708-366-2323 - contact@forestpark.net

Even though it was a short week, it was certainly a busy one! Today, I had the honor of swearing in our newest firefighter, Dakota. The Fire Department, Police Department, and Village staff were all excited to celebrate this special moment with Dakota and his family. As we head into the weekend, I want to wish everyone a wonderful few days ahead—and a big congratulations to our Forest Park Middle Schoolers who are graduating tonight! We’re all proud and excited for them as they take this important step forward.

Tomorrow Saturday, May 31, will be a meaningful day in Forest Park. At 11:30 AM, the Village will host a street naming ceremony in honor of Pat Malone, the longtime owner of McGaffer’s Saloon. If you played sports in Forest Park over the years, there’s a good chance Pat and McGaffer’s sponsored your team. Pat has been a generous and constant supporter of the community—backing youth athletics, St. Bernardine Parish, Hines veterans, the Boy Scouts, and more. This recognition is well-deserved and a reflection of his lasting impact on Forest Park.

Rachell Entler

Village Administrator

Village Council News

The next meeting of the Forest Park Village Council will be held on Monday June 9, 2025, at 7pm in the lower level of Village Hall. As always, the public is welcome to join.

To view the meeting agenda and zoom link for the meeting, click here.

Summary of the May 27 Village Council Meeting:

• Ordinance amending Title 9, Chapter 3 of the Village of Forest Park Zoning Code did not pass
• Approved a maintenance agreement with Telecom Innovations Group for the Village phone system
• Approved proposal and waived bid for Dixon Street Brick Patching Project with LPS Pavement Company
• Amended the Village Code regarding water and sewer rates and charges
• Waived bid and approved amendment to the software license with Passport Parking, Inc. for the Mobile Payment Parking Program
• Approved resolution to execute an intergovernmental agreement with IDOT for street maintenance
• Approved Pay Request #4 to Bolder Contractors, Inc. for the 2024 Water Main Replacement Project (400–500 Blocks of Ferdinand)
• Approved an Illinois Youth Investment Program Linkage Agreement with Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action, Inc.
• Directed the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners to offer employment to the next three eligible probationary police officer candidates
• Appointed Katharine Uhrich to the Library Board (term expires 05/14/2031)
• Approved contracts for Village and Senior Trips with the Park District of Forest Park, Bottle and Botega, and White Fence Farm
• Approved raffle license permit for Groov’n in the Grove
• Approved use of public way Kingdom Running Club
• Deferred use of public way for Forest Park Arts Alliance pending review of additional information

News from the Village Clerk's Office

Village-Wide Water Meter Replacement Project Begins This June

Starting in June 2025 and continuing through December 2025, the Village of Forest Park will begin replacing water meters in all residential, commercial, and industrial buildings as part of a system-wide upgrade. Many of the existing meters have exceeded their recommended 20-year lifespan. Replacing them will improve the accuracy of water usage readings and enhance billing efficiency for everyone.

To learn more about the project and what to expect, please watch our informational video.

Thank you for your cooperation as we work to improve our community’s infrastructure.

News from the Mayor's Office

On Monday, the Mayor represented the Village by walking in the River Forest Memorial Parade, joining our neighbors in celebrating their centennial parade. Earlier in the weekend he attended the Boy Scout Troop 109 Blue and Gold celebration at Grant White Elementary School. A longtime supporter of scouting, the mayor has a personal connection to the organization, as all of his children were active members in their youth. Looking ahead, the mayor invites everyone to join in honoring Pat Malone at the upcoming street naming ceremony—please meet at McGaffer’s tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. for this special event.

News from the Public Works Department

Thank you to everyone who came out for our Public Works Open House last Saturday! It was a pleasure to share a behind-the-scenes look at our trucks and equipment with the community. Please note that the Village Hall parking lot will be closed on Monday, June 2nd, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for our Juneteenth Flag-Raising Ceremony—stop by at 11:30 a.m. to join us for the celebration. Additionally, the parking lot at Constitution Court will be closed on Friday, June 6th, from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for the Village Pride Event. Thank you for your cooperation and support!

News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

Keep Sidewalks Clear – Trim Your Shrubs and Weeds!

As we head into the growing season, we’d like to remind residents to keep sidewalks clear by trimming any shrubs or bushes that hang over them. Many of these plants were originally planted too close to the walkways and naturally grow toward the sunlight, but that doesn’t mean they can block pedestrian access.

While winter is the best time for major pruning (when plants are dormant and insects are less active), now is the time to stay on top of fast-growing greenery. Shrubs and hedges will only get larger during the summer—please take a moment to trim them back and help keep our sidewalks safe and walkable for everyone.

Also, per village code, property owners and tenants must keep grass, weeds, and other plant growth under 10 inches tall. This includes thistles, ragweed, and other nuisance weeds. Please be proactive—help us keep our village clean, attractive, and accessible.

News from the Fire Department

The Fire Department is excited to welcome its newest member, Dakota. If you see him around the Village, be sure to say hello and give him a warm Forest Park welcome!

News from the Police Department

For more information about the Forest Park Police Department, visit their website by clicking here.

Police Blotter: 05/23/2025 - 05/29/2025

Boards & Commissions

Upcoming Board and Commission Meetings



All meetings are held at Village Hall unless otherwise noted.

Dates and Times are subject to change- check the village website for the most up-to-date information.

June 4, Board of Health, 7pm

June 9, Village Council Meeting, 7pm

June 12, Recreation Board, 7pm

June 16, Planning & Zoning, 7pm

June 17, Neighborhood Watch, 7pm

June 18, Traffic & Safety, 7pm

Environmental Control Commission

June 2 - 8 events from the Environmental Control Commission

Did you know that the Environmental Control Commission is a group of ecologically minded residents of Forest Park? We meet once a month to work on projects that improve the sustainability of our village, from eliminating plastic waste to promoting composting and bikeability. Want to join us? Contact commission chair Scott Whitebone and also fill out this application. We hope to hear from you!

Live Healthy, Discover Nature - Free!

Learn how to connect to nature, book an event in the Forest Preserves, listen to live music, and win free giveaways.

Tuesday, June 3

Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Senior Fitness Walk - Free, registration requested

Enjoy a gentle, moderately-paced 1-mile walk in Thatcher Woods

Wednesday, June 4 

Thatcher Woods, Chicago Avenue west of Thatcher Avenue

9 a.m.

Monarchs & Milkweeds - Free!

Learn about Monarchs, their migration and milkweed from a Forest Preserves staff member.

Thursday, June 5

Caldwell Woods, W Devon Ave & N Nagle Ave., Chicago

10 a.m.

Senior Nature Collaging - Free!

Join local artist Phyllis Frick in making collages of plants, animals and landscapes. Ages 55 & up.

Friday, June 6

Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest

10 a.m.

Makin’ Music Bluegrass Jam - Free!

Make a simple musical instrument or bring your own guitar, fiddle, etc. and join the jam! All are welcome to join or just listen to the music.

Sunday, June 8

Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest

1 to 3 p.m.

Board of Health

Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health may not feel like something to celebrate, but until rather recently, the topic was a source of shame, fear and reviling. From it’s first historical mention in 4000BC, psychological symptoms were interpreted as signs of demon possession and ‘treated’ by priests(painfully!) The Persian Dr. in 900AD who explored depression as a ‘brain issue’ laid groundwork for the 1600’s theorist who believed in social and psychological causes and treatment; Freud proposed the role of loss in the 1910’s, and appropriate pharmacology was finally developed in the 1950’s.

Does history affect the present? Yes; some of those old roots of superstition and fear linger. The Board of Health recently completed a Village survey asking for input on the state of health and services in Forest Park. Not to spoil the reveal(coming soon!), many residents were unaware of available resources, or in fact of the Board itself! We will continue working to elicit residents’ ideas and make concrete recommendations. Feel free to contact us at Forestparkboardofhealth@gmail.com.

Here is a collection of 12 free online screenings and other tools from Mental Health America, some also in Spanish: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/

Be Well, Forest Park, and know that your health and wellness matter!

Community News & Events

Safe Summer Proviso is Here!

Looking for fun, free, and family-friendly events this summer? Join us for Safe Summer Proviso, featuring exciting activities like a Movie on the Field at Proviso East High School, a Family Day at Brookfield Zoo, free bowling, and more! Don’t miss out—check out the flyer below for all the details and dates. Let’s make it a safe, fun-filled summer for everyone!

Forest Park Pride – Friday, June 6 at Constitution Court 

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of celebration and community at Forest Park Pride 2025!

Join us at Constitution Court for live music, local entertainment, a fabulous drag stroll through town, and so much more. Bring your friends, your family, and let’s celebrate right here in Forest Park.

 Event Schedule:

 DJ ASTRO — 5:00–5:30 PM & 6:30–7:00 PM

 Drag Stroll — 5:00–6:30 PM

Featuring stops at: BABS Comedy Club, Jimmy’s Place, Play It Again Sports, Bobby’s Eastside, Schauer’s Hardware, Scratch Public House, Team Blonde, and U3 Coffee

 I.V. Collective — 5:30–6:30 PM

Drag Show — 7:00–8:30 PM

Free, open to all ages, and packed with pride. Let’s fill the Court with color and community!



Proviso Handyman June News

Proviso Handyman department is here to serve the needs of our senior residents over the age of 60 and /or disabled residents who are homeowners in our community.

Local Hiring Opportunities

The Village of Forest Park and several community partners are hiring. Please see the links below for more information and to apply:



• Forest Park Public Library
• Forest Park School District 91
• Village of Forest Park
• Park District of Forest Park

The CY 2024 Village of Forest Park Quality Report has now been posted to the Village website. To review this report, please click here. Questions regarding this report can be directed to Water Operator Rick Barger at rbarger@forestpark.net or 708-366-4876.

Important Phone Numbers

Police, Fire and Medical Needs 

Emergency and Non-Emergency - 911

24/7 Mental Health Crisis Support - 988

Text to 911 Now Available

West Suburban Consolidated Dispatch Center which provides emergency response services to Forest Park, along with Oak Park and River Forest can now receive 911 texts from a cell phone to report an emergency.

While calls to 911 will best assist emergency responders in being able to locate a caller, texting is an option for those who may need it. Text should only be used when some is unable to voice call to 911.

A text to 911 cannot include any other recipients. Texts to 911 may also take longer to reach the dispatch center.

Texts to 911 should be brief. Please include the type of help needed and the location where help is needed. Be prepared to respond to follow-up questions via text to better assist emergency responders.

Village Hall/Clerk's Office - 708-366-2323

Police Department - 708-366-2425

Parking/Records - 708-366-7272

Fire Department - 708-366-1234

Community Center - 708-771-7737

Forest Park Public Library - 708-366-7171

Park District of Forest Park 708-366-7500 

School District 91 - 708-366-5700

Proviso Township High School - 708- 338-5900