708-366-2323 - contact@forestpark.net

Recently, the Forest Park Village Council voted to approve a 1% grocery tax, and I want to thank our Council members for their due diligence and thoughtful support on this important issue. This decision follows a change at the state level—last year, Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation eliminating Illinois’ 1% state grocery tax, effective in 2026. While the state tax is going away, local municipalities like ours have the option to adopt the same rate to maintain essential funding. This is not an additional tax for shoppers; residents have already been paying this tax to the state. The local share is then disbursed to the municipality. By approving the local grocery tax, the cost to you at the register remains the same, but the local tax share remains in place and will continue to directly supports services like public safety, infrastructure, and community programs. In a small community like ours, every dollar matters, and we simply cannot afford to forego this source of funding without impacting the quality of services our residents expect and deserve.

The No Gloves National 16" Softball Tournament is just around the corner, running from July 24–27, and the Park District is looking for volunteers to help make it a success!

Volunteers will receive a tournament t-shirt and food tickets as a thank-you for their time.

If you’re interested or want more info, reach out to Karrie Schlichting at kschlichting@pdofpstaff.org.

Let’s support a great local tradition!

Rachell Entler

Village Administrator

Village Council News

The next meeting of the Forest Park Village Council will be held on Monday July 14, 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

Groov’n in the Grove is back for round two! Join us Tuesday, July 15, for a summer night of live music with the Chicago Catz—playing everything from Motown to modern hits. Music runs 7–10 PM at The Grove (7824 Madison Street). Bring your lawn chairs, grab some food from local vendors, and dance under the stars!

Want to Make a Difference in Forest Park? Join the Board of Health!

Are you passionate about public health and looking for a way to give back to your community? The Forest Park Board of Health Commission currently has an open seat!

This volunteer board advises the Village Council on important health matters—including physical and mental wellness—and plays a vital role in shaping health initiatives in our village. Members serve a 5-year term and help ensure Forest Park remains a safe, healthy place for all. Applications can be found here and emailed to contact@forestpark.net.

News from the Mayor's Office

This week, Mayor Hoskins visited Ferrara Candy to recognize Silvia Avila, who spent nearly 45 years behind the counter at the candy shop. Silvia became a familiar face to generations of Forest Park residents, many of whom grew up stopping by for sweets and a quick visit. Village Administrator Rachell Entler noted that her own family—her mother, herself, and her children—were among those who looked forward to seeing Silvia during their visits. That kind of lasting presence comes from a strong work ethic and a genuine connection to the community. The Mayor’s Office was proud to thank Silvia for her years of service and for helping make Forest Park a little brighter.

Picture below Mayor Hoskins, Village Administrator Entler, Silvia, and Ferrara Candy CEO Marco Capurso.

News from the Public Works Department

Tree Planting Program

In 2022, the Village of Forest Park completed a full GIS Tree Inventory and a Forestry Comprehensive Management Plan, which now serve as key tools in guiding future tree planting efforts. The Village is excited to begin implementing these resources, with most new plantings based on Arborist recommendations. The Public Works Department is currently tree requests for the fall season. To see if your location qualifies for a free tree, visit the Village’s GIS tree map “FP Trees.” Black circles with blue pins mark open planting spaces where the Village will provide and plant a tree at no cost, including a watering bag. Residents outside these designated areas may still request a tree but will be responsible for the full cost. To get started, email the Director of Public Works at sstella@forestpark.net to receive the current tree list. Once your location and tree selection are approved, you'll be added to the Fall 2025 planting schedule. Requests that can’t be fulfilled this fall will be considered for a future season based on the order received.

News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

ComEd Launches $10M Customer Relief Fund

ComEd has partnered with Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago and the Salvation Army to launch the ComEd Customer Relief Fund, a one-time $10 million program to help eligible customers facing high summer energy costs. Funded by Exelon, ComEd’s parent company, the program opens for applications on July 7 through NHS and the Salvation Army. ComEd also offers ongoing support like energy-efficiency tools, budget billing, flexible payment plans, and more. Learn more and apply at ComEd.com.

News from the Fire Department

July is Extreme Heat Safety Month

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) reminds residents that extreme heat can pose serious health risks—especially to older adults, children, and those with chronic health conditions.

Extreme heat is defined as temperatures above 90°F for two or more days with high humidity.

Stay safe during high heat:

• Drink plenty of water—avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Limit outdoor activity during midday hours.
• Keep your home cool with fans, curtains, or air conditioning.
• Visit cooling centers if you don’t have A/C.
• Never leave children or pets in a parked car.
• Check on neighbors and the elderly.
• Learn basic first aid for heat-related illnesses.

Let’s work together to keep our community safe this summer.

News from the Police Department

Vacation Reminder: Think Before You Post

Heading out of town? Enjoy your break—but consider holding off on posting vacation photos or updates to social media until you're back home. Broadcasting that your house is empty can unintentionally invite the wrong kind of attention. Unattended homes are more vulnerable to break-ins, especially when it's clear the owners are away. Share the memories once you return and keep your property safer while you're gone.

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.

July 14, Village Council Meeting, 7pm

July 15, Neighborhood Watch Meeting, 7pm

July 16, Safety & Traffic, 7pm

July 21, Planning & Zoning, 7pm

July 23, Environmental Control, 7pm

July 28, Village Council Meeting, 7pm

Environmental Control Commission

July 12 - 18 events from the Environmental Control Commission

It’s still Plastic Free July! How are you doing avoiding single-use plastics? If you need some tips and tricks, visit Beyond Plastics.

Then check out these fun things going on this week:

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, July 15

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

10 a.m.

Virtual Garden: Healing Gardens - Free, but registration required.

Presented by Wandering Paths founder and Flower Farmer Navraaz Kaur Basati. The theme of this event is “Designing Green Spaces for Peace and Calm Amid Chaos.” Ages 13 & up.

Call 847-824-8360 to sign up.

Tuesday, July 15

7 p.m.

Senior Fitness Walk - Free!

Enjoy a gentle, moderately-paced 1-mile walk in Thatcher Woods

Wednesday, July 16

Thatcher Woods, Chicago Avenue west of Thatcher Avenue

9 a.m.

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, July 17

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

10 a.m.

Insect Fest - Free!

Go on a bug hunt, experience an insect petting zoo, explore bugs through yoga & music and more!

Thursday, July 17

Cummings Square, 536 N Harlem Ave. River Forest

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Be a Better Birder: Getting Started - Free, but registration required.

Learn how to build your birding kit, how to get started birding and where you can find resources.

Thursday,  July 17

Virtual event. Email Jessica.becker@cookcountyil.gov to register

6 p.m.

Community News & Events

Made in Forest Park - Business Spotlight

This week, we're shining a light on MACDADDY Salon, located at 7506 Madison Street. Nestled right in the heart of Forest Park’s bustling Madison corridor, MACDADDY adds to the vibrancy of our local business community—not just with style, but with a deep commitment to creativity and personal care.

The salon blends classic techniques with modern trends, offering everything from a simple trim to custom color work and styling for special occasions. Their team takes pride in listening closely to each client, aiming to reflect their individual style in every cut and color.

Beyond the services, MACDADDY contributes to the welcoming, lively feel that makes Madison Street such a unique destination. If you haven’t stepped inside yet, it’s worth a visit—not just for the hair, but for the connection to a local business that’s helping define the spirit of Forest Park.

Summer Events at the Library!

Summer is a great time to visit the library. Not only can you check out books, but there are many great events for all ages. If you are looking for a fun, free activity, be sure to check out the events calendar at fppl.org/events.

You Rock! Disability Pride Dance Party / Sunday, July 13 from 3-5 pm

Join the Library, Park District and WSSRA to celebrate Disability Pride Month. Come dance and get happy! Everyone is welcome to this inclusive and joyful dance party with DJ Jodi G and dance instructor Mr. Sidney on the Roos Center court.

Registration required. Participants under 18 must bring an adult caregiver and those of any age who require a caregiver must be accompanied for their well-being. Masks will be available. Light refreshments will be provided. Register here.

Blood Drive

Friday, July 18, 9 am - 2pm Forest Park Baptist Church

Proviso Handyman July 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 updated and 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