MWRD Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood

09/15/2026

Today marks a major victory for South Holland as we celebrate the completion of Phase 1 of the Thorn Ditch Flood Mitigation Project at Maicach Park! 💧🌳 I was proud to join MWRD Vice President Theresa Flynn and Commissioner Yumeka Brown for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, alongside Mayor Don De Graff, the Holland Village Board, and project partners.

With heavier rains becoming more frequent, giving stormwater a safe place to go has never been more important for our communities.

After years of planning and collaboration, this $5.8 million first phase upsized aging culverts along Thorn Ditch and created 11.8 acre-feet of stormwater storage—more than 3.8 million gallons—across Maicach Park and Pioneer Park, along with 50 newly planted native trees.

The new system was put to the test during heavy rains this past June, July, and August, holding strong with zero ditch overflow and no street flooding. It’s a great example of how thoughtful, long-term engineering can make a real difference.

This success would not have been possible without the leadership and partnership of Mayor Don De Graff and the Village of South Holland Board, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Board of Commissioners, the MWRD team through the Stormwater Partnership Program, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, and Robinson Engineering.

As we look ahead to the $3.37 million Phase 2 culvert replacement planned for 2027, we can all do our part by keeping neighborhood storm drains clear, using rain barrels, and reducing outdoor water runoff.

Investing in stormwater infrastructure today means stronger, more resilient communities tomorrow. 💧
MWRD Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood
MWRD Commissioner Yumeka Brown
MWRD Commissioner Patricia Theresa Flynn

09/14/2026

Team Kirkwood had a great morning at the Palos Heights Farmers Market! 🌱💧☀️

We loved connecting with residents, sharing helpful MWRD resources, and talking about the many ways we can all help protect our water and environment. From information on rain barrels and native plants to flood prevention and water conservation, there’s always something new to learn!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table to say hello, ask questions, and pick up some of our MWRD resources. 💙🌎

A shoutout to the Burbank Marquette Bank branch for joining us at the market! Residents had the opportunity to learn more about checking and savings accounts while enjoying some fun giveaways. 🎉

09/11/2026

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the courage of the first responders, service members, and everyday Americans who stepped forward in the face of unimaginable tragedy. 🇺🇸

Twenty-five years later, we continue to carry the memory of those we lost and remember the strength, compassion, and unity shown in the days that followed.

Team Kirkwood joins communities across our nation in remembering the victims, their families, and all those forever impacted by September 11.

We will never forget. ❤️🤍💙

09/11/2026

09/10/2026

People around the world watched as swimmers entered the Chicago River generating more than 3.5 billion views! 🌎🏊‍♀️

That incredible attention is also a testament to just how far our river has come. Decades of investment and hard work have helped transform the Chicago River into a cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant part of our city.

At last week’s MWRD Board meeting, we were proud to pass an official resolution recognizing:

🏊‍♀️ The Chicago River Swim
Sunday, September 20

💧 The Big Jump
Friday, September 18

A special thank you to Doug McConnell of A Long Swim and Beth Heller for their leadership and for using these events to raise funds for The ALS Association research and swim lessons for local children.

Hope to see you along the Riverwalk cheering on the swimmers! 🏊‍♀️💙

09/09/2026

09/08/2026

What a summer for Team Kirkwood! 💙☀️

From farmers markets and community festivals to resource fairs, environmental initiatives, educational outreach, and events across Cook County, we spent the summer doing what we love most—getting out into our communities, connecting with residents, and sharing the work of the MWRD.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our tables, attended an event, asked a question, or simply said hello. We’re grateful for every opportunity to connect, listen, and serve.

Summer may be coming to an end, but Team Kirkwood is just getting started! 💪💙

Here’s a look back at some of our favorite moments from Summer 2026. 📸

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day to the working class of Chicagoland! 💙🇺🇸 It was great celebrating with friends and fellow union members at Saturday’s Chicago Labor Day Parade and Eddie Fest.

Today, we celebrate the hardworking men and women who build our communities, provide for their families, and keep our region moving forward.

I’m proud to work alongside the dedicated employees of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago who protect our water, maintain critical infrastructure, manage stormwater, and serve millions of residents throughout Cook County. 💧

Wishing everyone a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved Labor Day. Let’s continue standing together for working families!

Clear Vision. Clean Water.

09/06/2026

Happy Labor Day from Team Kirkwood! 💙

Today, we recognize and celebrate the hardworking men and women whose dedication, skill, and service help keep our communities strong.

At the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, we are especially grateful for the employees who work each day to protect our water, maintain critical infrastructure, manage stormwater, and serve millions of residents throughout Cook County. 💧

This Labor Day, Team Kirkwood extends our appreciation to workers across our region and wishes everyone a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved holiday!

Clear Vision. Clean Water.

09/04/2026

🌳 Healthy trees are one of nature’s best defenses against flooding!

Trees do more than beautify our neighborhoods. Their leaves, branches, and roots help capture rainfall, absorb stormwater, stabilize soil, and reduce runoff before it reaches our streets and sewer systems.

Planting and caring for trees is a simple way we can help create stronger, greener, and more flood-resilient communities. 💧

Through MWRD’s Restore the Canopy program, Cook County residents can pick up free native oak saplings and help grow our region’s tree canopy.

🌱 Learn more and plan your sapling pickup:
https://mwrd.org/community-action/native-landscaping/restore-canopy

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