708-366-2323 - contact@forestpark.net

Last week, I had the privilege of participating in a regional panel hosted by Visit Oak Park, where leaders from neighboring communities gathered to discuss the future of tourism in the western suburbs—including Forest Park. This collaboration includes 19 communities joining forces to launch Do West of Chicago, a new initiative aimed at promoting cross-community partnerships and elevating the region’s shared identity.

These suburbs have a lot in common—great food, easy access to public transit, and strong community values. By working together, we can highlight what makes each place special while drawing more people to the whole area. I was proud to talk about the many fantastic restaurants, shops, and small businesses right here in Forest Park. As I said during the discussion, “We are no longer these little communities—we are now one giant community. We all have our unique identities, but those boundaries are blurring in a good way.”

This initiative marks an exciting step toward regional growth, and Forest Park is proud to be at the table. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this collaboration will bring—not just to our village, but to the entire West Suburban area.

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, May 27, 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.

Summary of Approvals from the May 12 Village Council Meeting

The following items were approved:

• Safety & Traffic Commission Work Plan
• Pay Request #2 for the AMI Water Meters Replacement Project to Veregy Central, LLC
• Pay Request #3 for the 2024 Lead Service Replacement – Stage 1 Project to Joel Kennedy Construction Corp.
• Pay Request #1 for the 2025 Green Alley Improvements Project (800 Block of Thomas-Beloit Alley) to J. Nardulli Concrete, Inc.
• Ordinance waiving bids and approving the purchase of a Stryker Power Stretcher from Stryker Sales, LLC
• Proclamation declaring Public Works Week
• Use of Public Way approval for Forest Theatre Group/Shakespeare in the Park
• Use of Public Way approval for Grind-Well, LLC on behalf of ComEd

News from the Village Clerk's Office

NOTICE: Village Hall will close at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 23 in observance of Memorial Day. We will remain closed on Monday, May 26 and will reopen on Tuesday, May 27 at 8:00 AM.

NOTICE: The Neighborhood Watch Meeting scheduled for May 20 has been cancelled. The next meeting is June 17.

Residents, please keep an eye out for an important upcoming Village initiative: the replacement of all water meters throughout Forest Park. Beginning in June and continuing through December 2025, the Village will install new water meters in all residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Many of the current meters have surpassed their recommended 20-year lifespan, and this project will help ensure continued accuracy and efficiency in water usage and billing.

News from the Mayor's Office

As National Police Week comes to a close, Mayor Hoskins would like to thank the dedicated men and women of the Forest Park Police Department. Several officers traveled to Washington, D.C. this week to participate in National Police Week events, including Peace Officers Memorial Day—a day to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Closer to home, our officers were up before dawn this morning for the annual “Cop on a Rooftop” event at Dunkin’, raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics Illinois. Their commitment to both public safety and community service is something we’re all proud of.

Reminder of some meaningful events happening in June.  The Juneteenth Flag Raising will take place on Monday, June 2 at 11:30 AM at Village Hall, honoring the significance of this important day in history. Then, join us for Forest Park’s annual Pride Fest on Friday, June 6, from 5:00 to 8:30 PM at Constitution Court—a vibrant celebration of love, equality, and community spirit.

News from the Public Works Department

The Public Works Department is excited to announce two important upcoming events for the community. First, our annual Electronics Recycling event will take place from May 19 to May 24, running daily from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. On Saturday, May 24—the final day of electronics recycling—we’ll also be hosting a special Touch-a-Truck Open House. Bring the whole family out for a fun and educational experience! In addition to exploring various Public Works vehicles, residents can visit informational booths to learn about the village’s water replacement project, as well as resources from the Recreation and Environmental Boards. Recycling information can be found here. And Open House information below.

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.

News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

Summer storms in the area can pop up quickly and bring heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning. To stay safe, make sure to bring in or secure patio furniture and check that your sump pump is working properly. Avoid driving through flooded streets and stay indoors during severe weather. It’s also a good idea to keep a flashlight, radio, and backup phone charger handy in case the power goes out. To get real-time updates and alerts, sign up at Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management. Let’s all do our part to stay safe and look out for one another this summer.

News from the Fire Department

EMS Week – May 18–24

This week, we’re proud to recognize EMS Week, a time to show appreciation for the paramedics, EMTs, and first responders who answer the call when it matters most. Their hard work, quick thinking, and compassion save lives every day. If you see one of our EMS professionals this week, take a moment to say thank you—they’ve earned it.

News from the Police Department

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

Police Blotter: 05/09/2025 - 05/15/2025

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!

This week several officers traveled to Washington, D.C. to take part in National Police Week. They joined thousands from across the country to honor fallen officers, attend memorial events, and proudly represent our village in this important tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.

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.

May 21, Safety & Traffic, 7pm

May 19, Planning & Zoning, 7pm - CANCELLED

May 20, Neighborhood Watch, 7pm - CANCELLED

May 21, Safety & Traffic, 7pm

May 27, Village Council Meeting, 7pm

Bike Safety Carnival!!

Thank you Commissioner Melin-Rogovin for hosting the Bike Safety Carnival at the Roos Center Outdoor Pavilion on May 31, 2025, from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM! This fun-filled event is perfect for all ages and free to attend. Register to receive a free bike helmet and enjoy exciting activities, including bike decorating and a bike parade through the park at 11:00 AM. Test your skills with Ride Illinois, get a bike safety check from Play It Again Sports, and explore local biking opportunities with the Illinois Prairie Path. Enjoy a snack with Cool Truck Treats. Registration is not required but is necessary to receive a helmet. Sponsored by: Park District of Forest Park, Village of Forest Park, Cardinal Advancement Services, American Legion, Kiwanis Club of Forest Park, and Play It Again Sports.

Board of Health

Mental Health Awareness Month

How are you feeling today? Has anyone asked you that today, or have you asked anyone else? If they did, would you answer honestly, more than “I’m fine!” instead of tired, sad, anxious or overwhelmed?

The US has honored MHAM since 1949 and the theme for 2025 is “Turn Awareness into Action." It is estimated that over 1 in 5 of US adults experience mental illness, and lifetime prevalence is higher.(NAMI, WHO 2022) Stigma prevents folks from seeking help, and when they do, care might not be affordable, accessible or appropriate.

Individually, we can start with small, intentional steps to support our own self-care. One small action a day can make a big difference. Take a walk in the fresh air, stop and breathe, make that phonecall to a friend or care provider, ask for and accept help. Lean into what brings you joy and find peace, one moment at a time. Let’s all help promote wellness, one person at a time!

Environmental Control Commission

May 16-22 events from the Environmental Control Commission

Before we get to this week’s environmental and outdoors events, we’d like to invite ecologically minded Forest Parkers to apply to be members of the Environmental Control Commission. We meet once a month to work on projects that improve the sustainability of our village, from eliminating plastic waste to promoting composting and bikeability. You can help influence the future of our village! If you are interested, please contact commission chair Scott Whitebone and also fill out this application. We hope to hear from you!

Morning Bird Walk - Free!

Enjoy a casual guided walk to look for birds and bird behavior. Led by John Elliott of Chicago Bird Alliance. Binoculars available.

Saturday, May 17

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

8 a.m.

Nature Wellness Walk - Free!

Reconnect with nature. Relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices will be led during a leisurely walk by the University of Illinois-Extension.

Saturday, May 17

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

10 a.m. to noon

Bike Repair Workshop - Free but Registration is Required!

Ride your bike to the library for an outdoor event with local business Dan’s Bike Shop. Learn how to keep your bike tuned, how to repair a flat, and other tricks to keep you rolling around town. Then get your bike inspected so you’re ready to go for summer! All ages. Register here.

Saturday, May 17

Forest Park Public Library outdoor patio, 7555 Jackson Blvd.

2 to 3:30 p.m.

Restoration Workday - Free!

Help restore our woodlands, savannas and prairies. Gloves, tools and light refreshment provided. Ages 12 & up. Ages 12-17 w/adult.

Sunday, May 19

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

9 a.m. to noon

Nature Play Day - Free!

Bring your little one for open nature play time! Enjoy Bemis Woods while helping your children connect with nature. Grove 7.

Tuesday, May 20

Bemis Woods-South, Ogden Ave, west of Wolf Rd

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Senior Fitness Walk - Free!

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

Wednesday, May 21 

Thatcher Woods, Chicago Avenue west of Thatcher Avenue

9 a.m.

Adaptive Adventures: Kayaking - Free but Registration Required!

Learn about equipment available for checkout at the Forest Preserves of Cook County for paddling adventures. Caregivers, service providers and supporters are welcome to join in too and get trained by Adaptive Adventures on our accessible kayaks. Register here.

Thursday, May 22

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

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Instructional training

2 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Practice paddling and trail walk

Spring Nature Writing Retreat - Free!

An introduction to utilizing the natural world for writing inspiration. Writers of any experience welcome. Ages 16 & up.

Thursday, May 22

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

5 to 7 p.m.

Be a Better Birder - Free but Registration Required!

Learn the skills to identify local bird sounds at the virtual program. .

Thursday, May 22

Register here!

6 p.m.

Community News & Events

Forest Park Pride – Friday, June 6 at Constitution Court 

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of celebration and community at Forest Park Pride 2025!

Join us at Constitution Court for live music, local entertainment, a fabulous drag stroll through town, and so much more. Bring your friends, your family, and let’s celebrate right here in Forest Park.

 Event Schedule:

 DJ ASTRO — 5:00–5:30 PM & 6:30–7:00 PM

 Drag Stroll — 5:00–6:30 PM

Featuring stops at: BABS Comedy Club, Jimmy’s Place, Play It Again Sports, Bobby’s Eastside, Schauer’s Hardware, Scratch Public House, Team Blonde, and U3 Coffee

 I.V. Collective — 5:30–6:30 PM

Drag Show — 7:00–8:30 PM

Free, open to all ages, and packed with pride. Let’s fill the Court with color and community!



Proviso Handyman May 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 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