Big City Access Small Town Charm | | |
Week Ending - June 21, 2025
Welcome to the Village of Forest Park's weekly e-newsletter! Please use this e-newsletter as a resource to provide you with the latest news, events, and resources in and around Forest Park!
Joke of the week: Why should you never trust stairs?
They're always up to something!
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As many of you know, longtime Forest Park resident Dorothy Gillian passed away earlier this week. I've found myself reminiscing with other Forest Parkers about all the ways Dorothy touched our community. The word that keeps coming up is kindness. Dorothy was the kind of person who always showed up—whether it was to lend a hand, share a smile, or deliver one of her famous homemade pretzels. Around the holidays, she’d be out spreading cheer with her baked goods, making people feel seen and appreciated. If there was a project to be done, an event to organize, or a home to sell, Dorothy was the one people called.
I met Dorothy when I was a teenager, and ever since then, I’ve always been in awe of the magic she brought to everything she had a hand in. From the Cystic Fibrosis fundraisers she and Tim hosted to her work on Main Street and with the Chamber, she had a way of making things happen—and making it all feel effortless. Her spirit had no boundaries. Even while undergoing her own cancer treatment, she made time to check in on me and ask how my treatments were going. She always thought of others in everything she did. Dorothy will be dearly missed. Our hearts go out to Tim, their children, and grandchildren, who carry forward her spirit of generosity and love for Forest Park.
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Rachell Entler
Village Administrator
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Village Council News
The next meeting of the Forest Park Village Council will be held on Monday June 23, 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 | A friendly reminder to all pet owners—dog and cat licenses are required for all pets in the Village and should be renewed annually. Licenses help us keep our community safe and our records up to date. Applications are available at Village Hall or on our website. Also, if your pup is ready for some off-leash fun, dog park permit applications are now available at Village Hall. Let’s keep our pets safe, legal, and ready to play! | News from the Mayor's Office | It’s been a busy week for Mayor Hoskins. Big thank you to everyone who joined the 16th Annual Juneteenth Family Pool Party—it was a great night with music, food, and plenty of fun. On Juneteenth, the Mayor and his son Eli spent the afternoon at Speaker Chris Welch’s festival in Hillside, celebrating with Governor Pritzker, Speaker Welch, and other elected officials. The Jesse White Tumblers wowed the crowd as always and were a big hit with the kids. Mayor Hoskins appreciates every opportunity to connect with neighbors and celebrate what makes our community strong. | | |
News from the Public Works Department
The Forest Park Public Works Department would like to remind residents that yard waste and grass clippings should never be blown or left in the street. Not only is this a safety hazard, but it can also clog storm sewers during heavy summer rains, leading to localized flooding. Please ensure your landscapers follow this rule as well. Yard waste must be placed in a separate container clearly marked “YARD WASTE” or in brown yard waste bags, and set out next to your regular garbage for weekly pickup. Free “YARD WASTE” stickers are available at Village Hall.
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News from the Department of Public Health & Safety
Beginning tomorrow, our area is expected to experience a stretch of extreme heat lasting through next week. Residents are urged to take extra precautions to stay safe—especially older adults, young children, and those with health conditions. Stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours, wear light clothing, and never leave children or pets in parked cars. Keep an eye on neighbors who may need assistance. For more information and a list of local cooling centers, click here.
| | News from the Fire Department | | |
Fire Department Reminder: Grill & Fire Safety Tips for Summer
As we gear up for 4th of July celebrations, the Village Fire Department reminds everyone to stay fire-safe during the summer season. Keep grills at least 10 feet away from buildings and never leave them unattended while in use. Dispose of hot coals only in metal containers and allow them to cool completely. If using sparklers or other legal fireworks, do so responsibly—keep a bucket of water nearby, supervise children closely, and never try to relight a "dud." With dry weather increasing fire risks, please follow all local burn bans or restrictions. Let’s work together to enjoy a fun, festive, and fire-safe start to summer!
| | News from the Police Department | | |
The Forest Park Police Department will increase traffic enforcement from June 20 through July 7 as part of a July Fourth safety campaign focused on identifying impaired and unbuckled drivers. The goal is to help everyone celebrate safely during the busy holiday period.
Residents are reminded to plan ahead:
- Designate a sober driver and hand over your keys before going out.
- Don’t drive if impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or any drug—use a taxi, public transit, rideshare, or call a sober friend.
- Call 911 to report suspected impaired drivers.
- Always wear your seat belt—it’s the law and your best protection.
Press release can be found here.
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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 23, Village Council Meeeting, 7pm
June 25, Environmental Control Commission, 7pm
July 2, Board of Health, 7pm
July 10, Recreation Board, 7pm
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Environmental Control Commission
June 23-31 events from the Environmental Control Commission
This is a busy week for anyone interested in getting outdoors! Here are some highlights:
Stories in the Forest Drop-in - Free!
Join the River Forest Public Library and the Trailside Museum for our free “Stories in the Forest” programs! We will read children’s stories and then engage in a simple nature activity. Ages 0 to 5, accompanied by an adult. Meet at the gazebo in the outdoor nature play area. Will be canceled in the event of rain.
Thursday, June 26
Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest
10 a.m.
Printmaking Workshop-Drop-in - Free!
Learn basic printmaking techniques using natural materials. Supplies provided; bring items you wish to decorate.
Thursday, June 26
Schuth’s Grove, West Cermak Rd, west of Des Plaines Avenue
5:30 p.m.
Be a Better Birder: Birding Ethics - Free but registration required (virtual event)
Learn about ABA birding ethics and how to ensure birds are minimally impacted during your trip.
Thursday, June 26
Register here
6 p.m.
Evening Firefly Walk - Free!
Join us for a guided walk as twilight settles in and the fireflies begin to twinkle. Family program
Friday, June 27
Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest
8 to 9 p.m.
International Mud Day Celebration - Free!
Presented with The Alliance for Early Childhood and BackYard Nature Center, join others around the globe for a morning of splashing, squishing, mud creations and more! Dress to get messy.
Saturday, June 28
Caldwell Woods, West Devon Ave & North Nagle Ave, Chicago
10 a.m. to noon
Nature Obstacle Course-Drop-in - Free!
Families attempt an obstacle course created from natural materials. Nature play & art activities will be available, too!
Saturday, June 28
26th Street Woods - 26th Street east of South 25th Avenue
Noon to 2:30 p.m.
Native Cooking Demonstration - Free, but registration is required.
Chef Jessica Walks First, of the Menominee Nation, will lead a cooking demonstration featuring local foods, with a focus on seasonality and traditional preparation methods.
Sunday, June 29
Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest
10 a.m.
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Groov'n in the Grove
Reminder to residents that Groov'n in the Grove is back!
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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:
| | 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
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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.
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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
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