Happy Hours, Happier Neighbors

8/11/2026 · Neighborhood Team

This Summer has been brutal! Weeks upon weeks of a tidal wave of heat has made it virtually unbearable to spend time outdoors, and a dry winter means that our typical Villa Park vistas are a lot drier and less green than we are accustomed to. But the urge to gather in community is stronger than the urge to find refuge in our air-conditioned spaces, so the Villa Park FANs gathered for our first community happy hour!

After finding a time that worked for everyone, including those with little kids, using our discord (which you can join here), we brought some drinks and chairs to the new Martinez Park Community Garden. For the next couple hours, we enjoyed one another’s company, libations, and the fading light over our neighbors’ abundant gardens. It’s so nice take a moment away from the hubbub of summer to catch up with neighbors, and it’s great to hear about all the projects people are working on in Villa Park. It was, without a doubt, a huge success, and the first of many happy hours to come soon.

Our goal with Villa Park FANs isn’t just to advocate for change, it’s to gather together and enjoy the company of our neighbors. If that sounds like a team you want to be a part of, please join us! You can find out about future events like this by joining our discord or reaching out through our contact page - hope to see you at the next one!