200 S. Hough Street  Barrington, IL 60010 | (847) 304-3400

Experience the Beauty of the Dreamway Trail in Barrington!

If you’ve not had a chance to explore the beautifully refurbished Joe Kelsch Sr. Dreamway Trail in the heart of Barrington, put this on your fall agenda! The 1.5-mile trail (roundtrip) begins at the Park District behind the Splash Pad and ends at Hart Road by the high school. The newly installed Joe Kelsch Sr. Memorial Bench is a perfect place to take a rest and enjoy the nature around you.

A Trail Transformed

The Dreamway Trail is not just your average walking path; it’s a testament to the power of community partnerships and the vision of one dedicated individual, Joe Kelsch Sr. Originally conceived as a bike and pedestrian pathway connecting Barrington High School to Langendorf Park, the Dreamway Trail has evolved into a stunning natural haven for the entire community.

Today, this portion of Flint Creek boasts an improved streambed adorned with newly installed native plants and trees. As you wander along this family-friendly pathway, you’ll experience the tranquility of nature and can even take a break on the newly installed Joe Kelsch Sr. Memorial Bench donated by the Barrington Area Development Council. 

Recognition and Cooperation

The Dreamway Trail project has garnered well-deserved recognition, earning the prestigious Governor’s Hometown Award and an American Public Works Association Award. These accolades reflect the collaborative efforts of multiple community stakeholders, including the Village of Barrington, the Barrington Park District, the Barrington 220 School District, and various local conservation-focused nonprofits and volunteers.

Connectivity and Community

The Dreamway Trail isn’t just a trail; it’s a symbol of what can be achieved through unity, shared vision, and inter-governmental partnerships. “This project truly highlights what can be accomplished through the hard work and passion of dedicated volunteers and also illustrates the tremendous value of inter-governmental partnerships,” said Village President Karen Darch. 

More than 25 volunteers dedicated 1,250 hours of their time to support the Dreamway Trail project. The restoration efforts were further bolstered by a $516,000 Illinois Environmental Protection Agency grant, and additional contributions from the Village of Barrington, the Barrington Park District, and Barrington 220 School District. This remarkable financial support and volunteer dedication transformed a once-endangered section of Flint Creek into a thriving natural oasis.

So, whether you’re a long-time Barrington resident or a visitor looking to experience the beauty of our charming Village, make sure to include a visit to the Joe Kelsch Sr. Dreamway Trail. It’s a pathway that encapsulates the essence of Barrington’s natural beauty and the community’s spirit of cooperation to achieve goals. Come, take a walk, and discover the Dreamway for yourself!

Fall Chipper Schedule

GET READY FOR THE CHIPPER!

 

 

Monday, October 2 – North of Main Street

Monday, October 9 – South of Main Street

Please have all your branches and material out to the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your designated Monday morning. The Chipper will make only ONE pass through your neighborhood. Branches may be up to 10” in diameter and at least 4’ in length. Stack branches neatly in a long, low pile on the parkway, with the cut end facing the curb. Public Works crews cannot pick up material on private property. The following items cannot be picked up: root balls and stumps; building materials; anything within a box or garbage can; grass; leaves; or any materials other than wooded branch materials. Remember to utilize your Groot yard waste tote throughout the season.

IMPORTANT: Unfortunately the Chipper cannot make passes through each neighborhood after every storm. Please dispose of routine yard waste in the “Green Monster” provided, as the Chipper will only be sent out twice a year (spring and fall) and after emergencies or major storm events. Your cooperation in using the Green Monster helps us to keep our service costs down.

 

Questions?

Contact the Village of Barrington Public Works Department at 847.381.7903.

Fall/Winter Events Guide 2023

SEPTEMBER

Sunday, September 17, 3:00 p.m.
The Miró Quartet Presents “Poems & Prose: A Quartet Narrative”, Barrington’s White House

Thursday, September 21, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
3rd Thursdays Art Night Out | Cindy Marrazzo: Dynamics of Light in the Hills of Tennessee, Barrington’s White House

Thursday, September 28, 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Lunch & Learn: Gardening in a Changing Climate with Little Ducky Farm, Barrington’s White House 

OCTOBER 

Sunday, October 8, 3:00 p.m.
Mindfulness for Mental Wellness with Northwestern University’s Dr. Inger Burnett-Ziegler, Barrington’s White House

Thursday, October 12, 11:30 a.m.
Lunch & Learn Series: Barrington Health & Wellness Summit, Barrington’s White House

Saturday, October 14
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
22nd Annual Scarecrow Festival, Memorial Park
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Barrington Fall Wine Walk, Throughout the Village
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
7th Annual Paint the Town Barrington! Plein Air Event Reception

Sunday, October 15, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Plein Air Painters’ Art Sale, Barrington’s White House

Tuesday, October 17, 4:00 p.m.
Author Talk: Richard Goodman Discusses “French Dirt: The Story of a Garden in the South of France”, Barrington’s White House

Thursday, October 19, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
3rd Thursdays Art Night Out | Michael Latala: The Beauty of Light, Barrington’s White House

Friday, October 27, 7:30 p.m.
Blood, Sweat & Fears: An Evening of Scary Storytelling, Barrington’s White House

Saturday, October 28, 1:00 p.m.
Spooky Strings with Members of the ESO, Barrington’s White House

Tuesday, October 31, 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Trick or Treating, Throughout the Village

NOVEMBER

Wednesday, November 1, 5:00 p.m.
Celebrating 50 Years of Fine Arts in Barrington 220, Barrington’s White House

Thursday, November 2, 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Lunch & Learn: Elegant Entertaining Simplified with OMO Designs, Barrington’s White House

Friday, November 10, 11:00 a.m.
Veterans Day Ceremony, Veterans Memorial Park, Cook St. & Park Ave.

Friday, November 10, 7:30 p.m.
Cantus Vocal Ensemble Presents “Brave”, Barrington’s White House

Thursday, November 16, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
3rd Thursdays Art Night Out | Barrington Area Artists Association: “Inspiration Is Everywhere”, Barrington’s White House

 

DECEMBER

Saturday, December 2, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Barrington’s White House Holiday Visits with Santa

Saturday, December 2, 2:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Village of Barrington Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting Ceremony, Cook St. & Park Ave.

Tuesday, December 5, 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Lunch & Learn: Steve Raseman Shares His Journey on the Appalachian Trail, Barrington’s White House

Friday, December 8, 7:30 p.m.
Christmas Vocal Jazz, Barrington’s White House

Sunday, December 10, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The Second Annual Community Holiday Tea, Barrington’s White House

Moving in or out of Barrington?

Just moved to the Village of Barrington?

As a new resident or business, we realize you want to set up your new refuse, water and sewer service as quickly and easily as possible. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Fill out the Utility Services Application.
  2. With a government-issued picture ID, come in to the Village Hall at 200 S. Hough Street, to set up your utility billing account. Sorry, but current federal rules designed to prevent identity theft make it necessary for you to set up this account in person, rather than online or on the phone. And please don’t forget to bring in your government-issued picture ID!  
  3. If you would like to pay via Direct Debit, please fill out the Utility Billing Direct Payments Agreement. Return the form and a voided check to Village Hall, 200 S. Hough Street, Barrington, IL 60010 or email to smoss@barrington-il.gov.

Moving out of your home or rental in the Village of Barrington? 

If you plan on terminating water service, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Fill out the Termination of Utility Services form.
  2. Return the form to Village Hall, 200 S. Hough Street, Barrington, IL 60010 or email to smoss@barrington-il.gov.
Moving in or out of Barrington?

Lead Water Service Line Replacement Information

Currently, the Village of Barrington is working on several water system improvements. Recently, the Illinois General Assembly passed legislation called the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act, which requires replacement of lead service lines. The Village of Barrington has secured grant funding from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to help cover the cost of the replacement program, which will come at no cost to any individual homeowner.  

As such, the Village is required by law to inventory water service line material within the Village’s community water system and report the findings to the State. The main purpose of this inventory is to determine the number and location of water services constructed with lead and to present a long range plan for the replacement of those lines. Structures built prior to 1986 may have a water service line made of lead. The Village has created an online inventory/map of lead and copper water service lines for all residential, commercial, and institutional properties. 

It is important to know that the Village annually tests the water for the presence of lead and lead is NOT found in the Village’s water source and it is NOT found in the Village’s treated drinking water. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) regulates lead in drinking water and the Village meets all requirements including adding polyphosphates to the water to help prevent lead from entering the water from lead pipes

Questions?

Contact the Village of Barrington Public Works Department at water@barrington-il.gov or by phone at (847) 304-3362.

Resources

Water Meter Replacement Program

 

At the Village of Barrington, we are committed to providing accurate and reliable water metering services to our customers. As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the efficiency of our water system, we have implemented a Water Meter Replacement Program. This program aims to upgrade every water meter serviced by the Village and to transition the current meter reading technology to one with enhanced accuracy and improved data collection.

There is NO CHARGE to water customers to replace their meter providing there is access to the water meter according to Village Code. The program will not affect the delivery of your water or your water bill, as the new system will be fully integrated with the Village’s billing system.

The project began at the beginning of 2023 and is ongoing. A letter will be mailed to every water customer with details on how to schedule an appointment to receive a new meter. The letters will be mailed in waves based on priority and location. The initial waves should have already received their letters.

In order to accomplish this program, the Village has contracted with United Meters, Inc. (UMI) to complete the installations. The installations will be conducted by licensed plumbers who work for UMI and have been background checked by the Barrington Police Department. UMI installers will have appropriate UMI photo identification and will be driving marked UMI vehicles.

Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on certain Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Appointments will be made in two-hour windows of time, such as 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Typically, the installation process takes approximately 30 minutes. An individual 18 years or older must be present during the installation and your water will be shut off during this time. Please note, to achieve maximum efficiency, UMI personnel may come to your door and request to replace your meter if they are in your neighborhood but have not been contacted for an appointment.

If you are unsure about any suspicious activity please do not hesitate to contact the Barrington Police Department.

During the replacement process, we want to ensure transparency and give each customer the opportunity to verify the final reading on their old water meter. We understand the importance of accurate billing so we request that each resident carefully review the readings on their old meter and sign off on the ticket completed by the UMI installer to ensure accuracy.

BILLING AFTER METER REPLACEMENT

The Meter Reading section of your bill will consist of two line items. One line will provide the meter readings and consumption (Cons) for your old meter. The final reading on this line of your bill should match the final reading on the UMI ticket. The second line in the Meter Reading section of your bill provides the meter readings and consumption for your new meter. The previous reading on this line on your bill will be 0 and the consumption represents the gallons (in thousands) of water used from the date the new meter was installed until the reading date at the end of the month. A sample bill illustrates this below.

Some accounts have been estimated prior to meter replacement. If your account was estimated, the first bill received after the meter is replaced will include a true-up. The true-up calculates the gallons of water used between the time the last reading was electronically transmitted to the Village and the final reading on the meter at the time the meter was replaced, LESS any gallons estimated during that period.

We appreciate your cooperation during this important project. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the Village of Barrington Public Works Department at vobpw@barrington-il.gov or by phone at 847-304-3362.