708-366-2323 - contact@forestpark.net

News From the Village Administrator's Office

Coming this fall: a fresh new look for our village newsletter! We’re making some updates to improve both the design and content. Stay tuned—we’re excited to share it with you!

The Forest Park Historical Society recently unveiled the renovation of the Wall of Renown, honoring the individuals who have helped shape our community. If you’re near Village Hall, be sure to stop by and take a look — the display is both moving and inspiring.

The Society also celebrated a major milestone: 50 years of preserving and sharing Forest Park’s rich history. At Monday’s Village Council meeting, a special proclamation recognized their incredible contributions to the community.

Pictured below: Joe Byrnes, Sandy Byrnes, Isaac Beal, Anthony Calderone

Pictured above Historical Society of Forest Park Board President Mark Boroughf and Mayor Hoskins.

Want to learn more? Consider becoming a member for fascinating local stories and updates. Be sure to visit their website, too — especially the short films section, which features engaging stories and little-known facts about Forest Park.

Let’s continue to support the people and organizations that keep our history alive and accessible.

Rachell Entler

Village Administrator

Village Council News

At the Village Board meeting held on Monday, July 28, the 2026 budget was officially approved. The Village Commissioners, in collaboration with the Finance Department, worked diligently to develop a fiscally responsible and sustainable budget that reflects the community’s priorities while addressing financial realities.

As part of the budgeting process, the Council reviewed several measures to reduce expenses. One such decision includes pausing the Flood Grant Program for the upcoming fiscal year. However, residents are still encouraged to submit applications, which will be kept on file for future consideration if funding becomes available.

The Curbside Leaf Pickup Program will continue for 2026, though the Village will be launching an educational campaign to raise awareness about the cost of this service. Residents are reminded that if they are able, they can help reduce costs by bagging leaves and placing them with regular trash. Composting is also encouraged as an environmentally friendly alternative.

In addition to cost-saving discussions, the Council also examined ways to increase revenue. While no immediate changes were made, the Places for Eating Tax was considered and may be revisited in the future. The Village is also developing a Parking Amnesty Program, which will give those with outstanding parking fines an opportunity to settle their balances at a reduced rate. Details on this initiative will be shared soon. The Village will also be re-instating the vehicle boot program targeting unpaid fines. Other revenue options under discussion include adjustments to parking meter rates and a potential increase in vehicle sticker fees.

Throughout these discussions, the Village remains committed to maintaining essential services that residents rely on — including leaf collection, street, alley, and sidewalk plowing. At the same time, we recognize the need to plan for and invest in our aging infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability and safety for all.

The next meeting of the Forest Park Village Council will be held on Monday August 11, 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

Each year, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) releases updated Community Data Snapshots for every county, municipality, and Chicago community area in northeastern Illinois. These data-rich reports offer a detailed look at demographics, housing, employment, transportation habits, and other key aspects of each area. Forest Park is included in this year's release, providing fascinating and important information that can help local leaders and residents track progress and make informed decisions for the community’s future. You can explore key data on our online dashboard or view Forest Park’s full Community Data Snapshot. 

News from the Mayor's Office

On Monday, the Village held a productive final budget meeting. Village Administrator Entler and Finance Director Olmsted did an outstanding job presenting a cohesive and comprehensive overview for the Village Commissioners and department heads to review and discuss. Their work ensured fiscal transparency and provided a clear, accessible summary of the proposed budget for the Village Council and the community. We apologize for the technical difficulties at the start of the meeting. Once the issue was resolved, we were able to begin recording; however, please note that the recording starts a little late. You can find the recording of the meeting here.

The Mayor’s Office would also like to extend its sincere thanks to the Forest Park Arts Alliance for the beautiful Sit & Savor bistro table exhibit now open on Madison Street. The stunning artist-designed tables can be found at Constitution Court, Jimmy’s Place, Madison Park Kitchen, Twisted Cookie, and U3. Elements Massage has a table and chairs located inside their establishment. These installations not only beautify our streetscape but also encourage residents and visitors to enjoy Forest Park’s vibrant local culture. A special thank you to Commissioner Maria Maxham for attending the ribbon cutting and helping celebrate this creative initiative.

News from the Public Works Department

Mosquito Abatement

The Desplaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District, which covers a 77-square-mile area along the Desplaines River and Salt Creek valleys in the western suburbs of Chicago—including Lyons, Oak Park, all of Proviso, Riverside, and River Forest townships—has reported increased levels of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the adult mosquito population.

These levels are high enough in some areas to pose a risk of transmission to humans. The mosquito species responsible for WNV transmission is not an aggressive biter, and its presence is often undetected. Recent warm weather has created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding and rapid amplification of the virus.

In response, adult mosquito spraying will take place during the evening hours between dusk and midnight, as needed in affected areas. The District will announce nightly spray locations on its website, Facebook page, and through notifications to villages for posting on their own platforms.

Residents are urged to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. Ensure that window screens are intact and seal any gaps around window air conditioners or vents. If spending time outdoors at dusk, wear long sleeves, pants, shoes, and socks; loose-fitting, light-colored clothing is best. Use insect repellents according to label instructions.

To help reduce mosquito breeding around the home, residents should:

• Discard any containers that can collect water, such as cans, jars, or bottles.
• Clean rain gutters and downspouts regularly.
• Change water in birdbaths and wading pools weekly.
• Properly maintain swimming pools.
• Remove or flip over items like buckets and wheelbarrows that may collect rainwater.
• Screen rain barrels to prevent mosquito access.
• Aerate ornamental ponds and consider adding goldfish or similar fish.
• Dispose of used tires without rims to prevent standing water.

By taking these simple steps, we can all help reduce the mosquito population and protect our community from West Nile Virus.

News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

Back-to-School Safety Reminder

As August begins, it's time to prepare for the return of students to school. Proviso District 209 will hold freshman orientation on August 11, with the first day of classes starting August 14. Forest Park School District 91 students will return on August 19. As traffic increases around schools, please stay alert and drive with extra caution—watch for children walking, biking, or waiting at bus stops. Slow down in school zones, obey crossing guards, and help ensure a safe and smooth start to the school year for everyone.

News from the Fire Department

Last week, the Forest Park Fire Department responded to a box alarm to assist the Berwyn Fire Department following a natural gas explosion at a BP gas station in the 6700 block of Ogden Avenue at Oak Park Avenue. Severe storms that swept through the area Thursday afternoon brought down multiple power lines, ultimately causing gas lines to ignite and explode, destroying part of the station and sparking a fire that burned for several hours. Forest Park firefighters were on the scene to support the emergency response. Fortunately, the area was safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.

News from the Police Department

News Alert from the Cook County Sheriff

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of a telephone scam in which the scammer identifies as a member of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and threatens arrest if payments are not made for old warrants.

These scam calls have been coming from 708-668-0646. The public should be aware that this number is not a legitimate contact for the Sheriff’s Office and that they should not accept calls from it nor return calls from that number.

The public is advised that if they receive a call from someone claiming to be with law enforcement to get the caller’s full name, badge number, and phone number. Do not follow the caller’s instructions nor use the number provided by the caller to contact the agency. Instead, call the department using the phone numbers listed on its website to determine if there is a reason for contact.

Anyone who has information about this scam, or believes they are a victim of this scam, is asked to call Cook County Sheriff’s Police at 708-865-4896 or 847-635-1188.

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.

August 6, Board of Heath, 7pm

August 11, Village Council Meeting, 7pm

August 14, Recreation Board, 7pm

August 18, Planning & Zoning, 7pm

August 19, Neighborhood Watch, 7pm

Community News & Events

Made in Forest Park - Business Spotlight

We’re proud to shine this week’s spotlight on CAST Water Safety Foundation, a remarkable local organization located at 7628 Madison Street. Their powerful mission is one that touches the heart: to prevent childhood drowning and create safer swimmers, sooner.

Founded on the belief that every child deserves the life-saving skill of self-rescue, CAST is dedicated to empowering families with the knowledge and confidence to keep their loved ones safe in and around water. Their expert team works tirelessly to teach essential swimming and survival skills—starting from a very young age.

CAST’s vital work recently caught the attention of WGN News, where they were featured for their commitment to drowning prevention and water safety education. You can watch the segment here and see why their work is making waves throughout the community.

Whether you have a young swimmer at home or want to support an incredible cause, CAST is a local gem worth getting to know.

Learn more about their programs, classes, and how to get involved by clicking here.

Let’s celebrate and support organizations that make our village safer, one child at a time.

Stoop Sessions - Tuesday, August 5

7 pm - 7824 Madison Street 

Rear porch/patio behind the Altenheim residences 

D & D Jazz Duo

DOUG LALLI is an award-winning jazz pianist who has performed in major venues in New York City, Philadelphia, and, in recent years, Chicago. He has worked with such jazz luminaries as Zoot Sims, Anita O’Day, and Larry McKenna, to name just a few. In addition to the countless jazz tunes he has written, Lalli is the author of two novels: Peter and Beth (2006) and Swimming Across the Hudson (2024).

DAVE GULYAS is a life-long guitarist that has performed in Bloomington Indiana regional theater productions of Hairspray, Murder Ballad, and Spring’s Awakening. Dave has also recorded and performed with two – time Grammy winner Sylvia McNair, and played as a member of the Drifters back-up band. Dave frequently joins Doug for local gigs and at Tre Sorelle on Sundays from 4 to 7pm.

D&D Jazz Duo will be joined by local bassist extraordinaire Rich Armandi.

 Join us this August for our 5th year of Free Shakespeare in the Park!

This summer, Forest Theatre Company presents The Two Noble Kinsmen — an unforgettable tale of friendship, rivalry, and love.

📍 Location: The Grove at the Altenheim

7824 Madison St, Forest Park, IL

📅 Performance Dates:

August 8, 9, 10 & August 15, 16, 17

⏰ All shows begin at 5:00 PM

✨ Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a magical evening of live theatre under the trees — all for FREE!

🎭 Sponsorships available!

Email forestparktheatre1@gmail.com to support this Forest Park tradition.

For more information go to www.forest-theatre.org

Proviso Handyman August 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