Commission moves to present picnic-table sponsorship plan to Village Board

The Garden Village Commission voted July 23 to present a draft recommendation to the Village Board to install picnic tables and planting at a small underused site in Villa Park and to fund the project through sponsorships. Patrice Gauter moved to present the commission’s recommendation and Lehi Smith seconded; the motion carried on a voice vote.

Lehi Smith, who drafted the recommendation, told commissioners the document reiterates prior discussions and still needs supporting attachments from Director Howe, including “the quote for the wood steel frame pressure treated picnic table and the proposed sponsorship levels.” Smith said the commission estimated “2,500 for the picnic tables and wildflowers” as a total project cost and proposed offsetting those costs by selling sponsorships to businesses and individuals.

Commissioners discussed an elevated sponsorship tier—a short-term banner or sign for special events—as a potential revenue source but agreed any banner must be small given the constrained site. They also noted the village has donated planters that could be repurposed and discussed volunteer involvement for planting and maintenance. Smith said she would send the draft to Director Howe the next morning and requested staff include the attachments with Monday’s Village Board agenda, noting the 48-hour posting rule for materials.

The motion to present the recommendation to the Village Board moves the item toward final consideration by the board; commissioners volunteered to attend Monday’s board meeting to support the recommendation if questions arise. The commission did not set a final procurement schedule, but members discussed an approximate installation timeline that could place some tables in place by mid- to late August if procurement moves quickly.