708-366-2323 - contact@forestpark.net

This week, I had the opportunity to attend the Illinois City/County Management Association (ILCMA) conference in Champaign. The theme, "Navigating the Future: Leadership, Ethics, and Innovation," made for an engaging and valuable experience.

As your Village Administrator, it’s important for me to stay informed about emerging trends and tools that can benefit our community. Sessions covered a wide range of timely topics—from the evolving role of artificial intelligence in local government to strategies for breaking away from the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset. I also attended breakout discussions on leadership development, cybersecurity, grant opportunities, and the use of social media to improve public engagement.

This was my first time attending the ILCMA conference, and I left with a renewed sense of purpose and many ideas to bring back to Forest Park. I’m looking forward to applying what I’ve learned to help us grow, adapt, and serve our community even better.

Pictured below: Berkeley Village Administrator Rudy Espiritu, Champaign City Manager Joan Walls, Village Administrator Rachell Entler.

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.

News from the Village Clerk's Office

June is Pride Month—a time to celebrate love, inclusion, and the strength of a diverse community. The Village Clerk’s office supports a welcoming Forest Park for all!

News from the Mayor's Office

The street naming celebration honoring bar owner and public servant Pat Malone was a wonderful tribute. The parking lot at McGaffer’s was packed with former employees, friends, family, and residents—a turnout that came as no surprise to anyone familiar with Pat’s lasting impact on Forest Park. Thank you, Pat, for all you have done and continue to do for our community.

On Monday, Mayor Hoskins welcomed residents and officials to Village Hall for the Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony. He was glad to be joined by River Forest President Cathy Adduci, Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson, and several members of our local school and park district boards who came out to show their support. Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States and serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward freedom, justice, and equality.

Juneteenth Family Pool Party!

The annual Juneteenth Family Pool Party is Saturday, June 14, 7pm - 10pm a the Forest Park Aquatic Center. Enjoy music, community, and fun under the stars... it's free and open to all, reserve tickets here. Huge thanks to our sponsors for making this beloved tradition possible, and a huge shout-out to the Kiwanis Club of Forest Park! Their generous food donation means everyone can enjoy the pool party with complimentary hot dogs and chips.

News from the Public Works Department

As summer kicks into gear, the Public Works Department is hard at work ensuring Forest Park stays safe, clean, and welcoming. Crews are busy filling potholes, removing fallen branches, and making sure Madison Street and Roosevelt Road are in top shape. They’re also tending to the planters and flowers on village property, adding color and charm throughout town. If you see our team out and about, give them a wave—they’re working hard to keep Forest Park looking its best!

News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

West Nile Virus

West Nile virus season has begun. The Cook County Department of Public Health is reminding residents to take simple steps to protect themselves from this mosquito-borne illness. While most people infected don’t show symptoms, in rare cases, it can lead to serious health issues. Protect yourself and your family by:

• Using EPA-registered insect repellent (with 20–50% Deet for adults; 20–30% for kids)
• Draining standing water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding.
• Repairing window screens to keep mosquitoes out.
• Avoiding outdoor activities during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

For more tips, visit FightTheBiteCookCounty.com.

News from the Fire Department

Fire Department Reminder: Grill & Fire Safety Tips for Summer

As summer heats up, the Illinois State Fire Marshal is reminding everyone to practice fire safety while grilling. July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June, May, and August.

Grills are popular—about 64% of U.S. households own one—but they can be dangerous if not used properly. On average, over 10,000 grill-related home fires happen each year, and thousands of people go to the ER with burn injuries.

To stay safe:

• Always grill outdoors, away from your home, railings, or trees.
• Keep kids and pets at least three feet away.
• Clean your grill regularly to prevent grease fires.
• Never leave a grill unattended.
• Open the lid before lighting a gas grill and check for gas leaks.
• Let charcoal coals cool fully before disposal—in a metal container.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, water bucket, or hose nearby.

If you’re enjoying campfires or fire pits, make sure they’re allowed, placed safely away from anything flammable, and fully extinguished before leaving.

Let’s enjoy summer safely—grill smart and stay fire-aware!

News from the Police Department

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

Police Blotter: 05/30/2025 - 06/05/2025

On Friday, June 13, the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride will be passing through Forest Park. This inspiring event supports injured veterans by helping them build confidence and strength through shared physical activities and the powerful bonds of service.

The Forest Park Police Department is proud to assist in ensuring a safe and smooth ride for all participants. Please be mindful of temporary traffic adjustments and show your support as the ride moves through our community.

The tentative schedule can be found here.

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 9, Village Council Meeting, 7pm

June 12, Recreation Board, 7pm

June 16, Planning & Zoning, 7pm Canceled

June 17, Neighborhood Watch, 7pm

June 18, Traffic & Safety, 7pm

Environmental Control Commission

It’s a great week to get outside. Here are some local opportunities to connect with nature and other people who enjoy the outdoors.

Story Time in Polish - Free!

Program dla najmłodszych miłośników natury. Z pomocą znanych i lubianych wierszyków poznamy owady, ptaki i inne zwierzęta i poszukamy ich w lesie.

Tuesday, June 10

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

10 a.m.

Storytime and Picnic - Free!

Listen to a nature-themed book with North Riverside Public Library, and stay after for a picnic on your own.

Wednesday, June 11

26th Street Woods - 26th Street east of South 25th Avenue

10 a.m.

Walk & Talk - Free!

Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. These walks will be led at a slower pace with frequent stopping and interpretation. 1.5 miles.

Thursday, June 12

Thatcher Woods, Chicago Avenue west of Thatcher Avenue

10 a.m.

Nature Wellness Walk - Free!

Reconnect with nature. Relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices will be led during a leisurely walk. Grove 6.

Saturday, June 14

Miller Meadow-South, 1st Avenue, south of Roosevelt Road

1:30 p.m.

Restoration Workday

Help us restore our natural communities of woodland and prairie. Gloves, tools and light refreshment provided. Adults & 12 & up w/ adult.

Sunday, June 15

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

9 a.m. to noon

Community News & Events

Group Therapy and Psychiatry Openings with Thrive

Thrive Counseling Center is currently accepting new clients for both psychiatry and group counseling services, serving individuals ages 6 and up. We are pleased to offer openings in all of our adult therapy groups, which include the Relationships Group, Art Group, Virtual Grief Group, In-Person Grief Group, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Group. At Thrive, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care. Our services are open and welcoming to all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, legal status, beliefs, or disability. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, and most major insurance plans, and also provide sliding scale options to ensure our services remain accessible to everyone. If you or someone you know is seeking support, Thrive Counseling Center is here to help. Contact Thrive at (708) 383-7500 or access@thrivecc.org.

Groov'n in the Grove

Reminder to residents that Groov'n in the Grove is back!



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