708-366-2323 - contact@forestpark.net

As residents can see, there is a lot of infrastructure work taking place in the Village as we work to update our aging systems, including efforts to replace water mains and lead service lines. In addition to these ongoing improvements, I want to inform everyone about an upcoming village project set to begin this summer. The Village will start replacing all water meters throughout the community at, which is separate from the Lead Service Line replacement project. This initiative will update critical infrastructure and improve service for residents. The new water meters will feature digital technology to streamline the billing process, allowing residents to access a portal to track water consumption, view bill due dates, and utilize other helpful features. Additionally, these new meters will provide more accurate readings and help reduce water loss. More details will be shared soon, and contractors from PMI will be reaching out to residents with further information about the process. The project is scheduled to begin in early summer and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. For a summary of the ongoing projects, please click here.

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, March 24, 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

Election Day is April 1!

Residents will vote for board members in School Districts 91 and 209, and the Park District of Forest Park. Check your registration status here.

Early Voting Locations (March 17-31):

• Pavek Community Center, 6501 31st St., Berwyn
• Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave.
• Cicero Community Center, 2250 S. 49th Ave.
• Cicero PSO Building, 5410 34th St. (March 24-28 and March 31: open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Maywood Public Library District, 121 S. 5th Ave.
• Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison St.

Voting hours: March 17-22 and 29-31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

March 23 and 30: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On Election Day, vote at your local polling location.

Important Reminder for All Residents!

Vehicle stickers will expire on March 31st. To avoid late fees, make sure to renew your sticker before the deadline. 

You can easily renew online, in person, or by mail—whatever is most convenient for you.

News from the Mayor's Office

The Mayor’s Office has received an update from the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) regarding changes to rail service that will affect Forest Park residents. Starting Sunday, April 20, the CTA will implement a new spring rail schedule aimed at accommodating increased ridership during the spring and summer months. These changes are designed to address higher traffic from special events, tourism, and construction season. The improvements include additional trips on the Blue Line Forest Park Branch—30 extra weekday trips, 17 on Saturdays, and 2 on Sundays. Additionally, trains will run more frequently, with arrivals every 7.5 minutes from 6:30 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, and from 9 p.m. to midnight on Saturdays, down from the current 15-minute intervals. More information can be found here.



News from the Public Works Department

Yard Waste Pickup Resumes April 1

Starting April 1, yard waste pickup will resume on a weekly basis. To ensure proper collection, please follow these guidelines:

• Place your yard waste in a separate container clearly marked "YARD WASTE" or in brown yard waste bags.
• Containers should be positioned next to your regular trash cans for pickup.
• YARD WASTE stickers are available for free at Village Hall. (Please note: stickers are not required for yard waste bags.)

Homeowners are responsible for disposing of all yard waste and leaves. Please do not place any debris in the street, as it can block water flow and cause flooding or obstruction of catch basins.

As spring approaches, heavy rainfall is a concern. The Village’s street sweeper is actively cleaning curb lines to maintain proper water flow into catch basins. Additionally, our Vac truck is out daily to clear catch basins, ensuring effective stormwater management.

Help us keep the streets clean and prevent flooding by properly disposing of your yard waste and avoiding street obstructions.

Thank you for your cooperation!

News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

Measles Outbreak and Vaccination Reminder

As of March 14, 2025, the CDC has reported 301 measles cases across 15 U.S. states, including two deaths—the first measles-related deaths in over a decade. Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe disease, long-term complications, and death. The best protection is the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, which generally offers lifelong immunity.

Residents of Cook County are urged to check their immunization records and ensure they are up to date on the MMR vaccine. Here's what you need to know:

1. Routine Vaccination for Children: The first MMR dose should be given at 12-15 months, with a second dose at 4-6 years. One dose is required for daycare and preschool, and two doses (separated by at least 28 days) are required for K-12 school attendance in Illinois.
2. Check Your Vaccination History: If you're unsure about your vaccination status, you can review your immunization records through the Illinois Vax Verify portal.
3. Consider Your Age: If you were vaccinated before 1968, consult your healthcare provider about a possible revaccination or a blood test to check immunity.

More information can be found here.

News from the Community Center

Hop on Over to the Easter Fun Fair!

The Howard Mohr Community Center is hosting an Easter Fun Fair on Saturday, April 5th, from 11 AM to 1 PM. Join us for a day of family fun with activities, games, and plenty of Easter cheer.

Don't miss out—Call 708-771-7737 for more details and to register

News from the Fire Department

Reminder to Residents: Drug Take-Back Box at Village Hall

Residents are reminded that a convenient drop box is available in the lobby of Village Hall as part of the Cook County Drug Take-Back Program. This is a safe way to dispose of unwanted medications.

Please note the following guidelines:

• No liquids
• No syringes or needles
• No loose medications

For your safety, we urge you to securely seal all medications in a plastic bag before dropping them off.

This initiative helps ensure that unwanted drugs are safely disposed of, preventing misuse and protecting our environment. Thank you for helping us keep our community safe!

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.

Police Blotter: 03/14-03/20/2025

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.



March 24, Village Council Meeting, 7pm

March 26, Environmental Control Commission, 7pm

April 2, Board of Health, 7pm

April 10, Recreation Board, 7pm

Environmental Control Commission

As we welcome Spring, the Environmental Control Commission has gathered a variety of exciting opportunities to help you get outdoors and explore our local environment. From outdoor adventures close to home to learning about our area's rich history and natural surroundings, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for Spring Break ideas, tips on Camping 101, hiking, birding, or other sustainable activities, they’ve done the research and compiled all the ideas for you. All of this is conveniently located in the March document, with links to everything you need to know, making it easy to find all the fun right here in our community!

Community News & Events

48-Hour Film Festival Gala!

Tomorrow! Saturday, March 22 | 7 p.m.

Fearon Hall, 815 Elgin Ave, Forest Park

Last chance for discount tickets. Save $5 by ordering in advance!

After rave reviews of the first two events, don't miss your chance to attend this year’s Gala! Competing teams will create short films in just 48 hours, incorporating a specific line of dialogue, prop, and genre. The Gala is the world premiere of these films, and YOU can vote for the People’s Choice Award!

Join the filmmakers for an insightful Q&A about their films, inspiration, and techniques. Cocktail attire is encouraged, but all are welcome to enjoy the evening. Popcorn, soft drinks, beer, and wine will be available for purchase.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets available at the door or at a special advance price, purchase here.

Forest Park Spring Wine & Art Walk is back!

Explore the unique shops and restaurants on Madison at our Spring Wine & Art Walk. Enjoy a 'taste' of 3 wines at 16 locations, locally prepared small bites and local art.

The cost of $50 per person includes all tastings plus a free bottle of wine of your choice (to be picked up from Famous Liquors within 30 days). Choose from a 12:30 pm or 1:30 pm registration time…then meet us at Forest Park Bank (7348 Madison) on the day of the event where you’ll receive your wine glass and itinerary.  Get your tickets here.

The Wine Walk will be held rain or shine. Tickets are transferable but not refundable. Registration details will be sent to the purchaser’s email two weeks prior to the event.

Hosted by Forest Park Chamber of Commerce and Famous Liquors Forest Park

Teen Internship

The Forest Park Public Library is hiring a teen intern for the summer! This job opportunity is available for teens aged 16-19, or 15 with an Illinois work permit. Please click here for details on how to apply click here.

2025 Summer Job Program – Now Accepting Applications!

The Illinois Secretary of State's office is accepting applications for its third-annual summer job program. Approximately 150 positions are available for college, trade school, graduate school, law students, or graduating high school students who plan to attend college or trade school in the fall.

Positions are available in Secretary of State offices in Chicago, suburbs, Springfield, and downstate locations. College and trade school students will earn $17 per hour, while graduate and law school interns will earn $25 per hour. Roles are available in 25 departments or at a DMV.

To apply click here and submit a resume, application, and cover letter.



Proviso Handyman February 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