Big City Access Small Town Charm | |
Week Ending - May 25, 2024
Welcome to the Village of Forest Park's weekly e-newsletter! Please use this e-newsletter as a resource to provide you with the latest news, events, and resources in and around Forest Park!
In this edition, please find updates from the Village Council, the Clerk's Office, Public Works, the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Community Center, community news, job opportunities, and more!
We want to hear from you! If you have news or events that you would like to include in future editions, please let us know.
|
Holiday Parking Suspension
The overnight parking restriction will be suspended May 25th – May 28th.
Residents will not need to request an overnight pass Friday evening through Tuesday morning. The next time to request an overnight pass will be Tuesday May 28th for Wednesday May 29th. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend! 🚗✨
|
Village Council Meeting Information
The next meeting of the Forest Park Village Council will be held on Tuesday May 28, 2024, 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 |
Block Party Season is Around the Corner
To organize a block party, you’ll need to submit a Block Party Application. Make sure to gather support from at least 75% of households on your block before proceeding with the application.
|
Garage Sale Season
If you're planning a garage, yard, or estate sale, stop by Village Hall to fill out an application and get your permit – it's a quick and easy process.
For a one family garage or yard sale, it's just $10, while estate sales or multi-family are $25. For yard sales, keep it in the back yard, please!
About posting signs - they can only be displayed on the property hosting the sale. If they end up in the wrong spot, we will need to remove them, and citations could be issued. Happy selling! Application here.
|
Memorial Weekend Update
Please be informed that Village Hall will be closing early at 2 pm on Friday, May 24th. Additionally, in observance of Memorial Day, Village Hall will remain closed on Monday, May 27th. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!
| News from the Mayor's Office |
American Legion Memorial Day Service
On Monday, May 27th, there will be a Memorial Day Service hosted by American Legion Post 414. This will be a significant occasion as it marks their final Memorial Day Service, making it an especially meaningful opportunity for our community to come together and pay tribute to the courageous veterans who have gone before us.
Join us at 1 pm at the Park District located at 7501 Harrison. Let's stand together as we honor and remember those brave souls who answered the call of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
| |
EMS Week - Thank you all First Responders!
As we celebrate EMS Week with the theme of "Honoring Our Past, Forging Our Future," Mayor Hoskins and the Village extend our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women of our Fire Department. Day in and day out, they answer the call of duty, putting their lives on the line to ensure our citizens receive the critical care they need. Let us join together in expressing our heartfelt appreciation for their efforts, not just this week, but every day. Thank you, Fire Department, for your exceptional service and unwavering dedication to keeping our community safe.
| |
Strong Cities Network Roundtable
In early May, Mayor Hoskins joined leaders from across the country at the Strong Cities Network conference in New York City. The focus: "Global Crises, Local Impacts: Threats to Social Cohesion & How Cities Can Respond." At the NYC roundtable, mayors and officials explored strategies for addressing these pressing challenges. Mayor Hoskins returned from the conference inspired, with new insights to empower our village's response to these critical challenges. His participation in the conference reiterates our village commitment to collaborative leadership and proactive solutions to building a stronger community.
| |
Funeral Procession Townhall Meeting June 12
Please join Representative La Shawn Ford and Forest Park Mayor Hoskins at an important event in our community. As residents may be aware, there has been ongoing concern regarding funeral processions passing through our village. In response to these concerns, we are hosting a townhall event to discuss this issue.
The event will provide an opportunity for residents to express their concerns and suggestions regarding funeral processions in our town. Elected officials will be present to listen to your feedback and engage in meaningful dialogue on how we can collectively address this matter.
We invite all residents to join us for this discussion on June 12, 2024 at 7 pm at the Howard Mohr Community Center (7640 Jackson, Forest Park). Your input is crucial in helping us find effective solutions to ensure that funeral processions are respectful and considerate of our community.
We look forward to your participation and collaboration in finding solutions to this issue.
| |
Please join us at Village Hall for the Juneteenth flag raising!
Date: Tuesday, June 4th
Time: 11:30 am
Location: Village Hall
Let's gather together as a community to mark this important occasion with pride and unity. We hope to see you there!
|
Join us for the Forest Park Annual Pride Fest!
Mark your calendars for Friday, June 21 at Constitution Court from 5-8pm. Admission is FREE! Get ready for a fabulous evening filled with live music, dazzling drag performances, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and so much more! Proudly co-hosted by OPALGA+, Play It Again Sports, and Robert's Westside. Let's celebrate love, diversity, and equality together! Note: Constitution Court Parking will be closed on June 21 for the event. To ensure everyone's enjoyment and comfort during Pride Fest, we kindly ask attendees to bring their own camp or portable chair, as seating options may be limited.
| News from the Department of Public Health & Safety | |
Property Maintenance Reminder!
Our property maintenance standards reflect our commitment to maintaining a safe and beautiful village and we want to remind all property owners of their responsibility to uphold certain standards.
Some of the frequently noted problems include:
- Ensuring properties are free from weeds or grass growth exceeding 10 inches.
- Keeping garbage and refuse in covered receptacles at all times.
- Maintaining all exterior surfaces, from siding to windows, in good condition. This includes addressing rotten or decayed wood and eliminating peeling, flaking, or chipped paint.
- Displaying address numbers on both the street and alley side of the property for swift identification by emergency personnel.
Should a violation be identified or reported to the Department of Public Health and Safety, our inspectors will promptly notify property owners of any code deficiencies. We understand that sometimes issues arise unintentionally, which is why we're here to offer guidance in rectifying them. Time will be provided to address any noted problems. We believe in giving property owners the opportunity to rectify issues before taking further action. However, failure to take corrective actions may result in the issuance of citations. While we hope it doesn't come to this, it's essential for maintaining the standards that make our village a wonderful place to live.
| |
Planting In Your Parkway: Permit Required!
Before you start digging and planting in any parkway, it's important to follow regulations. According to village guidelines, planting any tree, plant, or shrub in parkways necessitates a written permit from the Director of Public Works. So, whether you're dreaming of trees or colorful flowers, be sure to secure your permit before beginning your landscaping project. Fill out this form and email it to building@forestpark.net
| |
News from the Public Works Department | |
2024 Cicada Emergence
In the next several weeks, Public Works crews will be placing protective netting over parkway trees planted by the Village in Spring 2023, Fall 2023, and Spring 2024. As cicadas emerge, young trees will be susceptible to damage made to thin branches as female cicadas lay eggs. The netting will remain on the trees until the cicadas no longer pose a threat to the trees.
Residents should consider purchasing netting for young trees located on private property. The Village will only be covering young trees on public property and the parkways (the area between the sidewalk and the street.) More information can be found here.
| |
Electronics Recycling Program
The Village of Forest Park is thrilled to announce the return of our annual Electronics Recycling Program! May 20th to May 25th, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm at Forest Park Public Works (7343 West 15th St.) you can responsibly dispose of your electronic devices. Plus, our Public Works Personnel will be out all week (no later than Friday, May 24) to remove bulk items from your parkway.
| |
News from the Community Center
| |
2024 Groovin in the Grove!!
June 18, July 16, August 20
Groov’n In The Grove returns this summer! Join us at The Grove (7824 Madison Street) for an evening of FREE music under the stars. Feel free to bring your own chairs, food and drink. Concessions will also be available for purchase. The fun starts at 7pm.
| |
Food Pantry
Residents who are in need of assistance with groceries can visit the Forest Park Food Pantry located at the Community Center. For hours and more information, call 708-771-7737.
| |
News from the Fire Department | |
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.
This change is a result of the State's dispatch consolidation requirements that went into effect in May 2017. If you call Village Hall in need of police or fire personnel for either non-emergency or emergency response, you will be transferred to our WESCOM dispatch center where a dispatcher will route your call to the appropriate police or fire personnel. WESCOM services Forest Park, Oak Park, and River Forest. Since three towns are being serviced, you may be asked a series of questions in order to confirm your location.
Please share this news with your neighbors. 9-1-1 is for both emergencies and non-emergencies requiring police or fire personnel assistance.
|
|
News from the Police Department | |
For more information about the Forest Park Police Department, visit their website by clicking here. | |
Law Enforcement Torch Run!
Join us for the Law Enforcement Torch Run on June 22nd, 2024, at 8 a.m. starting from the Van Buren Parking Lot! 🚓🏃♂️🏃♀️ Witness the dedication of our law enforcement officers as they carry the torch to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Illinois!
You can also donate and support Team Proviso here.
|
Lieutenant Pater Graduates from Northwestern
Center for Public Safety
We extend our warmest congratulations to Lieutenant Dan Pater on his graduation from the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety. This significant achievement marks the culmination of dedication and hard work in an intensive leadership and management education program for seasoned law enforcement professionals.
Join us in applauding Lieutenant Pater for his outstanding accomplishment!
In the photo below, we see him alongside Chief Ken Gross, a moment capturing the camaraderie and shared commitment to excellence within our law enforcement community.
| |
Cop On A Rooftop
The Police Department united forces with River Forest PD to champion the Special Olympics cause! The 'Cop on a Roof' initiative was a huge success, drawing heartfelt support from the community. A big shoutout to everyone who joined us in backing this meaningful event!
| |
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 27, Village Hall Closed
May 28, Village Council Meeting, 7pm
June 5, Board of Health, 7pm
June 10, Village Council Meeting, 7pm
June 13, Recreation Board Meeting, 7pm
June 17, Planning & Zoning Commission, 7pm
June 20, Safety & Traffic Commission, 7pm
June 24, Village Council Meeting, 7pm
June 26, Environmental Control Commission, 7pm
*note- beginning June 5 the regular meeting of the Board of Health will be the first Wednesday of the month. June meeting will be June 5 NOT June 11.
| |
Spring Clean Up - Huge Success!
The 2024 Spring Clean-Up was a success! A huge thank you to everyone who came out and volunteered their time. We collected almost 30 bags of trash and a couple of shopping carts! Thank you to the Village of Forest Park Recreation Board for organizing the event, especially Zone Captains, Jonah Harlan/Shyheim Ward, John Cunningham, Jessica Voogd, and Amy Binns-Calvey. The Forest Park Public Library also joined us. A special thanks to Vicki Rakowski and Alicia Hammond for all of your help. Lastly, thank you to the Park District of Forest Park for your continued partnership!
Pictured below Dan Marcus and Commissioner Jessica Voogd on clean-up day.
| |
Environmental Control Commission (ECC)
The next ECC meeting will be held on June 26 at Village Hall.
Click here to view our May newsletter!
| |
Planning & Zoning Commission
The PZC meets as needed on the third Monday of the month at 7pm in the Lower Level of Village Hall. Next meeting is June 17.
| |
Triton College Library Hosts Open House for
Homeschooling Families
| |
The Triton College Library is hosting a free open house exclusively for families who are homeschooling, Tuesday, June 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., in the Library (A Building), 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, Ill. The Library provides educational materials and resources, study spaces for quiet learning and reading, and expert assistance from a friendly, knowledgeable staff. Families who are homeschooling are invited to connect with others to share ideas and discover new learning opportunities. At the open house, participants have the opportunity to tour the Triton College campus and visit the Cernan Earth and Space Center, Botanical Gardens and more. More information here. | |
Spend a Day of Fun in the Forest Preserves of Western Cook County
As summer approaches, there is nothing better than exploring the great outdoors. And what better way to get out in nature than right here in the Chicagoland area. Forest Park has a plethora of forest preserves for visitors and residents alike to explore. Miller Meadow is one to note, with walking trails, picnic areas, and unique offerings like an off-leash dog area and drone and model airplane flying field. The off-leash dog area is 7 acres with an outdoor shelter and two miles of trails connected. Explore different Cook County Forest preserves near the Forest Park area and beyond. More information here.
| |
Proviso Township Celebrates Juneteenth
As the nation prepares to celebrate Juneteenth, Proviso Township is proud to announce a series of events aimed at honoring and commemorating this historic milestone in American history. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the day when federal troops freed the last enslaved people in Texas, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Throughout the month there will be an array of activities for all ages, including a Freedom Walk, Flag Raising, festivals and Forest Park will host the annual Juneteenth Pool Party the evening of June 15. More information on the events here.
| |
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:
| |
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
| | | | |