Palatine is a northwestern residential suburb of Chicago and is the 16th largest community in Illinois. It also is the sixth largest community in Cook County. Palatine is filled with several streams that meet up with Salt Creek and lie within Buffalo Creek. Located near the O’Hare International Airport, you can find several activities, restaurants, bars, and parks, including the Palatine Park District. Palatine is located 28 miles from the Chicago Loop, and 14 miles from O’Hare International Airport. The city is conveniently located near I-90 and I-294, giving motorists the ability to travel to downtown Chicago and all over Chicagoland quickly. Commuters can also catch Metra trains to Chicago at Palatine Station. Palatine Township was founded in 1835 by it’s first settlers who settled in wooded areas like Englishman’s Grove, Highland Grove, and Deer Grove. The State Constitution designated the Palatine Township “Township 42.” The name for the township was decided in 1850 by the townspeople and was thought to have originate from “Palatinate” which was an area along the Rhine River in Germany. The first meeting for the Palatine township was held on April 2, 1850 and still to this day is held annually. This meeting offers people to voice their concerns and it is also encouraged that they attend the regular board meetings as well. The Palatine Park District includes two recreational centers (Community Center & Birchwood) and four swimming pools (Family Aquatic Center, Birchwood, Eagle and Willow). A third recreation center is in the works at Falcon Park. Downtown Palatine Street Fest is an annual hometown favorite festival. It was began in 2000 as a small hometown event that ends the summer with one last outdoor street party. Come with family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy great food, good music, taste the local restaurants’ cuisine, participate in fun games, and most of all have a good time!