Village Manager's Message

Happy 2026 Village People!

In the book, “A Tale of Paraguay” there is the line: “A lively tale, fraught with food for thought.” We know the phrase: “Food for thought” is an idiom that translates to when you come across an idea that intrigues you, you need to give it some serious thought.

Villa Park Fire Station 81 is about to begin some serious renovations to:

1. Repair the severely deteriorated apparatus bay floor,
2. Improve and increase inadequate restrooms and shower facilities, and
3. Overhaul the current HVAC system to improve heating and ventilation systems, mold remediation, and better fresh air circulation.

This does not sound like a lot, but the renovations are expected to last 4-5 months. During this time, the firefighters and their administration moved into the previous Iowa Community Center (ICC). The ICC was vacated, and everyone there moved to the new Villa Park Recreation Center (VPRC). The ICC gymnasium and stage were converted to house the big red firetrucks and ambulance. The ICC classrooms and offices were converted to make the place accommodate a functioning fire department 24-7. I toured the facility with Villa Park Fire Chief Steve Stapleton on Monday, January 19, 2026. I was thoroughly impressed with the conversion of the facility. One thing I know about firefighters (from an old cop’s perspective) is they know how to make a house a home. Meaning, they figure out the best way to use the space to make the ICC not just livable, but a place they can be proud to work and sleep out of.

What does an idiom have to do with the ICC-Firehouse conversion? Chief Stapleton threw out the idea of what if, instead of renovating Station 82 (On Plymouth), we make Station 82’s permanent home at ICC. Also, he said they could repurpose the land where Station 82 currently is into green space? That is not just some food for thought, that is enough food to feed an army. We as a Village are struggling to find affordable options to create workspace to deliver Village services.

One of the primary benefits of converting a recreation building into a firehouse is cost efficiency. New construction projects often involve significant expenses related to land acquisition, infrastructure development, and extended construction timelines. By contrast, reusing an existing building reduces demolition costs and takes advantage of established utilities and road access. Funds saved through adaptive reuse can instead be invested in updated firefighting equipment, increasing staffing levels, and improved training resources, all of which directly enhance emergency response capabilities.

Renovating an existing structure reduces construction waste and limits the environmental impact associated with new materials and land disturbance. Incorporating energy-efficient upgrades—such as modern insulation, solar panels, and efficient heating and cooling systems—can further reduce long-term operational costs and align the firehouse with modern environmental standards. This demonstrates a commitment to responsible development while serving essential public needs. Lastly, the thought of putting a park where Station 82 was on Plymouth could be just the developmental spark that the area needs. Do we add a pocket park, splash pad, dog park, or inclusive park?

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Mike Rivas

Village Manager