After starting a social media group about six years ago to help promote La Grange-area businesses and activities in the village, Kristina Joseph, of La Grange Park, is trying to extend her influence to the village’s streetscape.
She continues to run the The La Grange, Illinois Social & Around Town group on Facebook and has seen membership swell to more than 11,000 people.
Now, Joseph is hoping to see the 34 kiosk signs around La Grange take on a new life.
“I’m in downtown La Grange every single day, so I naturally notice the details of our streetscape,” she said. “What really pushed me was seeing an outdated stock photo of a woman’s purse and jeans with the word ‘vibrant’ across it. I remember thinking, is this really what we’re using to welcome people into our community on La Grange Road? It didn’t reflect who we are at all.”
Currently, the kiosk signs throughout downtown La Grange mostly display a mix of outdated content, Joseph said, with one side usually being a town map, another side listing upcoming community events, and the remaining panels filled with old stock photos that haven’t been changed in years.
“The images don’t reflect our businesses, our people or the energy of our town, which is exactly why I feel so strongly that these kiosks deserve a meaningful refresh,” she said.
And seeing the kiosks everyday made it impossible, Joseph said, to ignore how much potential she believes they have.
“That’s what pushed me to take this on myself and start developing a real solution,” she said, adding that she has been working on a full proposal to take to the village.
“I truly believe this could be one of the best things to happen for our community, our businesses, and everyone who passes through La Grange — whether on foot, by train or by car,” Joseph said.
Her idea is to completely refresh the kiosks with “real, authentic photography that highlights everything that makes La Grange special.”
Joseph said each kiosk would feature monthly rotating images and a spotlight on a different local business or organization — restaurants, boutiques, schools, churches, nonprofits, community groups and other community elements.
“It’s not just about businesses,” she said. “These kiosks should reflect everything our community is about — our seasonal traditions, our local events, our festivals, our sports teams, our holiday moments, our history, and the everyday beauty of life in La Grange. These displays can become a visual heartbeat of our town, changing with the seasons and celebrating what makes this place feel like home.”
Joseph said she made some initial overtures last year to the village and the La Grange Business Association about new kiosk signs, but nothing came of that. Now, she plans to make that effort again.
“What happens next, I hope, is a true collaboration,” she said. “I would love for the village and the La Grange Business Association to work with me on this, so we can finally bring these kiosks up to date.”
La Grange village manager Jack Knight said he is unable to comment at this time, as the village has not received any request or submittal about the signs.
Joseph recently posted the idea about new kiosk signs on her group’s Facebook page and has received a positive reaction.
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“There has already been a lot of interest from local businesses and community members who love the idea and want to participate,” she said. “I’m confident that once the village gives the green light, the support will be there immediately. From there, we can move forward with updated photography, monthly features, and a more intentional use of these kiosks that truly reflects the heart of La Grange.”
And Joseph said she’s willing and able to be a part of making new kiosk signs become reality.
“At the end of the day, this isn’t about making money for me, it’s about giving my time, my skills, and my heart to the community I love and the place I live,” she said. “I’m willing to work within the village’s budget, put in the hours, and even handle installation myself if given access because I truly believe La Grange deserves to look as vibrant and welcoming as it feels.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.