708-366-2323 - contact@forestpark.net

News From the Village Administrator's Office

I want to thank all of our residents for their continued patience as we work to update and improve the Village’s aging infrastructure. These upgrades are critical to ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of our systems, and your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Water Meter Replacement

Our water meter replacement project is progressing well, and many residents have already scheduled their new meter installations. When your home is due for a replacement, you will receive a green postcard in the mail. Please wait until you receive this postcard before calling Veregy at 1-866-416-0223 to schedule your installation.

In some cases, Veregy may need to return to a property or turn off the water from the exterior shut-off rather than at the meter. This can vary depending on the individual home's setup.

Important Reminder:

Homeowners are responsible for ensuring that the water meter is easily accessible. Please clear any obstacles so technicians can safely and efficiently complete the installation.

Lead Line Replacement

In addition to the water meter updates, some streets are currently undergoing lead service line replacements. This is a separate, long-term infrastructure project, and over the next several years, all lead lines in the Village will be replaced. The current phase is being managed by Five Star Construction. If you receive a notice from them, please know this is part of a legitimate, village-approved project.

Thank you again for your cooperation and support as we make these important improvements for our community.

Rachell Entler

Village Administrator

Village Council News

The next regular Village Council Meeting will be Monday, September 22, 2025 at 7pm at Village Hall. The upcoming agenda can be found here. Or join via zoom here.

Community Clean-Up Rescheduled – Join Us!

As announced last week on social media, our 5th Annual Community Clean-Up has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 27.

We hope you'll join your neighbors to help make this special event a big success!

Please remember to register in advance here.

Let’s work together to keep our village clean and beautiful!

News from the Village Clerk's Office

Join the Kiwanis Club of Forest Park for the annual

Ed O'Shea Awards Dinner on Thursday, October 9, 2025!

This special evening will honor three outstanding community members whose lasting contributions have shaped both Kiwanis and the Forest Park community over the years:

🌟 Anthony Calderone

🌟 Karen Dylewski

🌟 Sharon O'Shea

Celebrate their contributions, enjoy a night of community and connection, and support the impactful work of Kiwanis.

Click here for more details and to purchase tickets

News from the Mayor's Office

Casket Races are back!!!

Mark your calendars for a spooktacular morning of fun at the Annual Casket Races on Saturday, October 18 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM at 7500 Madison Street. Come out to cheer on your favorite spooky teams as they race down Beloit Ave in creatively crafted caskets — it’s fast, fun, and frightfully festive! Immediately following the races, stick around for Trick-or-Treat on Madison, a family favorite tradition filled with candy and community spirit. New this year, you can also show your spooky spirit by purchasing official Casket Race swag, featuring a wickedly cool design by Summer at the new Alcea Gallery on Madison. Don’t miss out — click here to order your gear, but hurry! The online shop closes in less than two weeks.

Join Mayor Hoskins, Commissioner Melin-Rogovin and fellow residents for the 6th Annual Tour de Proviso, a free community bike ride happening Saturday, October 4! This fun event brings together neighbors from across Proviso Township and surrounding villages to celebrate health, wellness, and community connection.

This year, Forest Park is excited to co-host alongside Oak Park and River Forest, highlighting the power of partnership and our shared commitment to building healthier, more connected neighborhoods.

You can ride or volunteer! Whether you’re ready to hop on a bike or lend a hand along the route, there’s a place for everyone to be part of the fun. Volunteers help keep the ride safe, organized, and enjoyable for all. More information can be found here.

News from the Public Works Department

Water Meter Replacement

Now through December 2025, the Village will replace water meters in all residential, commercial, and industrial buildings as part of a system-wide upgrade.

Many current meters are past their recommended 20-year lifespan. Replacing them will improve water usage accuracy and help make billing more efficient for everyone.

Residents should keep an eye out for a green scheduling postcard in the mail. Once you receive your postcard, call to schedule your appointment. Please wait until your postcard arrives before calling, as replacements are being completed in sections across the Village.

An informational video can be found here.

News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

Public Health Alert: West Nile Virus Death Reported in Cook County

Illinois has reported its first West Nile virus-related death of the year — a resident in their 60s from suburban Cook County, according to state health officials.

West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. While most people who contract the virus experience no symptoms or only mild ones — such as fever, headache, rash, and body aches — more serious cases can occur.

Severe symptoms may include:

• High fever
• Stiff neck
• Disorientation or confusion
• Muscle weakness
• Brain inflammation (encephalitis), which can cause long-term neurological damage or even be fatal

📈 Increased Risk in Cook County:

Since May, Cook County has reported 33 cases — nearly double the number from the same period last year. Local health officials have raised the alert level, citing a high risk of infection in the area.

🦟 What You Can Do to Protect Yourself:

• Use insect repellent with DEET when outdoors
• Wear long sleeves and pants, especially during dawn and dusk
• Remove standing water around your home where mosquitoes breed
• Make sure window and door screens are intact

Stay informed and take precautions — especially while the risk remains high.

News from the Fire Department

Fire Safety Tip: Cozy and Safe This Season

With cooler weather upon us, many enjoy the warmth of candles indoors and outdoor fires with family and friends. To keep everyone safe, never leave candles unattended and place them away from flammable items on stable surfaces. When enjoying outdoor fire pits or bonfires, always keep fires contained, never leave them unattended, and have water or a fire extinguisher nearby. Be sure to fully extinguish all fires before leaving the area. A little caution goes a long way in keeping our homes and community safe this season!

News from the Police Department

First Responders Day

Last week, Officer Simon Wiewiora represented the Village of Forest Park at the Brookfield Zoo’s First Responders Day. This annual event brings together first responders from across the region to showcase the specialized vehicles and equipment they use to protect and serve their communities.

Officer Wiewiora's participation was especially meaningful—not only did he serve as a representative of our village, but he also has a personal connection to the zoo, having worked there earlier in his career. Returning in uniform to engage with the public and connect with other first responders made the day even more special.

We’re proud of Officer Wiewiora’s dedication, and we thank him for strengthening community ties both within and beyond Forest Park.

September is Preparedness Month

This month, we’re encouraging all residents to take a few minutes to review your personal and family preparedness plans. Emergencies can happen without warning—being ready can make all the difference.

Below are some helpful resources to help you prepare:

• Tornado Safety Tips
• Food & Water Supplies
• Organize Important Documents
• Car Emergency Kit Checklist

Board of Health

It’s National Suicide Prevention Month. Of course, suicide is a scary topic. It can be hard to talk about, especially with someone who you fear is considering taking their own life. A common myth is that mentioning suicide to someone who is having mental health challenges means that they are more likely to consider it. 

But that’s not true. Research shows that talking openly about suicidal thoughts with someone at risk reduces the likelihood that they will harm themselves. 

If you think that someone you know or care about is considering suicide, here are some tips to help you start a loving conversation: 

1. Ask openly. “I am afraid you want to harm yourself. Can we talk about it?”
2. Express care. “I’m asking because I care about you, not because I’m upset.”
3. Be non-judgmental. “What you’re going through is hard. I understand why you feel this way.”
4. Offer support. “I am here for you. Let’s figure out a way to get you some help.” (Some common suicide prevention resources include dialing/texting 988, or reaching out to the NAMI helpline.)
5. Keep checking in. “I’m not going anywhere, and I’m going to reach out regularly.”

Remember: Suicide is a serious matter, but talking about it makes it less terrifying, and also takes away its power. Everyone has the ability and courage to help someone in need – including you. 

Lindsay Baish, MA, LPC 

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.



September 22, Village Council Meeting, 7pm

September 24, Environmental Control Commision, 7pm

October 1, Board of Health, 7pm

Community News & Events

Latine and Hispanic Heritage Celebration Forest Park Library!

Saturday, September 27 from 2-4 pm

The library will celebrate our Latine and Hispanic community with an afternoon of culture and fun for all ages. Snacks will be available and we will have a special bilingual Spanish and English storytime and craft by our good friend, Miss Rosie Reads! Don't miss our all-ages Merengue lesson by Latin Street Dance at 2:15 pm!

Please register here.

Mark Your Calendar – Exciting October Events Ahead!

The Historical Society of Forest Park has two incredible events lined up for early October that you won’t want to miss!

Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM

Haymarket Martyrs Monument & Radical Row Tour

Join for the final tour of the year exploring this powerful chapter of labor history.

Click here for more info and tickets

Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM

Bicycle Tour of Forest Home Cemetery

Pedal through history with a guided ride through this storied cemetery, rich with radical heritage.

Click here for more info and tickets

Don't miss these unique opportunities to connect with history in meaningful—and memorable—ways!

Calling All Knitters & Crocheters!

The Forest Park Arts Alliance is gearing up for its annual Fiber Flash—and we need you!

This is a wonderful opportunity to share your creativity, connect with fellow fiber artists, and make a meaningful impact. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just picking up your needles, your handmade creations will bring warmth and comfort to those who need it most.

Join us in stitching together something beautiful for the community!

Proviso Handyman September 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