Plainfield Police, FD Unveil Homecoming Parade Safety Plans

PLAINFIELD, IL — With less than a month until the 70th annual Plainfield Community Homecoming Parade, village officials and first responders unveiled a safety plan that will be used to ensure the celebration "is a safe and enjoyable event for everyone."

The plan for Oct. 8 includes a heightened police presence, officials said. Of this, officials said, "Over the last several years, our country has witnessed numerous acts of violence at public events including parades. We take these events seriously and have been preparing to put on a safe and successful Homecoming Parade, which has been one of the largest in Illinois for many years."

Parents and community members are encouraged to "have age-appropriate discussions at home related to personal safety in large crowds."

Step-off for the parade is scheduled for 9 a.m. from Plainfield Central High School, 24120 Fort Beggs Drive. The parade will follow a new route, outlined below.

• From the school: North on James Street from Lockport Street to Fort Beggs Drive
• East on Commercial Street to Illinois Street
• North on Illinois Street to Ottawa Street
• West on Ottawa Street to Fox River Street
• North on Fox River Street to Chicago Street
• East on Chicago Street to Illinois Street
• North on Illinois Street to Lockport Street
• West on Lockport Street to James Street
• South on James Street, ending at James Street and Commercial Street

At 6 a.m. on the day of the festivities, police will begin closing James Street between Commercial Street and Fort Beggs Drive. Plainfield Central High School and Fort Beggs Drive will be restricted to parade entries only, officials said.

At 8:30 a.m., several more roadways will close:

• James Street from Lockport Street to Fort Beggs Drive
• Ottawa Street (east of the DuPage River) from James Street to Illinois Street
• Fox River Street from Lockport Street to Commercial Street
• Des Plaines Street from the alley north of Lockport Street to Commercial Street
• Illinois Street from Lockport Street to Commercial Street
• Commercial Street from Illinois Street to James Street
• Fort Beggs Drive from James Street to Pratt Lane

Starting at 1 a.m. Oct. 8, no parking will be permitted along the route until the end of the parade.

"As you know, this event is one of the biggest in the state, so we are doing whatever we can to promote and ensure safety," Director of Community Relations Tom Hernandez said in an email Wednesday.

A limited amount of handicapped parking will be available at the Illinois Street Municipal Parking Lot, the Des Plaines Street municipal parking lot and the west side of Des Plaines Street between Route 126 and Oak Street.

Information about staging and lineup can be found on Plainfield School District 202's website.

Community members with questions about the parade, road closures, staging or parking restrictions can contact Commander Zach Zigterman at 815-439-2929.