Images: An Hour in Lombard
If you're going to spend an hour in Lombard, then Lilac Time is the time to do it. The annual ode to the fragrant flower runs from May 2-17 this year in Lilacia Park.
My assignment was to spend an hour — no more, no less — photographing the places and things that make Lombard special. I live in Lombard, and I think it's pretty special, so my trek around town may have involved more than one trip to Dairy Queen. I may even have pulled off to the side of the road on the way to work to get one last shot of tulips showing off their bright colors.
Even now I keep thinking of spots I should have included, but a deadline's a deadline.
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And tell us what photos are your favorites. Which ones stir a memory for you? Where do you love to go in town?
So here's “An Hour in Lombard.”
Two things that make downtown Lombard what it is: the lilacs and the Metra.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
Visitors trek through Lombard's Lilacia Park in the days leading up to Lilac Time to check out the blooms.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
Col. William Plum bequeathed the land that is now Lilacia Park to Lombard upon his death in 1927. Landscape architect Jens Jensen was commissioned to design what was then known as the Lombard Community Garden.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
If you want to time your visit to Lilacia Park perfectly, check out the Bloom-O-Meter at <a href="http://lombardparks.com/">lombardparks.org</a>.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
If the lilac is the star at Lilacia Park in Lombard, then the tulip is the opening act.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
Visitors to Lilacia Park in Lombard during Lilac Time can learn about the many varieties of plants.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
Lombard's Lilacia Park is a popular spot for bridal parties to pose for pictures.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
This deer holds court at the west end of Lilacia Park. He is surrounded by plaques bearing the names of past Lilac queens and princesses.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
The <a href="http://www.lombardhistory.org/">Lombard Historical Society's</a> Victorian Cottage at 23 W. Maple Street.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
The Lombard Historical Society offers guided tours of Lilacia Park throughout Lilac Time. Tours meet behind the Victorian Cottage on Maple Street. Visit <a href="http://www.lombardlilactime.com/">lombardlilactime.com</a> for details.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
Construction continues on a pedestrian underpass at the Lombard train station. The project was slated to cost nearly $8 million and is expected to be completed this spring.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
The Maple Street Chapel in downtown Lombard was dedicated in May 1870. It is now a popular spot for weddings, as well as concerts and events. For more about the chapel's history, visit <a href="http://maplestreetchapel.org/">maplestreetchapel.org</a>.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
The Maple Street Chapel's steeple is Lombard's most distinctive landmark.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
On warm - or even chilly - spring and summer evenings, you can count on a crowd outside the downtown Lombard Dairy Queen at the corner of Main and Maple.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
<a href="http://www.villageoflombard.org/2143/Lombard-Historical-Commission">According to the village website</a>, this sign is one of few "original" Dairy Queen signs remaining. It is recognized by the Lombard Historic Commission as a historic sign.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
"Girl Reading Book" greets visitors to Lombard's Helen M. Plum Memorial Library, 110 W. Maple St.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
Sunset Knoll is a 36.9-acre park on Finley Road. It is home to the Sunset Knoll Recreation Center, as well as two playgrounds, baseball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts and a walking path.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
A forsythia bush in bloom near the basketball courts at Sunset Knoll in Lombard.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
The Illinois Prairie Path runs through Lombard and is one of the best amenities enjoyed by residents.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
During my Hour in Lombard, I happened across Daniel Solis of Chicago, who picked the Prairie Path in Lombard as the spot to propose to girlfriend Josephlyn Mendoza.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
Paradise Bay Water Park, 437 E St. Charles Road, is scheduled to open May 30. Early bird season passes are available to residents through May 16
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
Lombard's Veterans Memorial is located in the Sunken Garden at Lombard Commons. Plaques on "The Rock" honor local residents who gave their lives in the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II and Vietnam.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
You can even recycle old American flags in this drop box outside Lombard's Village Hall. Who knew?
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
The 10.8-acre Lombard Lagoon, Grace Street and Marcus Drive, is a popular spot for fishing.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
If you're driving down Main Street in Lombard, it's easy to miss the Lombard Cemetery, established in 1851.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
The Lombard Cemetery, 460 S. Main St., is one of seven designated local landmarks in the village.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
This tree-shaped monument is one of the more eye-catching stones at Lombard Cemetery, 460 S. Main St. The inscription reads: "Ella Carile, Wife of James I. Cochran And Daughter of A.S. and C.C. Newell, Born June 14, 1850, Died Dec. 14, 1884. God giveth his beloved sleep."
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
Montini Catholic High School, 19W070 16th St. in Lombard, home of the Broncos.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
The sign outside Pasta Park, the Wiffle ball field on the property of Village President Keith Giagnorio, who also owns Gianorio's Pizza and Pasta on Main Street.
Deb Finken/dfinken@dailyherald.com
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