708-366-2323 - contact@forestpark.net

Happy 4th of July Weekend, Forest Park!

From all of us at Village Hall, we wish you a wonderful Independence Day. As you celebrate with family and friends, take time to relax and enjoy the summer season. Here's to all the things that make our community so special—have a wonderful holiday weekend!

It’s hard to believe we’re already into July, but that means one thing in Forest Park — it’s almost time for the No Gloves Nationals 16" Softball Tournament!

The Park District of Forest Park is once again gearing up to host the 57th Annual No Gloves Nationals, happening July 24–27. The field is officially set, and congratulations to all of the teams selected to compete in what’s widely considered one of the top softball tournaments in the country. For those who’ve never experienced it, this is much more than a sporting event. It’s a tradition that brings people together to celebrate Chicago’s game, played the old-school way: no gloves, just grit and skill. The tournament kicks off with the Hall of Fame Inductee Game and play-in games on Tuesday, July 22, with the full bracket play beginning that Thursday. Keep an eye out for the official bracket draw early next week. Huge thanks to the Park District for continuing to host and manage this iconic event. Whether you're a longtime fan or just looking for a fun weekend activity, I encourage everyone to stop by the park, grab some food, enjoy the games, and take in one of Forest Park’s most celebrated traditions.

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

Attention Residents – Important Holiday Updates

In observance of Independence Day, overnight parking restrictions have been temporarily suspended. There is no need to request an overnight parking pass this weekend. The next time to request an overnight pass will be Sunday, July 6th for Monday, July 7th.

Additionally, for residents with regular Friday garbage pickup, please note that pickup will take place on Saturday this week instead.

Thank you and have a safe and happy 4th of July!

News from the Mayor's Office

Mayor Hoskins was happy to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Prime Athletic Club this week, a welcome addition to Forest Park’s strong network of youth sports programs. The Mayor was joined by River Forest Village President Cathy Adduci and Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman for the event. The three leaders spoke about the power of collaboration across communities, especially when it supports opportunities for young people. They noted that in the tri-village area, boundaries take a back seat to shared progress—and thriving local businesses benefit us all.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, the Mayor’s Office wishes everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend and hopes to see residents at the Park District’s spectacular annual fireworks show, a tradition that brings the whole village together in celebration.

News from the Public Works Department

Tree Planting Program

In 2022, the Village of Forest Park completed a full GIS Tree Inventory and a Forestry Comprehensive Management Plan, which now serve as key tools in guiding future tree planting efforts. The Village is excited to begin implementing these resources, with most new plantings based on Arborist recommendations. The Public Works Department is currently tree requests for the fall season. To see if your location qualifies for a free tree, visit the Village’s GIS tree map “FP Trees.” Black circles with blue pins mark open planting spaces where the Village will provide and plant a tree at no cost, including a watering bag. Residents outside these designated areas may still request a tree but will be responsible for the full cost. To get started, email the Director of Public Works at sstella@forestpark.net to receive the current tree list. Once your location and tree selection are approved, you'll be added to the Fall 2025 planting schedule. Requests that can’t be fulfilled this fall will be considered for a future season based on the order received.

News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

Tick Awareness & Prevention

As summer heats up in Forest Park and residents enjoy the outdoors, the Department of Public Health reminds everyone to be vigilant about ticks. These tiny pests can carry illnesses such as Lyme disease and are commonly found in wooded or grassy areas—including local parks and trails. To protect yourself and your family, use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants when hiking or gardening, and check for ticks after spending time outside. Don’t forget to examine pets as well! If you find a tick, remove it promptly with tweezers and monitor for symptoms like rash or fever. For more information click here.

News from the Fire Department

A generous resident recently allowed our Fire Department to train at their home before it was scheduled for demolition. This rare opportunity provided invaluable, hands-on experience for our firefighters in a real-world setting. The team was able to simulate live fire conditions, practice search and rescue scenarios, ventilate roofs and walls, and refine their tactical response in a way that classroom or staged drills simply can’t replicate. These types of training exercises enhance our preparedness and improve our ability to protect the community when real emergencies arise. Thank you to the homeowner for supporting the safety and readiness of our department.

News from the Police Department

Police Blotter: 06/27/2025 - 07/02/2025

As we head into the 4th of July weekend, the Police Department would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday. With high temperatures expected across the Chicagoland area, we’re reminding all residents to take extra care if you're spending time outdoors. Stay hydrated, limit time in direct sunlight, and check in on elderly neighbors or anyone without access to air conditioning. If you're attending fireworks displays or hosting gatherings, please be mindful of noise ordinances and handle any legal fireworks responsibly. Our officers will be out and about to help keep the community safe. Let’s celebrate safely and look out for one another this holiday weekend.

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 10, Recreation Board, 7pm

July 14, Village Council Meeting, 7pm

July 15, Neighborhood Watch Meeting, 7pm

July 16, Safety & Traffic, 7pm

Environmental Control Commission

July 5 to July 11 events from the Environmental Control Commission

As we celebrate Plastic Free July, here is a fun quiz to help you raise your own awareness of the kinds of plastics that sneak their way into your shopping cart, while also helping us to measure the latest trends. Take the Pesky Plastics Quiz! It’s also a great way to measure your own success during July.

Then check out fun things to do outside this week:

Red, White, & Blue Nature Walk - Free, but registration required.

Take a guided walk to look for our nation’s flag colors in nature.

Sunday, Jul 6

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

10:30 a.m.

Story Trail - Free!

Walk a short, looped trail and listen to “I am Kind” by Erin Stevenson. Grove 7.

Tuesday, July 8

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

10 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 10

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

10 a.m.

Nature Thursdays ‘Frogs and Ponds’ Drop-In - Free!

Learn about the life cycle and fun facts about the native frogs that live in the Forest Preserves and go on a frog and pond critter hunt by scooping our dip nets into Trailside’s pond. Expect to get wet! Nets and other materials provided. 

Thursday, July 10

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

10 a.m.

Bird Painting Step-By-Step: Scarlet Tanager - $5 per person, registration required.

Sketch and paint a Scarlet Tanager on a 9 x 12 canvas. Materials provided and all skill levels welcome. Ages 13 & up. 

Friday, July 11

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

9:30 a.m. to noon

Community News & Events

Made in Forest Park - Business Spotlight

This week’s Made in Forest Park business spotlight is on Espresso Cafe, a cozy and welcoming spot located at 7501 Roosevelt Road, right on the corner of Roosevelt and Beloit. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., it’s the perfect place to grab your morning coffee, a fresh baked treat, or a refreshing iced tea or horchata. “I love stopping there on my way to work because their coffee is out of this world—and so is the horchata! It’s also a great place to meet up with friends,” shared Forest Park resident Paul R. Whether you're on the go or looking for a place to relax, Espresso Cafe offers a little something for everyone. Stop in and support a local gem that’s brewing up more than just great coffee—it’s serving community, one cup at a time.

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.

You Rock! Disability Pride Dance Party / Sunday, July 13 from 3-5 pm

Join the Library, Park District and WSSRA to celebrate Disability Pride Month. Come dance and get happy! Everyone is welcome to this inclusive and joyful dance party with DJ Jodi G and dance instructor Mr. Sidney on the Roos Center court.

Registration required. Participants under 18 must bring an adult caregiver and those of any age who require a caregiver must be accompanied for their well-being. Masks will be available. Light refreshments will be provided. Register here.

Two opportunities to save lives!

Wednesday July 9, 11 am - 4pm. Riveredge Hospital

Friday, July 18, 9 am - 2pm Forest Park Baptist Church

Groov'n in the Grove

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



Proviso Handyman July 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