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Week Ending - December 14, 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!


We want to hear from you and keep all residents informed about the latest news and events in Forest Park. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, don’t hesitate to reach out via email at contact@forestpark.net or call us at 708-366-2323. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for real-time updates and community highlights!


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

It’s been a busy but festive week! Last Friday, we kicked off the holiday season with the Holiday Walk. Despite the chilly weather, it was wonderful to see so many people out celebrating. Santa and Mrs. Claus made a grand entrance at Constitution Court on a fire truck, while everyone warmed up with hot cocoa. The horse-drawn carriage rides were a big hit, with so many smiling faces along the way. A huge thank you to the Chamber for hosting another fantastic event!

Also, a big thank you to everyone who participated in or donated to the Mayor’s Toy Drive. We had a great turnout, and the elves at the Community Center are busy preparing gifts for many local families. Your generosity is truly appreciated and makes this season a little brighter for all.

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, December 16, 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

Santa Claus is gearing up to return to Forest Park, and once again, he and his reindeer are letting the CTA do the driving! The CTA is thrilled to announce the upcoming service schedule for the 2024 Allstate CTA Holiday Fleet. The brightly decorated train and bus will be transporting Santa and his elves throughout the Windy City, spreading holiday cheer to passengers of all ages. It’s sure to be a festive and joyful ride for everyone! Click here for Santa photo information. And here for holiday train.

News from the Mayor's Office

Thank you to everyone who attended the Mayor's Community Toy Drive! It was truly a wonderful time at Robert’s, with the Forest Park community coming together to ensure everyone has a special holiday season. The event highlighted the spirit of giving and the strength of our community. We are also grateful for Forest Park's vibrant mix of shopping and dining options, which make it a perfect place to celebrate the season. Whether you were picking out a gift or enjoying a meal, it was a great reminder of what makes our town so special. Happy Holidays to all!


News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

When temperatures in Cook County are expected to dip to unsafe levels, the County's Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security provides an updated list of warming centers for residents to protect themselves and their families. 

Residents should also keep the following tips in mind through the cold winter months:

  • Never use your oven for heat.
  • Never bring charcoal or gas grills indoors (they are a carbon monoxide hazard).
  • Make sure all portable heaters are unplugged when not in use.
  • Use electric space heaters with extreme caution – avoid placing them near curtains or other flammable materials and turn them off before going to bed.
  • Keep heat at adequate levels or leave faucets open with a slight drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Keep moving. Your body generates its own heat when you engage in physical activities.


News from the Public Works Department


As the snow season begins, we ask for your cooperation in assisting the Public Works Department with snow removal efforts by obeying the snow route signs posted throughout the village. These signs are typically located on the same side as the street lights and indicate snow routes, which are in effect up to 48 hours after a snow event of 2 inches or more. Please yield to plow trucks with flashing lights, as they are emergency vehicles working to clear the roads and make them safe for travel. The snow clearing hierarchy is as follows:

  • Main roads
  • Secondary roads/side streets
  • Alleys
  • Parking lots
  • Sidewalks (after a 3-inch or greater snow event)


In addition, when temperatures drop below freezing for extended periods or during extreme cold snaps, it’s important to take steps to avoid frozen water pipes inside your home or business:

  • Let water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes. Even a small trickle can help prevent freezing by keeping the water temperature above freezing.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to store harmful cleaners and chemicals out of children's reach.
  • Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and night. While this may result in a higher heating bill, it can prevent the more costly damage of burst pipes.
  • If you are leaving for an extended period during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home or business at no less than 55ºF.
  • Shut off outside water to avoid freezing pipes.


Your attention to these measures will help ensure a safer winter season for everyone.


News from the Fire Department

Fill the Truck Food Drive - now through December 24th!


Forest Park Firefighters Local 2753 is collecting food donations to restock the Village’s Food Pantry which is housed at the Howard Mohr Community Center. The Food Pantry provides food all year long to residents in need.

Donations are being collected at the Firehouse. No donation is too small, and every donation is very much appreciated!


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.

News from the Police Department

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.



December 16, Village Council Meeting, 7pm

December 17, Neighborhood Watch Meeting, 7pm

Environmental Control Commission


More than just Christmas

This December, Forest Parkers celebrate several meaningful holidays. Hanukkah coincides with Christmas night this year, offering a unique opportunity for combined festivities. Looking for ways to make the celebration more sustainable? Check out our ideas for an eco-friendlier Hanukkah.

Kwanzaa, which begins on December 26, is a beautiful celebration of African American culture and community. Featuring the vibrant colors of red, black, and green, the holiday is marked by special decorations and candles. This year, add a touch of sustainability with eco-friendly activities that will help make the green even brighter. Find more ideas for incorporating sustainability into your Kwanzaa celebrations in Emphasizing the Green in Kwanzaa.

Community News & Events

Wall of Renown Nominations!


The Historical Society of Forest Park is updating its Wall of Renown in the lower level of Village Hall for the first time since 1998. Established in 1984, the Wall of Renown honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and success of the village. The display features photographs and brief biographies of Forest Park residents who have dedicated their time and talent to the community. This long-awaited update will continue to celebrate those whose efforts have helped shape Forest Park into the thriving village it is today, bringing renewed attention to the remarkable individuals that have enriched its history. Nomination form will be open until the end of 2024, The HSFP executive board will vote on nominees. Nomination form here.

Thank you to Public Works for helping us with this project. We appreciate your work! 


Proviso Handyman December 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

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517 Des Plaines Avenue

Forest Park, Illinois 60130

Telephone: 708-366-2323

E-mail: contact@forestpark.net

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