708-366-2323 - contact@forestpark.net

This week, we celebrated Earth Day and Arbor Day not just with awareness, but with action—coming together as a community to make a lasting impact on the place we call home. Commissioner Voogd, our Public Works Department, Amy & Geoff Binns-Calvey, and the Forest Park Recreation Board planned the annual Arbor Day event, and we marked the occasion with a special tree planting event at Betsy Ross Elementary. A big thank you also goes out to our Public Works Department, whose hands-on help made the day possible.

Village staff, elected officials, and our Public Works team joined students and educators to plant an Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree—a beautiful and symbolic addition to the school. Betsy Ross Principal Huff even helped dig in and plant the tree, which the students proudly named “Ross” in honor of their school. Adding to the celebration, the Singing Sharks from Field Stevenson stopped by to perform, filling the morning with music and energy.

Events like this remind us that it doesn’t take much to make a difference. Together, we’re growing a stronger, greener Forest Park.

Pictured below Principal Tinisa Huff, students from Betsy Ross and the Field Stevenson Singing Sharks.

Pictured below James Edler, Sal Stella, Commissioner Voogd, Principal Huff, Village Administrator Entler, Commissioner Maxham, Amy Binns-Calvey

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, April 28, 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

Vehicle Stickers - Deadline was April 1st

The Clerk's Office is selling vehicle stickers. Any vehicle owned by a resident or frequent parker in Forest Park, must display a Forest Park Vehicle Sticker by April 1st. This includes vehicles stored in a garage or vehicles that are inoperable but stored in Forest Park. Sticker price will double May 1st!

Vehicle stickers can be purchased at Village Hall Monday through Friday from 8am - 5pm. Passenger car stickers are $35 each. Seniors 65 and older can purchase one passenger vehicle sticker at the senior rate of $10 with proof of age. Call the clerk's office at 708-366-2323 for fees related to other vehicle types such as B Trucks and motorcycles.

Block Party Season is Around the Corner

To organize a block party, you’ll need to submit a Block Party Application. Make sure to gather support from at least 75% of households on your block before proceeding with the application.

News from the Mayor's Office

The Mayor’s Office is pleased to share exciting news for local dog lovers! The Village of Forest Park, in collaboration with the Forest Park Recreation Board and the Forest Park Public Library, is hosting a dog-friendly community event for both pets and their people.

On Saturday, May 10th at 10:00 a.m., residents are invited to join a Dog Parade starting at the Forest Park Library and ending at the Forest Park Dog Park (632 Circle Avenue). The event will feature the official unveiling of the new Dog Library, a creative addition to the dog park that encourages community engagement for dogs.

Commissioner Voogd, along with representatives from the Recreation Board and Library, will lead the celebration. Although the Mayor regrets he will be unable to attend with his dog, Spencer, he extends his full support for this paws-itively fun initiative.

The Animal Care League will also be present to share information, and residents will have an opportunity to learn more about dog park memberships.

Residents are encouraged to register here and, for those wishing to contribute to the library, click here.

News from the Public Works Department

Electronics Recycling Program

The Village of Forest Park is thrilled to announce the return of our annual Electronics Recycling Program! May 19th to May 24th, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm at Forest Park Public Works (7343 West 15th St.) you can responsibly dispose of your electronic devices. Plus, our Public Works Personnel will be out all week (no later than Friday, May 24) to remove bulk items from your parkway.

News from the Community Center

Spring Into Life – Village Blood Drive!

The Village of Forest Park is hosting a community blood drive at the Howard Mohr Community Center (7640 Jackson Blvd) on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Appointments are preferred

News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed the first measles case of 2025 in an adult residing in southern Illinois. Laboratory testing verified the case on April 23. At this time, it is the only known case and is not considered part of an outbreak. The risk of community transmission remains low, and IDPH is closely monitoring the situation with local health officials. Efforts are underway to identify potential exposure locations, and the clinic where the patient received care is checking the immune status of any possibly exposed individuals. All healthcare staff were masked and are considered immune. IDPH advises anyone exposed and not immune to watch for symptoms such as rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, or red, watery eyes, and to contact their local health department if symptoms develop.

IDPH also stresses the importance of making sure everyone in your family is up to date on their immunizations. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination rates in the United States have declined, increasing the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles. Staying current on vaccinations is a simple but powerful way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. More information can be found here.

News from the Fire Department

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Chicago Fire Department Captain David Meyer, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on the morning of April 23rd. Please keep his loved ones and the entire CFD family in your thoughts during this difficult time.

News from the Police Department

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

Police Blotter: 04/18/2025 - 04/24/2025

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!

Last week, Chief Gross officially welcomed two new probationary officers to the force during a special ceremony. Alongside the swearing-in, Chief Gross recognized and presented awards to several outstanding members of the department for their exceptional service over the past two years. Among the honorees, Sergeant Adam Stasinopoulos was named the 2024 Officer of the Year for his dedication, professionalism, and exemplary performance in his role. Additionally, the entire shift that responded to the tragic events of September 7, 2024, was also recognized for their courageous actions during the CTA Blue Line shooting. Their swift and heroic response in the face of danger was commended by Chief Gross and the community.

Officer Michael O’Connor was individually honored with the Valor Award for his bravery during a November incident in Oak Park, where he responded to a shots fired call and rendered critical medical aid to a wounded Oak Park officer. While the outcome was heartbreaking, as the officer later passed away, O’Connor’s efforts reflected true courage and compassion in a moment of crisis. Several other commendations were also presented at the ceremony, highlighting the continued dedication and service of the entire department to the safety and well-being of our Village.

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.

April 28, Village Council Meeting, 7pm

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

Environmental Control Commission

April Showers Will Bring May Flowers... But April is the Perfect Time to Explore Outdoors!

Whether it's sunny or rainy, April is the ideal month to enjoy the great outdoors. The Environmental Control Commission has done all the research for you, curating a list of exciting local events and opportunities throughout the month. From group walks and birdwatching to hands-on crafts and even virtual activities, there's something for everyone.

Hosted by wonderful places like Thatcher Woods, Trailside Museum, and local libraries, these events are the perfect way to get outside, learn something new, and connect with your community.

Click here to discover all the amazing events happening in your area this April – no matter what your interests are, this is your go-to resource!

Community News & Events

Free Legal Help for Housing & Debt Issues in Cook County

Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD) is a county-wide initiative offering free legal assistance to residents dealing with eviction, foreclosure, consumer debt, and tax deed concerns. Launched in November 2020, CCLAHD connects people with legal aid organizations, government agencies, and community partners. Key programs include the Early Resolution Program (ERP) for eviction and debt support, and the Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program (MFMP) for homeowners at risk of foreclosure.



Proviso Handyman April 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