708-366-2323 - contact@forestpark.net

Tomorrow promises to be a beautiful day, perfect for enjoying the exciting events happening on Madison Street. At noon, make sure to stop by Constitution Court for the Forest Park Arts Alliance ribbon-cutting ceremony of a new exhibit, Little Perspectives, which will run from April 12 to May 20. This unique art exhibit, created by artist Ian Pfaff, features an intriguing box displayed atop the fountain at Constitution Court, located at 7426 Madison Street (while the fountain remains off for the winter). From the outside, the box itself is an artistic piece, but the true "art project" lies inside. The box’s interior showcases an intricate diorama, depicting several scenes. However, the full diorama will never be visible in its entirety; instead, only parts of it can be seen through several viewing ports and periscopes mounted on the outside.

I want to take a moment to recognize two outstanding members of our Village for their incredible dedication and service. First, please join me in congratulating Forest Park Police Chief Ken Gross on an impressive 25 years of service. His leadership and commitment to the safety of our community have made a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful for his continued dedication. I also want to recognize and celebrate our Village Clerk, Vanessa Belmonte, who today marks her 20th anniversary in this role. Vanessa plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Clerk's office, from maintaining records of Council meetings and certifying Village records to ensuring all ordinances and resolutions comply with state law. Her hard work behind the scenes in coordinating and processing village records every day is often unseen but deeply appreciated. Thank you Chief Gross and Clerk Belmonte!

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, April 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

Important Reminder for All Homeowners!

Are you receiving your property tax exemptions? To check which exemptions are currently applied to your residence, homeowners can review their Property Details and look at the Exemption History and Status section. New homeowners and returning applicants can apply online. If you believe you're entitled to exemptions for previous tax years, you can file a Certificate of Error application to claim past savings. Simply click on the individual exemption below for instructions on how to file. The exemption application for the 2024 tax year is now available, and you can apply by Monday, April 21, 2025, to receive savings on your Second Installment Property Tax Bill. For more information, click here.

News from the Mayor's Office

Last weekend, Mayor Hoskins attended the Loyola University Medical Center’s "Gift of Life" ceremony, hosted by the Loyola Transplant Center. The Mayor was there to show support for an incredibly important organ donor—his wife, Monique. Monique’s brother, Fontaine, had been battling renal disease, which ultimately progressed to the point where he needed a kidney transplant. After getting tested, Monique learned she was a match, and both siblings underwent successful surgeries at Loyola on August 30, 2023.

Diagnosed ten years ago, Fontaine managed his illness by balancing five-hour dialysis treatments with a demanding work schedule to maintain his health insurance. But as the disease progressed, the toll on his body and spirit became increasingly evident. Monique, watching her brother’s daily battle, made the decision that would forever change both their lives.

For Monique, the experience has been as transformative for her as it has been for her brother. Through this journey, she developed a deep respect for what dialysis patients go through, recognizing the physical and emotional challenges that come with each treatment. Her admiration extends not only to her brother but to the countless others who endure similar struggles, often in silence.

The two siblings shared their inspiring story during Loyola’s 33rd annual transplant candlelight ceremony in Maywood, which honors organ donors and their recipients. Organ donation is a life-saving gift, and if you’d like to learn more about how you can make a difference, click here.

News from the Public Works Department

Arbor Day Celebration – Plant a Tree with Us!

All are invited to join us in celebrating Arbor Day, a time to recognize the vital role trees play in creating healthy, vibrant communities. Trees not only beautify our neighborhoods but also improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and provide essential habitats for wildlife. In honor of this important day, we will host a tree planting event on Friday, April 25 at 9:00 a.m. at Betsy Ross School. This year we will be planting an Autumn Gold Ginko! We encourage residents of all ages to come out, get their hands dirty, and help us plant for the future!

News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

The Cook County Department of Public Health has launched a new Organizational Health Literacy Toolkit, along with an online resource hub and webinar. These tools are designed to help professionals in public health, government, education, social services, and health care improve how they communicate health information and services.

The 90-page toolkit introduces the concept of organizational health literacy—ensuring that services are easy to find, understand, and use for everyone, especially in underserved communities. It encourages clear communication, accessible programs, and inclusive outreach efforts.

News from the Fire Department

Notice to Residents

The Forest Park Fire Department is hosting the monthly Hazardous Materials Drill for our MABAS division. The drill will be on April 17 & 18 in the morning. We will be setting up emergency shelters at Altenheim if the weather allows. Firefighters from Berwyn, Cicero, North Riverside, Oak Park, River Forest, and Stickney Fire Departments will participate.

🚨 Fire Department Safety Message 🚨

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month—a time to remember that taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can have tragic consequences. Each year, thousands of lives are lost and hundreds of thousands more are seriously injured in crashes caused by distracted driving. Help us make our roads safer by staying focused behind the wheel. Visit the National Safety Council (NSC) for free resources and tips to reduce distractions and protect your loved ones. Let’s drive responsibly!

News from the Police Department

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

Police Blotter: 04/04/2025 - 04/10/2025

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!

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.

April 14, Village Council Meeting, 7pm

April 15, Neighborhood Watch, 7pm

April 16, Safety & Traffic Commission, 7pm

April 23, Environmental Control, 7pm

April 28, Village Council Meeting, 7pm

Environmental Control Commission

April Showers Will Bring May Flowers... But April is the Perfect Time to Explore Outdoors!

Whether it's sunny or rainy, April is the ideal month to enjoy the great outdoors. The Environmental Control Commission has done all the research for you, curating a list of exciting local events and opportunities throughout the month. From group walks and birdwatching to hands-on crafts and even virtual activities, there's something for everyone.

Hosted by wonderful places like Thatcher Woods, Trailside Museum, and local libraries, these events are the perfect way to get outside, learn something new, and connect with your community.

Click here to discover all the amazing events happening in your area this April – no matter what your interests are, this is your go-to resource!

Community News & Events

Mark your calendars and save the date for two exciting Village events happening in May! From May 19–24, our Public Works Department will be hosting their annual Electronics Recycling event—a great opportunity to safely dispose of your old electronics. Then, on May 31, Commissioner Melin-Rogovin will be hosting a fun-filled Bike Safety Carnival for the whole family. More details about both events are provided below, with additional information coming soon!



Proviso Handyman April 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