements at Borse Park, becoming the only municipality selected for a 2026 Best Green Practices Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts.

According to the Village of Willowbrook, the award recognizes a park district, forest preserve, conservation, recreation or special recreation agency that takes steps to incorporate and encourage environmentally friendly practices and policies.

Willowbrook's application highlighted sustainability measures included in the Borse Park Redevelopment Project. Those improvements include shoreline stabilization work, permeable pavement parking lot installations, pond dredging and native and pollinator plantings throughout the park.

Mayor Frank A. Trilla said the recognition reflects the village's focus on environmental stewardship and improving community spaces in a responsible and sustainable way.

The DuPage County community will be formally recognized Friday, Oct. 10, during the Illinois Association of Park Districts' 2026 Awards Gala.

Willowbrook is one of 30 recipients across several IAPD award categories this year, village officials said. However, it is the only municipality receiving the Best Green Practices Award in 2026.

Other recipients in the Best Green Practices category include the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and the Northbrook Park District.

The recognition puts a statewide spotlight on the village's redevelopment efforts at Borse Park and its use of infrastructure and landscaping designed with environmental sustainability in mind.