Children and families can now enjoy an updated Larry Robb Park in Countryside where new green infrastructure improvements will help manage stormwater and reduce flooding.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) joined City of Countryside officials on Thursday, Oct. 29, to celebrate the completion of the improvements at Larry Robb Park, 10701 5th Avenue Cutoff. MWRD President Kari K. Steele joined Countryside Mayor Sean R. McDermott, other city officials and Judith Robb, widow of Larry Robb, for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

The project features two rain gardens and a permeable parking lot designed to capture more than 28,000 gallons of stormwater per rain event. These green infrastructure elements help absorb and manage rainfall where it lands, reducing the amount of stormwater entering local sewer systems and helping protect the community from flooding.

“Green infrastructure is an important part of our regional approach to stormwater management,” said President Steele. “Through partnerships with our local municipalities, we can implement practical solutions that capture stormwater, improve our communities and help build resilience against increasingly intense rainfall.”

The MWRD selected the project through its Green Infrastructure Partnership Program, which supports stormwater management projects led by local municipalities. On May 15, 2025, the MWRD Board of Commissioners authorized an intergovernmental agreement with Countryside to provide up to $70,500 toward the estimated $809,000 total project cost.

Under the agreement, Countryside was responsible for the project's design, construction, operation and maintenance, while the MWRD reviewed the design and conducted inspections.

“These improvements at Larry Robb Park are an investment in our community that will provide lasting benefits for our residents,” said Mayor McDermott. “By incorporating rain gardens and permeable pavement, we’re helping manage stormwater more effectively while enhancing our public spaces. We appreciate the MWRD’s partnership and support in bringing this project to completion.”

The park also honors a valued member of the Countryside community. In 2025, the Countryside City Council named the park after the late Larry Robb, a U.S. Navy veteran and longtime resident who coordinated community activities for his neighbors near Countryside’s Fifth Avenue Cutoff.

The project reflects the MWRD’s ongoing commitment to working with municipalities throughout Cook County to expand green infrastructure, manage stormwater and protect local waterways and neighborhoods.

To learn more or apply for future MWRD stormwater partnership programs, visit mwrd.org/stormwater/partnerships.