MWRD Commissioners and staff met with key Illinois state legislators, focusing on ways to strengthen the MWRD’s capacity to manage stormwater, advance wastewater treatment, and boost overall operational efficiency in managing the flow of water for Chicago and 128 municipalities that the MWRD serves.

Guests took home free oak tree saplings, milkweed and native wildflower seeds to support stormwater management and the lifecycle of the monarch butterfly and other pollinators.

Villar delivered a compelling keynote that intertwined his family’s immigrant journey, a legacy of labor activism and the enduring power of cross‑racial solidarity in the American labor movement.

This year’s theme is “Water Connects Us, Pride Unites Us.”

Guests of all ages may take an abbreviated tour of the plant, meet with MWRD staff for interactive activities and take home free oak tree saplings, milkweed and native wildflower seeds.

The improvements, including a ramp, a retaining wall and a few braille signs, allowed dozens of area residents to access the park for the first time.