708-366-2323 - contact@forestpark.net

Next week marks Municipal Clerks Week, and I would like to recognize and thank our Village Clerk, Vanessa Belmonte, and her dedicated team—Marti, Sam, and Siobhan—for the tremendous work they do year-round. From issuing vehicle stickers and registering voters to providing notary services and handling the countless day-to-day matters that keep the Village running smoothly, their efforts often go unseen but are absolutely essential to our community.

I also want to let residents know about a great event happening next week: the Kiwanis Club and the Celebrating Seniors Coalition are hosting their annual pasta dinner on Friday, May 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Howard Mohr Community Center. The food is always delicious, and best of all, it’s a free event—made possible by the generous support of Michael Thompson and the American Legion. I hope to see many of you there!

Next time you're out on Madison Street, take a moment to enjoy the brand-new benches—part of our ongoing effort to revitalize the area and create a more welcoming, comfortable space for everyone.

We're also proud to support sustainability with the addition of new bike racks. So if you're planning a visit, why not hop on your bicycle and enjoy a greener way to get here?

Rachell Entler

Village Administrator

Village Council News

Village Council Meeting Information

The next meeting of the Forest Park Village Council will be held on Monday, May 14, 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.

News from the Village Clerk's Office

Residents, please keep an eye out for an important upcoming Village initiative: the replacement of all water meters throughout Forest Park. Beginning in June and continuing through December 2025, the Village will install new water meters in all residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Many of the current meters have surpassed their recommended 20-year lifespan, and this project will help ensure continued accuracy and efficiency in water usage and billing.

Please save the dates for two upcoming community events celebrating inclusion, diversity, and unity. The Juneteenth Flag Raising will take place on Monday, June 2 at 11:30 AM at Village Hall, honoring the significance of this important day in history. Then, join us for Forest Park’s annual Pride Fest on Friday, June 6 at Constitution Court—a vibrant celebration of love, equality, and community spirit. More details will be shared in the coming weeks, and we hope to see you there!

News from the Mayor's Office

Last weekend, Mayor Hoskins attended the annual gala in support of Thrive Counseling Center, a longstanding mental health organization based in Oak Park. Thrive Counseling Center has been serving the area for over 100 years, offering critical services such as 24/7 crisis intervention, individual and family counseling, psychiatric care, and community education programs. The organization is committed to making mental health care accessible to all, regardless of income or insurance status. The gala helped raise awareness and funding to support Thrive’s wide-ranging programs and services.

Tomorrow, May 3rd, from 11 AM to 4 PM, the Forest Park Arts Alliance is hosting the Maker’s Market, a one-day pop-up at Roberts Westside. The event will feature work from local artisans, crafters, and makers—everything from handmade jewelry and art to home goods and gifts. It’s a great way to shop local and support Forest Park’s creative community.

News from the Public Works Department

Dog Park users, don't forget—it's time to renew your membership and pick up a new key! Stop by Village Hall to complete your application and bring the necessary documentation. Applications can be found here.

And mark your calendars for a special event: the grand opening of the Little Dog Library! On Saturday, May 10 at 10:00 AM, join the Village of Forest Park, the Forest Park Recreation Board, and the Forest Park Public Library for a fun-filled morning celebrating our community's dogs and the people who love them. Festivities begin with a dog parade from the Library to the Forest Park Dog Park at 632 Circle Avenue, where we’ll unveil the new Little Dog Library—featuring dog-themed books for humans and treats for pups. Enjoy on-site dog park membership sign-ups, free pet bandanas, a visit from the Animal Care League, and more. We hope to see you and your furry friends there!

News from the Community Center

News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

As of May 2, 2025, there have been two confirmed cases of measles in Cook County—one involving a Chicago resident and another involving a suburban Cook County resident. However, there have been no reported cases specifically in Forest Park. Health officials are actively monitoring the situation and have identified several potential exposure sites, including locations in Lyons, Stickney, and Berwyn. Residents are encouraged to ensure their MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccinations are up to date and to consult with healthcare providers if they experience symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, or rash. For more information and updates, please visit the Cook County Department of Public Health's official website. Additional information on measles can be found here.

News from the Fire Department

On May 4, we take a moment to remember the firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. They didn’t run toward danger for recognition—they did it because helping others was just part of who they were.

We remember their names, their dedication, and the difference they made—not just in emergencies, but in the lives of the people they served.

To those we've lost, and to those who continue to carry their memory every day, we are grateful.

News from the Police Department

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

Police Blotter: 04/25/2025 - 05/01/2025

The Forest Park Police Department is Hiring!

Ready to make a difference in your community? Join the dedicated team at Forest Park PD. Click here for more information and to apply!

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.

May 7, Board of Health, 7pm

May 8, Recreation Board, 7pm

May 12, Village Council Meeting, 7pm

May 14, Safety & Traffic, 7pm

May 19, Planning & Zoning, 7pm

May 20, Neighborhood Watch, 7pm

May 21, Safety & Traffic, 7pm

Recreation Board

5th Annual Community Clean-Up – Let’s Make It the Biggest Yet!

We’re SO excited to announce our 5th Annual Community Clean-Up Day is almost here! 🎉 Five amazing years of coming together, rolling up our sleeves, and making a real difference — and this year, we want our biggest turnout ever!

To celebrate year FIVE, Printing Plus of Roselle has donated T-SHIRTS to the first 50 people who join us!— so don’t wait! Sign up now and be part of something great. 

Bring your friends, family, neighbors — anyone who wants to help keep our community clean and beautiful. Let’s make this the most impactful year yet! 

Register here.

Environmental Control Commission

May 2 - 8 events from the Environmental Control Commission

Before we get to this week’s environmental and outdoors events, we’d like to invite ecologically minded Forest Parkers to apply to be members of the Environmental Control Commission. 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. You can help influence the future of our village! If you are interested, please contact commission chair Scott Whitebone and also fill out this application. We hope to hear from you!

Spring Festival - Free!

Enjoy interactive programs, kids’ tree climb, guided wildflower walks, bird banding, kid’s nature crafts, gardening info and more at Thatcher Woods / Thatcher Woods Pavilion.

Sunday, May 4

Thatcher Woods, Chicago Avenue west of Thatcher Avenue

12 to 3 p.m.

Senior Fitness Walk - Free!

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

Wednesday, May 7 

Thatcher Woods, Chicago Avenue west of Thatcher Avenue

9 a.m.

Get a Rain Barrel - $21.50 ($10.75 for age 65+) including delivery!

Reduce flooding and save water for later use! The barrels come in four colors (black, blue, terra cotta and gray) and include instructions, a leaf and mosquito filter screen, a flexible downspout connector, a spigot/tap, and an overflow hose.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District for more information.

Board of Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, fight stigma, and promote resources that support mental well-being in our community. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and taking care of your emotional wellness can lead to a happier, healthier life. Whether you're seeking help for yourself or a loved one, it's important to know you're not alone. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers education, support, and advocacy—visit www.nami.org for more information. You can also explore local resources and crisis services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at www.samhsa.gov. If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. Let's work together to support mental health for all.

Community News & Events

Little Perspective Artwork at Constitution Court

Don't miss Ian Pfaff's one-of-a-kind creation on display at Constitution Court for a limited time only! This intriguing installation, available to view through May 20, offers a fascinating twist on traditional art. From the outside, the piece appears as a compelling sculpture—but the real magic lies within. Inside the box is an intricate diorama made up of multiple scenes, though viewers will never see the full picture. Instead, they’ll glimpse carefully curated parts of the diorama through a series of viewing ports and periscopes mounted on the exterior. It’s a must-see experience that invites curiosity, imagination, and discovery.



Proviso Handyman May 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

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