708-366-2323 - contact@forestpark.net

We recently honored Officer Michael O’Connor for his 22 years of service with the Forest Park Police Department. Mike played a key role as the department’s Crime-Free Housing Officer, serving as a trusted liaison between landlords and tenants and helping to maintain safe, stable housing in our community. His calm presence, professionalism, and deep knowledge of our village made him a valuable asset to both the department and residents. Mike will officially retire next week, and we thank him for his outstanding dedication to Forest Park. Thank you Mike!

Featured below: Village Administrator Entler, Ferrara Plant Manager Reinoso, Public Works Director Stella. Police Officer Michael O'Connor and Deputy Chief Chin.

This week, Director Sal Stella and I had the pleasure of stopping by Ferrara Candy’s annual picnic—a true treat in every sense! We had a great time chatting with employees and personally thanking them for their continued presence and generosity toward Forest Park.

Ferrara has always added a little extra sweetness to our village, and we’re grateful for their lasting partnership. Here's to many more years of shared success—and shared snacks!

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

Village Hall will be closing early at 2 PM Thursday, July 3rd, and will stay closed on July 4th to celebrate Independence Day.

We'll be back and ready to help on Monday, July 7. Have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July!

News from the Mayor's Office

This week, Mayor Hoskins joined the Way Back Inn community for their annual bonfire, marking the 51st anniversary of the first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting held at the facility. Originally founded by a small group of AA members, the Way Back Inn has grown into a place of hope and healing. This anniversary is a powerful reminder of the many lives that have been changed through recovery and community support.

The Mayor also attended the Triton College Foundation Dinner, which celebrates and supports the college’s mission. Donations to the Foundation help expand academic programs, provide financial aid, and support faculty development. As a proud partner in education, Forest Park benefits greatly from Triton College’s presence—offering residents accessible, affordable education and workforce training that strengthens our entire region.

Mayor Hoskins also took part in the grand opening of Bloc Dispensary at 7216 Circle Avenue. The new business is a welcome addition to Forest Park’s growing commercial community and reflects the continued investment and interest in our vibrant local economy.

News from the Public Works Department

The Public Works Department is out all summer long keeping Forest Park looking its best. From trimming trees and clearing sewer drains to filling potholes and resurfacing streets, the team is hard at work maintaining the infrastructure we all rely on. You may also see crews cleaning up after storms, maintaining public spaces, or responding to seasonal needs across the village. If you notice an issue or have a concern, please call the Village at 708-366-2323 so Public Works can be notified and respond promptly. Your help in spotting problems keeps Forest Park running smoothly!

News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed the state's first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) this year. The individual, from Southern Illinois, was hospitalized with serious complications from the illness. This marks the earliest reported case in the state since 2016.

West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people do not show symptoms, about one in 150 individuals may develop severe illness affecting the brain, nerves, or spinal cord—and in some cases, it can even lead to paralysis. Older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious complications.

With mosquito season underway, it's important to take precautions to protect yourself and your family. Here’s how you can help fight the bite:

REDUCE

• Make sure your windows and doors have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace any screens with holes or tears.
• Keep doors and windows closed whenever possible.
• Eliminate standing water around your home—mosquitoes lay eggs in still water. Empty and refresh birdbaths, wading pools, flowerpots, gutters, pet water dishes, and any other containers at least once a week.

REPEL

• When spending time outdoors, especially at dawn or dusk, wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts in light colors.
• Use insect repellent approved by the EPA—look for products containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, PMD (para-menthane-diol), or 2-undecanone. Always follow the label instructions, and talk to your doctor before using repellents on young children.

More information can be found here.

News from the Fire Department

Fire Department Reminder: Fireworks Safety

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) encourages everyone to let the professionals handle fireworks, it’s simply not worth the risk! Every year across the state accidental fires, burn injuries, loss of limbs and deaths occur due to the use of fireworks.

During the July 2024 seasonal reporting period, 45 hospitals and facilities reported a total of 156 injuries. There was one fatality reported during the 2024 reporting period. Comparatively, 34 hospitals reported 108 injuries during the same period in 2023. More information can be found here.

News from the Police Department

Police Blotter June 13 - June 19, 2025 June 20 - June 26, 2025

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.

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 2, Board of Health, 7pm

July 10, Recreation Board, 7pm

July 14, Village Council Meeting, 7pm

July 15, Neighborhood Watch Meeting, 7pm

July 16, Safety & Traffic, 7pm

Environmental Control Commission

June 27 - July 4 events from the Environmental Control Commission

Happy Plastic Free July! Don’t know about this ecological holiday? It is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, waters, and communities.

You can make a pledge about which single-use plastic to try to refuse, joining people around the world.

And then check out all the fun outdoor events this week:

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.

Senior Fitness Walk - Free, registration requested

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

Wednesday, July 2 

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 3

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

10 a.m.

Community News & Events

Made in Forest Park - Business Spotlight

Last week, Kathryn Murphy Interiors officially opened its doors on Madison Street, bringing a fresh and unique energy to our business district. Specializing in personalized design for the Vintage Modern home, the studio focuses on transforming frustrating spaces into functional ones, creating inviting interiors that are both practical and beautiful. We’re excited to welcome this wonderful addition to 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.

Here are a few things happening next week. Click on the link for more info and registration. 

For Adults

What to Read this Summer at U3 Coffee/ Tuesday June 24 at 6:30 pm

Improv Mixer & Stand Up Showcase at Bab's Comedy Club / Friday, June 27 at 6 pm

For Kids

The Floor is Lava Kids Obstacle Course Challenge / Monday, June 23 at 4 pm

Storytime Rocks! Concert with Dan & Claudia Zanes / Wednesday, June 25 at 11 am

For Teens

Afterhours at the Roos / Friday, June 20 from 7-9 pm

Mario Party Superstar Gaming / Monday, June 23 from 2-4 pm

Blood Drive! Wednesday July 9, 11 am - 4pm.

Riveredge Hospital

Groov'n in the Grove

Reminder to residents that Groov'n in the Grove is back!



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:



• 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