Big City Access Small Town Charm | | |
Week Ending - August 30, 2025
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!
Joke of the week: What do you call bears without ears?
B.
| News From the Village Administrator's Office | |
Thank you to everyone who attended the Altenheim and Village Council meeting on Monday. It was great to see the council chambers filled with engaged residents who shared valuable comments and feedback for the council to consider. If you were unable to attend, a recording of the meeting is available here. There will be additional opportunities for public input as the council continues to explore the best use of this important property.
The PowerPoint presentation from the Budget Meeting is available for all residents to view. You can access it here and on the village website.
The presentation includes a detailed overview of the proposed budget, major initiatives planned for the upcoming fiscal year, and how public funds will be allocated to support village services and infrastructure. It’s a helpful resource for understanding the priorities and planning efforts that guide our local government. We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to review the information and stay informed about the decisions shaping our community.
Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!
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Rachell Entler
Village Administrator
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Village Council News
5th Annual Community Clean Up!
Help Keep Forest Park Beautiful! Join us for the 5th Annual Forest Park Community Clean-Up on Saturday, September 13, from 9 AM to Noon at the Roos Recreation Center Pavilion (7329 Harrison St). Thank you to our sponsor U3!!!
This is a great opportunity to come together with neighbors, give back to the community, and make a visible difference in our village. All ages are welcome — participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and all volunteers must sign a waiver.
Registration can be found here.
| News from the Village Clerk's Office | |
Proviso Township Property Tax Appeals Now Open
Although Proviso Township was not reassessed this year, residents still have the opportunity to file property tax appeals. The appeal period is now open and will run through October 7.
For more information and resources on how to file an appeal, please click here
Forest Park is hiring!!!
Two new job opportunities are now open:
Explore these roles and see all current openings here.
| News from the Mayor's Office | |
It’s been a busy and exciting week for Mayor Hoskins, filled with events that highlight the vibrant spirit of the community.
Earlier in the week, Mayor Hoskins joined fellow leaders from across the area at the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus End-of-Summer event, held at the iconic Ravinia Festival. It was an opportunity to engage with other mayors, share ideas, and continue building regional partnerships that benefit Forest Park and its neighbors.
As August winds down, back-to-school season is in full swing. Mayor Hoskins was pleased to attend the D91 Family Connection Nights, where he enjoyed speaking with parents, students, and educators. These events are a great reminder of the strong community support behind our local schools and the bright future being shaped by our youngest residents.
Yesterday marked the grand opening of Heal4Wellness, a new wellness center in town offering a holistic approach to health and well-being. Mayor Hoskins was on hand to help cut the ribbon and welcome this unique business to the village. Residents are encouraged to stop by and explore the services they offer—it's a great addition to Forest Park's growing health and wellness community.
And this morning, the Forest Park Fire Department celebrated a proud moment as they welcomed their newest firefighter, Drew Clift, to the team. Mayor Hoskins had the honor of administering the oath and expressed his gratitude for Drew’s commitment to serving and protecting our residents.
| Pictured above Congressman Brad Schneider, Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Executive Director Neil James, Village Administrator Rachell Entler, Mayor Rory Hoskins | | |
News from the Public Works Department
Water Meter Upgrade Project – Starting September 2025 💧
Beginning in September and continuing through December 2025, the Village of Forest Park will replace water meters in all residential, commercial, and industrial buildings as part of a system-wide upgrade.
Many current meters are past their recommended 20-year lifespan. Replacing them will improve water usage accuracy and help make billing more efficient for everyone.
Residents should keep an eye out for a green scheduling postcard in the mail. Once you receive your postcard, call to schedule your appointment. Please wait until your postcard arrives before calling, as replacements are being completed in sections across the Village.
To learn more about the project and what to expect, please watch this informational video.
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News from the Department of Public Health & Safety
West Nile Virus: Important Notice for Village Residents
Even though temperatures have cooled this week, residents are reminded to remain vigilant about West Nile Virus. To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing—including long pants, long sleeves, and shoes with socks—especially from dusk to dawn. Use mosquito repellent containing 25% to 35% DEET, following label instructions carefully, and consult a physician before applying repellent to young children. Please also check and repair any tears in window and door screens, and eliminate standing water in birdbaths, flowerpots, wading pools, tires, and other containers where mosquitoes can breed. Keep gutters free of debris, lawns trimmed, and shrubbery maintained to limit mosquito hiding spots. With recent West Nile activity confirmed in nearby Chicago and Naperville, we ask all residents to help keep Forest Park safe and mosquito-free.
| | News from the Fire Department | | As we head into September and the start of the fall season, the Forest Park Fire Department reminds residents to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed. With cooler weather approaching, many households begin using space heaters and fireplaces—please ensure they are in good working condition and kept clear of flammable materials. It's also a great time to review your family’s fire escape plan. A few simple precautions now can help keep your home and loved ones safe throughout the season. | | News from the Police Department | | |
Police Blotter: 08/22/2025 - 08/28/2025
Fraud Alert from the Forest Park Bank
Fraud Alert: Phone Calls Claiming to Be from Forest Park Bank
Over the last 24 hours, customers have reported receiving fraudulent phone calls that appear to come from Forest Park Bank’s main number (708.222.2800). These calls are not from the Bank or any authorized vendor.
What the scam looks like
Caller ID shows “Forest Park Bank” and our real phone number.
The caller claims there has been fraud on your account.
They ask for your mobile number to send a password reset code.
They request your online banking User ID.
They instruct you to create new login credentials and share them.
Important reminders
Caller ID can be “spoofed” meaning fraudsters can make any number appear.
Forest Park Bank will NEVER ask for your online banking User ID, password, reset codes, or new credentials.
What to do if you receive a suspicious call
Do not share any personal or account information. Hang up immediately. Call us directly at 708.222.2800 or visit the Bank to verify.
If you did share information with a caller, contact us immediately so we can protect your accounts.
Your security is our top priority.
Thank you for remaining vigilant and helping us stop fraudsters in their tracks.
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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.
September 3, Board of Health Meeting, 7pm
September 8, Village Council Meeting, 7pm
September 11, Recreation Board, 7pm
September 16, Neighborhood Watch, 7pm
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Narcan Training at the Library
Thursday, September 4 at 7:30 pm
Join the Forest Park Public Library and the University of IL Extension to learn about opioid use, emerging trends, how to respond to an opioid overdose, and use life-saving nasal naloxone as well as how to use fentanyl test strips.
The University of IL Extension has also partnered with the Cook County Department of Public Health to provide FREE Naloxone and FREE Fentanyl Test Strips to be given out at the end of each program.
More information and registration can be found here.
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September is Suicide Awareness Month — a time to come together, break the stigma, and support mental health for all.
The Suicide Prevention Summit will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. This important event will feature expert speakers, community resources, and powerful conversations to raise awareness and save lives.
Let’s show that every life matters — together, we can make a difference.
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Tour de Proviso! October 4, 2025
Get ready to ride! 🚴♀️ The Sixth Annual Tour de Proviso is happening Saturday, October 4. This free community bike ride promotes health, wellness, and connection across Proviso Township and neighboring villages.
📅 Register by Sunday, Sept. 14 at 11:59 PM to receive your Tour de Proviso shirt and medal.
🔗 Register here: https://www.oak-park.us/Community/Tour-de-Proviso
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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.
| | 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:
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Important Phone Numbers
Police, Fire and Medical Needs
Emergency and Non-Emergency - 911
24/7 Mental Health Crisis Support - 988
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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.
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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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