708-366-2323 - contact@forestpark.net

Last week’s subzero temperatures certainly brought their share of stress, and while we hope we won’t see more extreme cold, we all know that living in the Chicago area means we can never predict what winter will bring. I want to thank our Public Works department for their outstanding efforts in keeping our streets safe and salted during last week’s winter blast. They also responded quickly and effectively to a water main break on the 1000 and 1100 blocks of Marengo. We truly appreciate the patience and understanding of the residents there as the team worked to resolve the emergency.

On another note, I hope residents will consider participating in Bite the Burbs Restaurant Week, running from January 31st to February 8th. This week-long celebration highlights the art of cooking, local foods, and the talented chefs who prepare them. Dining at participating restaurants during this time offers special deals such as 15% off your check, a free dessert or appetizer with entree purchase, or a prix fixe menu. This is a great opportunity to explore new eateries while supporting local businesses in our community. For information and a list of participating restaurants, click here, and enjoy! Bon appétit!

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, January 27, 2025, at 7pm in the lower level of Village Hall. As always, the public is welcome to join.

Can't make the meeting in person? Village Council meetings are streamed live and recordings are published to the Village website within a few days after the meeting.

To view the meetings live via Zoom, click here and then click on the Zoom link for the current meeting. Meetings will start at 7pm.

To view recordings of the Village Council meetings, click here, then click on the date you would like to view.

News from the Village Clerk's Office

Vehicle Sticker Renewal Coming Soon!!

The Village is currently updating the data for all registered vehicles in preparation for the upcoming vehicle sticker renewal. Residents who did not purchase their 2024 sticker should expect to receive a notice in the mail this February.

The standard cost for a passenger vehicle sticker is $35.00. However, if you missed purchasing the 2024 sticker, the total cost will be $105. This includes the $35.00 for the current 2025 sticker and a $70 late penalty.

News from the Mayor's Office

The Mayor’s Office is seeking input from residents on an important safety initiative. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is spearheading the Safe Travel for All program, a regional effort aimed at significantly reducing, and ultimately eliminating, traffic fatalities and serious injuries across Northeastern Illinois. As part of this initiative, CMAP is developing countywide safety action plans that will identify critical safety issues and high-priority locations, offering recommendations to improve road safety for everyone. Your feedback will play a key role in shaping these plans, and we encourage all Forest Park residents to share their thoughts and help create a safer community for all. Please click here for the survey and here for additional CMAP information.

News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

Residents are reminded to take extra precautions when using space heaters to ensure a safe and comfortable environment. Never use your oven or stovetop as a source of heat, as this can be a fire hazard. Be sure to keep space heaters at least three feet away from furniture, curtains, and other flammable materials, and always turn them off when leaving a room or going to bed.

Additionally, check that smoke detectors are functioning properly and have fresh batteries, and inspect your windows and doors for drafts to help conserve heat and prevent unnecessary energy loss. In freezing weather, it’s important to protect your home by insulating exposed pipes to prevent them from bursting and keeping cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air to circulate. If you plan to be away during extremely cold weather, consider leaving your thermostat set to a minimum of 60°F to avoid potential damage from freezing pipes. 

News from the Public Works Department

As we continue through winter follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

Please yield to Public Works trucks with flashing lights—they’re clearing roads to ensure safe travel.

Snow clearing order reminder:

• Main roads
• Secondary roads/side streets
• Alleys
• Parking lots
• Sidewalks (after 3+ inches)

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Although it is cold and snowy outside, Spring will be here before you know it. In 2022, the Village of Forest Park compiled a full GIS Tree Inventory, along with a Forestry Comprehensive Management Plan. The Village is excited to finally be able to tap into these valuable resources in moving forward with their tree planting goals. The majority of the trees planted per season will be based on Arborist recommendations from our new resources. The Forest Park Public Works Department is taking minimal tree requests in each planting season.  There are limited request amounts available, so act quickly. Please visit The Village of Forest Park’s GIS tree map FP Trees. The black circles with the blue pins inside represent open planting spaces. If your location falls in these areas, the Village will plant the tree at no charge. Otherwise, residents will be charged full price for the tree they request in all other areas. Included will be the free planting of the tree by the Public Works staff and a watering bag. All those interested should email the Director of Public Works at sstella@forestpark.net. You will be sent a tree list to pick from. Once the location and tree species is approved by the Director of Public Works, You will be added to the planting list for Spring 2025. Any requests that were not able to be met in Spring will be considered for the fall planting in the order they were received. Please have all requests sent to the Director of Public Works by March 1, 2025.  

News from the Fire Department

The Village of Forest Park Fire Department is now accepting applications! For more details on how to apply, please click here.

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide: The Invisible Killer

Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the “invisible killer” because it's a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is undetectable to the human senses, so people may not know that they are being exposed.

CO poisoning can occur when a fuel-burning appliance or machine, such as a furnace, heater or generator, is not working or vented properly.

9-1-1- Emergency and Non-Emergencies

Anyone requiring immediate assistance from the Forest Park Police and Fire Departments should call 9-1-1; this also includes non-emergency situations which require a response. The Village’s 9-1-1 dispatch center will route your call to the appropriate personnel to assist with the matter at hand. The Village’s 708-366-2425 number is not to be used to request service for public safety personnel.

News from the Police Department

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

With tax season upon us, be aware of potential scams targeting taxpayers.

Key Indicators of a Scam:

⚠️ Scammers often use high-pressure tactics, like threats of arrest or legal action, to create urgency.

💳 Be wary of demands for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or other unconventional methods.

Protect Yourself:

✅ Verify Correspondence: The IRS does NOT initiate contact via email, text messages, or social media.

🚔 Police Department employees will NOT contact you to collect funds.

🔒 Do not share sensitive details like your Social Security number or bank account information unless you are certain of the recipient’s identity.

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.



January 27, 2025 Village Council Meeting, 7pm

February 5, 2025 Board of Health, 7pm

February 10, Village Council Meeting, 7pm

Board of Health

The Forest Park Board of Health needs your input! The Board is gathering information about the mental health needs of our community. Your voice can help shape the future of mental health programming in the Village. Please click on this link to take a private survey. If you choose to leave your email, you can be entered to win gift cards to local stores and restaurants. Limit one survey response per household. Find Survey here.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that beginning on FEBRUARY 19, 2025, the regular meeting of the Safety and Traffic Commission of the Village of Forest Park will be the Third Wednesday of each month.

Community News & Events

Join the Library for a series of events celebrating Black History Month

Babybugs Storytime Celebrates Black Voices

Fridays in February at 11 am

More than a Month: a Celebration of Local Black Artistry

Saturday, February 1 from 6-8pm

Illinois Libraries Present: An Evening with James McBride (Virtual)

Tuesday, February 4 at 7 pm

Total-T Magic with Terrence Hunter

Sunday, February 9 at 4 pm

The Blues: The History & the Music

Sunday, February 16 at 2 pm

Edmonia Lewis & The Death of Cleopatra: Uncovering the Forest Park Connection

Wednesday, February 19 at 7 pm

Art & Flo

Thursday, February 27 at 7pm

More info and registration can be found here.

FREE FAFSA Completion Workshop tomorrow, January 25th!

Navigating financial aid doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether your student is filling out their forms for the first time or just needs some extra help, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

What you can expect:

• Clear, step-by-step instructions to simplify the process
• A chance to ask all your questions and get expert answers
• Personalized support from your UIC LARES advisor

Event Details: Date: Saturday, January 25

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: 125 N 19th Ave, Suite A & B, Melrose Park, IL 60160

Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity! See below to reserve your spot.



Proviso Handyman January 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