July 2026 Monthly E-News

4th of July Parade

Happy Fourth of July! Come celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with us at the Fourth of July Parade, hosted by the Union Grove Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Street closures for the Main Parade will begin at 8:30 a.m., and all floats must be on the fairgrounds by 8:30 a.m. For those participating in the parade, the drop-off area will be on Highway 11 at the entrance to the park section of the fairgrounds. The Main Parade kicks off at 9:15 a.m. and will start at the Racine County Fairgrounds before traveling along Durand Avenue to Main Street and ending at Union Grove High School. The Kiddie Parade will kick off at 9:00 a.m. and will begin at Graham Library and end at Village Square. Directions will be provided there.

Please note that chairs, blankets, and other items may not be placed in the boulevard (the area between the sidewalk and the street) until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3. Items placed before that time may be removed by the Village's Public Works Department.

The parade lineup is as follows: Motorcycle Brigade and the American Legion, First Responders and Veterans Service, Elected Officials and Raymond/Waterford Entries, Schools and Organizations, and General Entries.

Participants in the parade and those watching the parade should be aware of Resolution No. 14-2026, regulating open intoxication in public spaces. Village municipal code prohibits the sale, serving, or consumption of intoxicating liquor and fermented malt beverages on public streets or sidewalks. The Village Board has approved an exception to this rule that will be effective on July 4 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. This exception is only allowed along the parade route, which is Durand Avenue to Main Street and Main Street to Union Grove High School. The Village Board has also approved an exception to allow open containers until 1:00 p.m., one hour after the event has ended.

All animal waste must be picked up by participants while on the fairgrounds and while they are in the parade. For additional information, visit the Union Grove Area Chamber of Commerce website: https://www.uniongrovechamber.org.

67th Drive Reconstruction Project Update

The Village continues to make progress on the 67th Drive Reconstruction Project in partnership with the Village of Yorkville. A public open house was held on June 10 to provide residents with an opportunity to review the proposed improvements and ask questions about the project.

Following additional review, the Village has decided not to construct the previously proposed sidewalk extension between the shopping center and the White River State Trail. The sidewalk extension would have accounted for nearly all of the project's available grant funding, leaving little funding available for improvements to 67th Drive itself. By removing the sidewalk from the project, the Village can maximize the use of grant funds toward reconstructing 67th Drive and improving related infrastructure.

The Village also continues to work with affected property owners to acquire the limited right-of-way needed for the project. Construction is anticipated to begin in late summer or early fall of 2026..

High Street & 8th Avenue Project Underway

Construction is underway on the High Street and 8th Avenue Street and Utility Improvements Project. The project includes roadway reconstruction, replacement of underground utilities, and other improvements designed to enhance safety, reliability, and the long-term condition of the corridor.

Throughout construction, Leider Park, the Splash Pad, and the Community Garden will remain open and accessible. Residents are encouraged to use caution when traveling through the area and follow posted traffic control devices and construction signage.

The Village anticipates the project will be substantially complete by mid to late fall. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of residents, businesses, and visitors as these important improvements are completed.

Registration Open for Summer Flag Football

Registration is still open for the Union Grove Recreation Youth Outdoor Co-Ed Flag Football League.

The league is open to youth ages 4 through 13 and provides an opportunity to learn football fundamentals, develop skills, and participate in organized team play in a fun and supportive environment.

The season runs from July 18 through August 22. Practices will be held once each week, with games played on Saturdays at Leider Park.

Program fees are $65 for Village residents and $85 for non-residents.

For more information, contact the Racine Family YMCA Recreation Department at rthompson@ymcaracine.org.

Registration is available online at:
https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5295/ProgramsV2/Search.mvc?category_ids=TAG5350

Union Grove Community Garden Has Beds Available

The Union Grove Community Garden continues to grow this summer thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers. Recent improvements include installation of a new gate and fencing around the rental garden area, additional planting and trellises in the cooperative garden, new raised growing areas, and ongoing landscaping and maintenance.

The garden currently has three rental beds and one wheelchair-accessible bed available. Cooperative Garden memberships are also available for those interested in gardening alongside other community members.

Whether you're an experienced gardener or just looking to try something new, the Community Garden is a great way to connect with neighbors and enjoy locally grown produce.

Learn more or reserve a garden bed by visiting:
https://ugwicommunitygarden.org/join/

Drainage District Assessment Update

The Village has received notice of a new assessment from the Racine County Board of Drainage Commissioners related to the Yorkville-Raymond Drainage District. The assessment totals approximately $2.34 million, including interest, and is payable over two years.

This assessment follows a separate drainage district assessment that the Village successfully challenged in court last year. In July 2025, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals ruled in the Village's favor, finding that the prior assessment did not comply with the requirements of state law.

The Village is currently reviewing the new assessment with engineering and legal counsel to determine the appropriate course of action. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

New Playground Equipment Coming to American Legion Memorial Park

Preparations are underway for the installation of new playground equipment at American Legion Memorial Park. Village staff have completed site preparation and removed the existing playground equipment to make way for the new play structure.

The new playground, approved by the Village Board as part of the 2026 Capital Improvement Program, was selected following review by the Recreation and Parks Committee and features a red, white, and blue color scheme that complements the park's American Legion theme. The updated equipment will include a variety of climbing, sliding, and activity features designed for children ages 5 to 12.

Installation is expected to begin within the next one to two weeks. The Village appreciates everyone's patience during construction and looks forward to welcoming families to the new playground soon.