708-366-2323 - contact@forestpark.net

As your Village Administrator, one of my key responsibilities is to listen to our residents, and I want to thank everyone who attended the recent Leaf Pick-Up Townhall. I’d like to clarify that the current program will remain unchanged for now; however, we are exploring ways to reduce costs for the Village and provide environmentally friendly options for residents. I appreciate the contributions from Commissioner Melin-Rogovin, our Public Works Department, and members of the ECC Board, who facilitated our discussion. Thank you to all the residents who shared their experiences and insights about how helpful the current program is. For those who couldn’t attend, a recording of the meeting is available here.

A few important reminders: leaf pick-up begins October 1 and runs until early December. Residents have several options for disposal—leaves can be bagged in brown yard waste bags or placed in 32-gallon cans marked for yard waste. The fees residents pay to Republic Services include unlimited yard waste pick-up. When leaves are swept into the streets, our Public Works Department follows a schedule to collect them, but this service can strain resources, pose risks to our sewer systems, and impact the environment.

To help, please consider bagging leaves instead of sweeping them into the streets or mulching them with a lawnmower to leave on your property. You can also reach out to the ECC for composting ideas. Even small changes can enhance our sustainability efforts. We look forward to continuing this important conversation and hosting another environmental town hall in the spring.

Rachell Entler

Village Administrator

Village Council News

Village Council Meeting Information

The next meeting of the Forest Park Village Council will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 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.

September 23, 2024 Village Council Meeting Recap

The Village Council approved the following at the 09/23/24 Village Council Meeting:

• The Village will begin exploring options for the relocation and replacement of the Jackson Blvd Water Reservoir and Pumping Station. A Feasibility study will be conducted by Burke Engineering
• Bolder Contractors was awarded the contract for the 2024 Ferdinand Avenue Watermain and Storm Sewer Replacement and Resurfacing Project
• A Request for Qualifications will go out regarding the Water Meter Upgrade Project
• Payments were approved to J. Nardulli Concrete, Inc and Emerald Site Services, LLC for projects completed in the Village.
• Changes were made to the ordinance related to the Safety & Traffic Commission. The changes will allow the Commission to work more closely with Village Staff on pedestrian, bicycle and traffic issues
• Forest Park resident, Stanley Brown was appointed to the Rec Board
• Senior trip contracts and Salvation Army solicitation were approved
• A proclamation for Disability Employment Awareness Month was made

News from the Village Clerk's Office

Village Hall will be closed on Monday October 14

Voter Information

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Voter information on registration status, where to early vote, ballot status, click here.

How to request a mail ballot or get more information on mail ballot. Click here.

Where can I register? Click here.

Where and when can I vote early. Click here.

Where can I find information about voter accessibility and assistance? Click here.

Where can I find information for Cook County residents who are military and are stationed out of state? Click here.

Where can I find election results? Click here.

News from the Mayor's Office

Strong Cities Workshop

Last week, I had the privilege of attending a workshop in Columbus, Ohio, with mayors from around the globe. This gathering served as a vital platform to discuss pressing challenges facing our communities, such as the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, migration issues, and the plight of the unhoused. Through the Strong Cities Network, we exchanged valuable resources and strategies, united by a shared commitment to fostering social cohesion. I was honored to serve on a panel, facilitating a discussion with fellow elected officials on how towns can combat misinformation, address extremist groups targeting vulnerable populations, and engage communities during times of heightened conflict. While navigating these crises is never straightforward, it is inspiring to witness mayors collaborating to safeguard the human rights and well-being of all residents.

News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging the public to get educated about how to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses by listening to a new edition of the Department’s “This is Public Health” Podcast. The discussion features the state’s chief medical officer and the state epidemiologist discussing the outlook for the coming respiratory virus season, the efficacy of vaccines, and prevention measures.

The FDA and CDC have approved new vaccines for this fall for COVID-19, flu and RSV. The new Covid vaccines and the new flu shots are recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months. The RSV vaccine is recommended for everyone 75 years and older, however, if you got an RSV shot last winter, you do not need another at this time, according to CDC guidance. Those in the late stages of pregnancy are advised to get the RSV immunization is designed to protect newborns.

News from the Public Works Department

POSTPONED

Madison Street Closure during Railroad Track Construction

Now Starting October 14

Canadian National (CN) Railroad will temporarily close their track structure on Madison Street, just east of Forest Avenue. The entire track structure will be replaced, and a new rubber crossing surface will be installed. Track construction is now scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, October 14. Sections of Madison Street will be closed for the duration of the project. Traffic will be detoured onto Lake Street using 1st Avenue to the west, and Harlem Avenue to the east during the construction period. Road closure signage will be changed to reflect the new schedule. 

 News from the Community Center

Cindy Lyons Health Fair

October 30th 10 am - 1pm

The annual Cindy Lyons Health Fair, which offers a variety of free screenings, exams and other services, will be held Wednesday, October 30th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Howard Mohr Community Center.

Residents of Forest Park may also receive free vaccinations against seasonal influenza and covid boosters.

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.

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

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

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

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.

October 2, Board of Health, 7pm

October 10, Recreation Board, 7pm

October 15, Village Council Meeting 7pm

October 15, Neighborhood Watch Meeting, 7pm (at Mohr Community Center)

October 17, Safety & Traffic Commission, 7pm

October 21, Planning & Zoning, 7pm

Environmental Control Commission

Sustainability Fair!

The Forest Park Public Library and the Forest Park Environmental Control Commission present the Forest Park Sustainability Fair tomorrow Saturday, September 28 from 2-4pm.

Stop by the Library for this all-ages fest that helps you explore how to live more sustainability. Great for all ages! 

• Eco-crafts fun for the whole family
• Recycling opportunities: batteries and electronics will be collected during the event to recycle. 
• Bring an item to get fixed with the Oak Park DIY Repair Cafe
• Worm composting with Empowering Gardens
• Learn about the Inflation Reduction Act and how it can help you with the Citizens Utility Board
• Learn how to compost, saving energy, and more in Forest Park
• Seed bombs from Scouts America
• Tasting from Happy Apple Pie Shop
• TMuseum of Science and Industry Curiosity Station
• Chance to win a computer or buy a reduced-price computer.

Sign up here.

ECC September Newsletter

Purchase a Computer at a Reduced Cost

On Saturday, September 28, the Forest Park Public Library will be hosting the nonprofit social enterprise PCs for People at the Sustainability Fair.

Eligible community members can purchase a low-cost computer through PCs for People throughout the month of September and pick them up at the Sustainability Fair or have them shipped to a home address.

Community members are eligible if they are enrolled in a government assistance program such as SNAP, Medicaid, Pell Grant, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension Benefit Program etc., or have a household income that is less than 60% of the area median income. (See the flyer more information on household income levels).

Computers cost between $100-150. Models vary.

See details and sign up click here.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The PZC meets as needed on the third Monday of the month at 7pm in the Lower Level of Village Hall.

Community News & Events

Support Local Businesses and Help the Forest Park Food Pantry!

Join us on Saturday, October 5th, from 11 AM to 4 PM for the Shop Small Crawl! It’s a perfect opportunity to discover amazing deals, savor delicious food, and enjoy refreshing drinks—all while giving back to our community.

How It Works:

1. Buy a $5 tickets here. All proceeds from ticket sales go to Forest Park Food Pantry.

2. Be one of the first 50 to check in & get a $10 gift card to use while shopping & dining

3. Visit participating businesses & 'fill' your Bingo card with stickers provided by merchant

4. Get at least one 'Bingo', then return your card to be entered to win the grand prize ($400 value) & other prizes. Event check in (11am to 4 pm): Twisted Cookie (7401 Madison). 

Thank you to our sponsors Scratch Public House and Shanahan's.

Forest Park Theater presents The Misanthrope

The Misanthrope is a scintillating comedy of hypocrisy, lying, shallowness, and self-righteousness that remains as relevant today as it was when it was written in the 17th century. Richard Wilbur’s translation of Moliere’s story of Alceste, a man whose conscience and sincerity are too rigorous for his time, is considered one of the towering achievements of 20th-century poetry. Satirical, hilarious and romantic, The Misanthrope is the perfect play for the election season. More information and tickets can be found here.

Veterans Resource Fair, Sunday September 29

The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs (CCVA) is pleased to announce the return of its annual veterans' resource fair at the Brookfield Zoo. In addition to providing a space for military community members to connect with veteran service organizations, CCVA is honoring Cook County’s Gold Star mothers and families at this year's event. The fair will be held from 1:30 pm - 5pm at the Brookfield Zoo. More information can be found here.

Proviso Handyman August 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. More information can be found here.

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

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