708-366-2323 - contact@forestpark.net

As we wrap up Valentine’s Day, I hope everyone enjoys a weekend filled with happiness and warmth and stays cozy this weekend.

I’d like to take a moment to recognize Fire Chief Lindsey Hankus, who has been sharing valuable safety tips and providing a monthly report in our newsletter. Be sure to check out the Fire Department section below for helpful insights and the report.

This week, we’re also introducing a new feature: a summary of the latest police activity in the Village. Please take a look at the PD section for important updates.

A special shoutout is also due to our dedicated Fire Department. Earlier this week, they provided mutual aid in response to a fire in Cicero. Our first responders consistently go above and beyond, braving all conditions to save lives and protect our community.

Thank you to all who serve and keep us safe!

Lead Service Line Replacement Update

As we begin Phase 1 of the lead service line replacement project, I want to inform residents that those who are part of this phase will receive direct communication from the project lead with more details about the process and what to expect. This is an important step in improving the water infrastructure in our Village, and we appreciate your cooperation and patience as we work to make these necessary updates. If you have any questions or concerns about the project, please feel free to contact us at 708-366-2323 or email contact@forestpark.net, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

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, February 24, 2025, at 7pm in the lower level of Village Hall. As always, the public is welcome to join.

News from the Village Clerk's Office

Village Hall will be closed on Monday February 17 in observance of Presidents Day.

Vehicle Sticker Renewal

The Clerk's office has been busy this week mailing out vehicle sticker renewals. Please keep an eye out for yours in the mail. You can conveniently renew your sticker online, in person, or by mail. Be sure to renew by April 1 to avoid any issues. A big thank you to our staff for managing this busy time of year and ensuring everything runs smoothly!

This year, as you purchase your vehicle sticker, please consider supporting a great cause by donating to this year’s charitable option. Your donation will be shared between two amazing organizations: the Forest Park Library (Forest Park Cares Fund), and Empowering Gardens. These organizations are dedicated to giving back to our community. Click here to donate!

News from the Mayor's Office

On Saturday, Mayor Hoskins, Commissioners Voogd, Maxham, and Melin-Rogovin, along with Village Administrator Entler and Clerk Belmonte, attended the West Central Municipal Conference Legislative Breakfast. This event offers a valuable opportunity to engage with numerous elected officials and government contacts in an informal setting. The group spent the morning networking, advocating for the Village's needs, and discussing upcoming projects with fellow officials, including Representative Danny Davis. This event serves as an excellent platform for building relationships and furthering the Village's goals with state and local leadership.

Pictured below: Commissioner Voogd, Commissioner Maxham, Congressman Davis, Mayor Hoskins, Commissioner Melin-Rogovin, Village Administrator Entler, Clerk Belmonte.

News from the Public Works Department

Winter weather is expected again this weekend. Reminder: All village streets have visible snow route signs, typically near street lights. Snow routes are in effect for up to 48 hours after a 2" or greater snowfall. Yield to plow trucks with flashing lights—they are emergency vehicles clearing roads.

Snow clearing hierarchy:

• Main roads
• Secondary roads/side streets
• Alleys
• Parking lots
• Sidewalks (after 3” or greater snowfall)

Cold Weather Tips to avoid frozen water pipes:

• Let water drip from faucets with exposed pipes to prevent freezing.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air around plumbing.
• Set thermostat to the same temperature day and night.
• If traveling, keep heat on (at least 55ºF).
• Shut off outside water.

In 2022, the Village of Forest Park completed a GIS Tree Inventory and a Forestry Comprehensive Management Plan, which will now guide tree planting. Most trees will be based on Arborist recommendations from these resources. The Public Works Department is accepting limited tree requests each season, so act fast. Visit the Village’s GIS tree map FP Trees; black circles with blue pins show open planting spaces. If your location is in these areas, the tree will be planted for free. Otherwise, residents pay the full price. This includes free planting and a watering bag. To request a tree, email the Director of Public Works at sstella@forestpark.net for a tree list. Once approved, you'll be added to the Spring 2025 planting list. Unmet requests will be considered for fall, based on order of submission. Submit requests by March 1, 2025. 

News from the Fire Department

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.

January Fire Department Report

Fire Safety Reminder from FPFD

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and injuries. FPFD urges all residents to stay vigilant while cooking to ensure the safety of your home and loved ones.

News from the Police Department

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

For the latest summary of police activity, click 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.



February 18, Neighborhood Watch Meeting, 7pm

February 19, Safety & Traffic, 7pm

February 24, Village Council Meeting, 7pm

Environmental Control Commission

Don't let February's chilly weather keep you indoors! The ECC found some exciting local events to help you connect with nature—no matter the temperature. Check out the details below and be sure to register in advance where required.

Nature Book Club: “If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal” by J. Gregg

Enjoy discussing this often-humorous book comparing human versus animal thought and intelligence.

Thursday, Feb. 20

Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd, Forest Park

7 p.m.

Toddler Exploration Time - registration required

Children and their caregivers will be delighted with stories, lessons, and hands-on crafts led by our Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory education volunteers. (Ages 18 mos-5 yrs)

Friday, Feb. 21

Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park

10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

Winter Bird Walk - registration required

A casual bird walk to observe our resident birds and their behavior. All birding levels welcome! Binoculars available.

Saturday, Feb. 22

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

8 a.m.

Seed Swap - registration required

Join the Forest Park Garden Club for a seed swap. Bring seeds and take seeds to start your garden this spring. It is not required to bring seeds to swap to participate. 

Sunday, Feb. 23

Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd, Forest Park

2 to 4 p.m.

Community News & Events

Tri-Star Gymnastics Black History Exhibit

Forest Park Arts Alliance 48-Hour Film Challenge

The Arts Alliance will be hosting its third annual 48-Hour Film Challenge. Filming will take place the weekend of March 7-9, with the screening scheduled for March 22. Be sure to register before February 28, and tickets will be available online after March 1.

Join the Library for a series of events celebrating Black History Month

Babybugs Storytime Celebrates Black Voices

Fridays in February at 11 am

The Blues: The History & the Music

Sunday, February 16 at 2 pm

Edmonia Lewis & The Death of Cleopatra: Uncovering the Forest Park Connection

Wednesday, February 19 at 7 pm

Art & Flo

Thursday, February 27 at 7pm

More info and registration can be found here.



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