708-366-2323 - contact@forestpark.net

We received heartbreaking news this week—our friend and longtime village employee Pat “Swoope” Braniff has passed away after a battle with cancer. If you’ve spent any time around Forest Park softball, you will remember Pat’s passion for the game. He loved everything about it, and his energy was contagious. Beyond the ballfields, Pat had a gift for gardening and landscaping that touched every corner of our village. For 33 years, he served in the Public Works department, making sure the planters and flowers around town were always vibrant and full of life. His green thumb and eye for beauty made Forest Park a more colorful place. Pat will be deeply missed, and our thoughts are with his family during this time of grief. Information regarding memorial services for Swoope can be found here.

Pictured below: Mike Loisi, Katie Murphy, Rachell Entler and Pat "Swoope" Braniff.

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 12, 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

The Forest Park Clerk’s Office concluded Municipal Clerks Week by hosting a special dinner meeting and Executive Board Elections for the Municipal Clerks’ Association of the North and Northwest Suburbs. The event took place at the elegant Di’Vino Restaurant on Harlem Avenue, where attendees enjoyed an evening of networking, and delicious cuisine. Guests raved about the outstanding food, inviting atmosphere, and crafted cocktails. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the hard work of municipal clerks while strengthening professional connections throughout the region.

National Police Week is coming up May 12–17, and it’s a time to recognize the important role our police officers play in keeping Forest Park safe. We’re fortunate to have a dedicated team that works hard every day—often behind the scenes—to protect our community and respond when we need them most. This week is a chance for all of us to say thank you. Whether it’s a wave, a kind word, or a note of appreciation, let’s show our support for the men and women who serve and protect Forest Park.



News from the Mayor's Office

Last weekend, Mayor Hoskins attended the WSSRA Gala to enjoy the excitement of the Derby and show his support for the West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA), an organization dedicated to providing enriching recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

This week, Mayor Hoskins, along with Commissioners Melin-Rogovin and Voogd, and Fire Chief Lindsey Hankus, traveled to the State Capitol to meet with legislators and advocate for key issues impacting Forest Park. Discussions focused on enhancing community safety, increasing funding for local initiatives, and broadening recruitment in emergency medical services.

Pictured below: Mayor Hoskins at the Derby Gala with WSSRA Director Marianne Birko, Representative Camille Lilly, Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman, Commissioner Michelle Melin-Rogovin.

Pictured below: Mayor Hoskins and Chief Hankus in Springfield

News from the Public Works Department

The Public Works Department is excited to announce two important upcoming events for the community. First, our annual Electronics Recycling event will take place from May 19 to May 24, running daily from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. On Saturday, May 24—the final day of electronics recycling—we’ll also be hosting a special Touch-a-Truck Open House. Bring the whole family out for a fun and educational experience! In addition to exploring various Public Works vehicles, residents can visit informational booths to learn about the village’s water replacement project, as well as resources from the Recreation and Environmental Boards. Recycling information can be found here. And Open House information below.

News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

As of May 5, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reported a total of six measles cases in the state so far in 2025. Over the weekend, two new cases were confirmed in Southern Illinois, adding to two cases previously identified in the Marion area in April. Additionally, two unrelated cases were confirmed earlier in Cook County. While the overall risk to the general public remains low, unvaccinated individuals and those with compromised immune systems are advised to take extra precautions. For the latest information on potential exposure locations, residents can visit the IDPH website, where updates will be posted as new details become available.Additional information on measles can be found here.

News from the Fire Department

Forest Park Fire Chief Lindsey Hankus traveled to Springfield this week alongside Mayor Hoskins and Commissioners Voogd and Melin-Rogovin to advocate for the Village’s public safety needs. While there, Chief Hankus met with state legislators to discuss critical resources for the Forest Park Fire Department, including funding for updated equipment, support for firefighter training, and improvements to emergency response infrastructure. These conversations are essential to ensuring our first responders have the tools and support they need to keep Forest Park safe.

News from the Police Department

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

Police Blotter: 05/02/2025 - 05/08/2025

Honoring a Trailblazer

Today we’re proud to recognize Sergeant Andrea Caines for her incredible 25 years of service to our Village and Police Department. As the longest-serving female officer in our department’s history, Sgt. Caines has shown commitment, leadership, and heart. We are thankful for her many years of dedicated service and the example she continues to set for those around her. Congratulations, Sergeant — and thank you for everything you’ve done and continue to do for our community.

Cop on a Rooftop

The Forest Park Police Department is proud to host Cop on a Rooftop this year in partnership with the River Forest Police Department. Join us at Dunkin’ (7660 Madison Street) on Friday, May 16th, from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM, as we support Special Olympics Illinois. This statewide event, in collaboration with Dunkin’ and local law enforcement, raises vital funds to benefit Special Olympics athletes. Stop by, show your support, and help make a difference!

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 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

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!

May 9 - 15 events from the Environmental Control Commission

Nature Paint by Step - Free!

Guided nature painting for all levels with supplies included. Ages 18 & up.

Saturday, May 10

Evans Field, West Bloomingdale Ave & Thatcher Ave in River Grove

10 a.m. to noon

Nature Wellness Walk - Free!

Reconnect with nature. Relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices will be led during a leisurely walk by the University of Illinois-Extension.

Saturday, May 10

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

10 a.m. to noon

Mother’s Day Spring Nature Walk - Free!

Join us for a casual walk and take in the sights, sounds and scent of spring.

Sunday, May 11

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

10:30 a.m. 

Pond Paddle - Free!

Enjoy an afternoon out paddling. Instruction, equipment and kayaks provided.

Wednesday, May 14

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

4 to 6 p.m.

Nature Thursdays ‘Birds’ Drop-In - Free!

Learn about and see local and migrating birds, make a craft, and participate in a “Big Sit” bird count. Led by the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists, for all ages

Thursday, May 15

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

2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Board of Health

Greetings from the Forest Park Board of Health: Mental Health Awareness Month

How are you feeling today? Has anyone asked you that today, or have you asked anyone else? If they did, would you answer honestly, more than “I’m fine!” instead of tired, sad, anxious or overwhelmed?

The US has honored MHAM since 1949 and the theme for 2025 is “Turn Awareness into Action." It is estimated that over 1 in 5 of US adults experience mental illness, and lifetime prevalence is higher.(NAMI, WHO 2022) Stigma prevents folks from seeking help, and when they do, care might not be affordable, accessible or appropriate.

Individually, we can start with small, intentional steps to support our own self-care. One small action a day can make a big difference. Take a walk in the fresh air, stop and breathe, make that phonecall to a friend or care provider, ask for and accept help. Lean into what brings you joy and find peace, one moment at a time. Let’s all help promote wellness, one person at a time!

Community News & Events

August 23, 2025

11am – 6pm

This is the last call for Artists! Join 80+ artists in over 30+ garages throughout Forest Park. We’re looking for artisans in all genres—landscapers, watercolorists, illustrators, photographers, potters, jewelry makers, and mixed-media artists.

We’re also finalizing host garages for the event and would love more volunteers! To balance our presence throughout the village, we’d like to specifically encourage hosts south of the Eisenhower Expressway to apply.

Submit applications at https://garagegalleriesfp.com/ by May 16^th

If you have any questions, please contact garagegalleries17@gmail.com



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