The official page for the Village of Forest Park, Illinois.
Operating as usual
01/05/2023
It’s back! The Forest Park Police Department is now accepting applications to the 2023 Citizens’ Police Academy!
Come and meet the men and women of the Forest Park Police Department and learn about a variety of law enforcement-related topics.
🚔Day: Thursdays
🚔Dates: January 12 - March 16, 2023.
🚔Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
🚔Where: Village of Forest Park, Lower Level of Village Hall
Spots are limited. Applications are due by January 6th.
The TV show Chicago Fire will be filming in Forest Park! Parking restrictions will be in place on Madison Street and along several side streets from Circle Ave to Harlem Ave on January 4th and January 5th. There will also be intermittent street closures on Thursday morning between 7 am and 10 am.
Please pay attention to the “No Parking” signs and street closures while driving in the area.
01/03/2023
Stay up-to-date with what is happening in Forest Park!
Sign up for the Forest Park Weekly Newsletter and get a copy right in your inbox every Friday! You can also visit our website under the "Village" tab to read past newsletters!
The Village wishes you, your loved ones, and your family health and happiness in 2023!
We are excited to serve you all in this new year and will reopen on Tuesday, January 3.
12/29/2022
Village Offices will be closed the following days in observance of the New Year holiday:
🎉Friday, December 30: closing at 2 pm
🎉Monday, January 2: closed
12/26/2022
Stay up-to-date with what is happening in Forest Park!
Sign up for the Forest Park Weekly Newsletter and get a copy right in your inbox every Friday! You can also visit our website under the "Village" tab to read past newsletters!
On most streets, snow routes signs can be found on the street lamps. Please do not park in the snow routes. If you must park on the street, parking is allowed on the opposite side of the snow route.
Snow routes are in effect when there is 2” of snow or more (this includes drifting snow). snow routes will continue to in in effect until at least 48 hours after the snow storm has ended in order to allow our Public Works crew to safely clear the streets.
Cars parked in the snow routes can be ticketed and towed. Please help us spread the word by sharing this info with friends and neighbors in Forest Park.
Thank you!
12/23/2022
To accommodate guests who may be visiting over the Winter Holidays, the overnight parking restrictions will be suspended beginning at 5 am on Friday, December 23, 2022, through 5 am on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. The next time to request an overnight parking pass is after 8 pm on Tuesday, January 3rd for overnight parking 2 am-5 am on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.
As a reminder, in the event of 2" or more of snow, the snow routes will be in effect. To avoid being ticketed or towed, remember to follow the snow route guidelines found in the Public Works section of this newsletter.
12/22/2022
Village Offices will be closed the following days in observance of the Christmas holiday:
🎄Friday, December 23: closing at 2 pm
🎄Monday, December 26: closed
12/21/2022
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for our area from Thursday (12/22) through Saturday (12/24). Blizzard conditions and wind gusts as high as 55mph are possible. Falling and blowing snow may result in white-out conditions with zero visibility at times, making travel extremely difficult, if not impossible. Power outages will also be possible as a result of strong damaging wind gusts to 55mph.
Snow Routes: On-street parking of vehicles during snowfall events of 2” or greater is only allowed on the side of the street opposite posted Snow Route signs (generally, the side opposite streetlights). Snow Routes will be in effect for 48 hours following the completion of snow/ice removal activities by Village staff.
Please note: Public Works may need several days to clear the snow. We ask for your patience during this time as our staff works through the holiday weekend to plow the streets.
We do ask for your assistance in clearing out snow on sidewalks adjacent to your home/building as well as the alleyways if possible. Public Works will continue to plow the alleys and sidewalks, when necessary, but it may take a few extra days to do so. Any assistance residents can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Salting of Alleyways/Sidewalks: Please take notice that Village staff does not salt alleyways or sidewalks during snow/ice removal events. Salt is corrosive to concrete/cement surfaces and lessens the life and integrity of such surfaces. Salt is only applied to asphalt roads/surfaces that require snow/ice removal by Village staff.
To help our Police and Fire Departments, as well as, our Public Works Department, please do not drive in the upcoming weather conditions unless extremely necessary.
12/21/2022
Important Garbage Pick-Up Information
The Village of Forest Park was informed by Republic Services that garbage pick-up will begin at 5 am on Thursday, December 22.
This is due to the winter storm headed our way that is expected to affect our area beginning Thursday afternoon.
Please be sure to place trash and recycling carts out for pick up on Wednesday evening.
12/20/2022
It’s back! The Forest Park Police Department is now accepting applications to the 2023 Citizens’ Police Academy!
Come and meet the men and women of the Forest Park Police Department and learn about a variety of law enforcement-related topics.
🚔Day: Thursdays
🚔Dates: January 12 - March 16, 2023.
🚔Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
🚔Where: Village of Forest Park, Lower Level of Village Hall
Spots are limited. Applications are due by January 6th.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for our area from Thursday (12/22) through Saturday (12/24). Blizzard conditions and wind gusts as high as 55mph are possible. Falling and blowing snow may result in white-out conditions with zero visibility at times, making travel extremely difficult, if not impossible. Power outages will also be possible as a result of strong damaging wind gusts to 55mph.
Snow Routes: On-street parking of vehicles during snowfall events of 2” or greater is only allowed on the side of the street opposite posted Snow Route signs (generally, the side opposite streetlights). Snow Routes will be in effect for 48 hours following the completion of snow/ice removal activities by Village staff.
Please note: Public Works may need several days to clear the snow. We ask for your patience during this time as our staff works through the holiday weekend to plow the streets.
We do ask for your assistance in clearing out snow on sidewalks adjacent to your home/building as well as the alleyways if possible. Public Works will continue to plow the alleys and sidewalks, when necessary, but it may take a few extra days to do so. Any assistance residents can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Salting of Alleyways/Sidewalks: Please take notice that Village staff does not salt alleyways or sidewalks during snow/ice removal events. Salt is corrosive to concrete/cement surfaces and lessens the life and integrity of such surfaces. Salt is only applied to asphalt roads/surfaces that require snow/ice removal by Village staff.
To help our Police and Fire Departments, as well as, our Public Works Department, please do not drive in the upcoming weather conditions unless extremely necessary.
12/19/2022
Need some assistance with your second installment property Tax bill? Attend this Zoom Webinar hosted by Cook County Assessor's Office
Don't forget: Second installment property tax bills are now online at the Treasurer’s website. www.cookcountytreasurer.com
The Village of Forest Park will hold a Menorah lighting ceremony on Sunday, December 18th at 4 pm. The ceremony will take place at Constitution Court (Madison Street and Thomas Ave).
All are welcome to Join Mayor Hoskins and the Village of Forest Park in the celebration of Chanukah, the first day of Hanukkah, and the Festival of Lights.
12/17/2022
Many Forest Park residents have started their online holiday shopping. The increase in online shopping means an increase in packages being delivered to your homes. This also translates to an increase in package thefts.
Please take steps to prevent package theft in Forest Park by following the tips listed in the infographics. Help others out by sharing this post!
12/15/2022
The Village of Forest Park will hold a Menorah lighting ceremony on Sunday, December 18th at 4 pm. The ceremony will take place at Constitution Court (Madison Street and Thomas Ave).
All are welcome to Join Mayor Hoskins and the Village of Forest Park in the celebration of Chanukah, the first day of Hanukkah, and the Festival of Lights.
12/10/2022
Many Forest Park residents have started their online holiday shopping. The increase in online shopping means an increase in packages being delivered to your homes. This also translates to an increase in package thefts.
Please take steps to prevent package theft in Forest Park by following the tips listed in the infographics. Help others out by sharing this post!
12/08/2022
The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners of the Village of Forest Park, Illinois is accepting applications for the position of firefighter/paramedic with the Forest Park Fire Department.
To apply for this position or obtain additional information, please visit the following website:https://www.forestpark.net/dfp/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022-Fire-Department-Job-Ad.pdf
12/07/2022
Don't forget that our annual Mayor Hoskins' Community Toy Drive is happening tonight!
🎁Tonight, December 7th
🎁6 pm-9 pm
🎁Shanahan's at 7353 Madison Street
Complimentary appetizers and soda. Cash Bar. Split the Pot. Please bring an unwrapped toy or gift card.
Toys and gift cards will be given to families and children in need within the Forest Park community.
12/03/2022
Please join the Village of Forest Park, this coming Wednesday, for our annual Mayor Hoskins' Community Toy Drive.
🎁Wednesday, December 7th
🎁6 pm-9 pm
🎁Shanahan's at 7353 Madison Street
Complimentary appetizers and soda. Cash Bar. Split the Pot. Please bring an unwrapped toy or gift card.
Toys and gift cards will be given to families and children in need within the Forest Park community.
12/02/2022
Many Forest Park residents have started their online holiday shopping. The increase in online shopping means an increase in packages being delivered to your homes. This also translates to an increase in package thefts.
Please take steps to prevent package theft in Forest Park by following the tips listed in the infographics. Help others out by sharing this post!
12/02/2022
It’s back! The Forest Park Police Department is now accepting applications to the 2023 Citizens’ Police Academy!
Come and meet the men and women of the Forest Park Police Department and learn about a variety of law enforcement-related topics.
🚔Day: Thursdays
🚔Dates: January 12 - March 16, 2023.
🚔Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
🚔Where: Village of Forest Park, Lower Level of Village Hall
Spots are limited. Applications are due by January 6th.
The Forest Park Fire Department is hiring! Click on the link for more information including how to apply:https://www.forestpark.net/dfp/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022-Fire-Department-Job-Ad.pdf
11/29/2022
Today people are coming together for a special global day of generosity called . In Forest Park, the Food Pantry provides food, household supplies, and support to residents in need.
please help us continue to provide assistance during the holiday season by making a monetary donation to the Forest Park Food Pantry.
Online donations can be made at CivicPay Online - Municipal Payment Collection (link below). Click “Donations”, and enter a donation amount. Please provide your name and address in the memo field on the payment page.
Checks should be made payable to the “Forest Park Food Pantry” and sent to:
Forest Park Food Pantry
Howard Mohr Community Center
7640 Jackson Blvd
Forest Park, IL 60130
The Forest Park Food Pantry accepts donations all year long. Food and supply donations can also be dropped off at the above address or in the collection basket located at Ed’s Way.
Thank you for helping the Village of Forest Park make a difference in the lives of our residents.
The Village of Forest Park offers an opportunity for residents to dispose of leaves during the fall season at no added cost. Leaves should be raked curbside into the street gutters and will later be removed by the Village's Public Works Department.
The Public Works Department Leaf Removal Program spans from October 1 – December 1 of each year. The leaf pick-up schedule follows the street sweeper's daily schedule, which is available at the link below. Residents shall rake their leaves curbside a day before their scheduled pickup day. No grass clippings, bags, or tree limbs are allowed. Contractors illegally dumping leaves (from other sites) will be cited. Residents are also encouraged to bag their leaves and place them by their trash receptacles. Unlimited yard waste removal is included during spring, summer, and fall, in the Village’s refuse contract.
Stay up-to-date with what is happening in Forest Park!
Sign up for the Forest Park Weekly Newsletter and get a copy right in your inbox every Friday! You can also visit our website under the "Village" tab to read past newsletters!
As families and friends gather today, the Village of Forest Park wishes everyone a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving!🦃
Just a reminder that we will be closed today and tomorrow with us re-opening on Monday, November 28 at 8 am.
11/23/2022
In an effort to accommodate guests who may be visiting over the Thanksgiving Holiday, the overnight parking restrictions have been suspended (starting at 5 am today) through 5 am on Sunday, November 27, 2022.
The next time to request an overnight parking pass is after 8 pm on Sunday, November 27th for overnight parking 2 am-5 am on Monday, November 28.
11/21/2022
In observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday, Village Offices will be closed during the following hours:
🦃Wednesday, November 23rd- Village Offices will close at 2 pm
🦃Thursday, November 24th- Village Offices will be closed
🦃Friday, November 25th- Village Offices will be closed
We will re-open at 8 am on Monday, November 28.
11/21/2022
Please join the Village of Forest Park for our annual Mayor Hoskins' Community Toy Drive.
🎁Wednesday, December 7th
🎁6 pm-9 pm
🎁Shanahan's at 7353 Madison Street
Complimentary appetizers and soda. Cash Bar. Split the Pot. Please bring an unwrapped toy or gift card.
Toys and gift cards will be given to families and children in need within the Forest Park community.
11/20/2022
In an effort to accommodate guests who may be visiting over the Thanksgiving Holiday, the overnight parking restrictions will be suspended beginning at 5 am on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, through 5 am on Sunday, November 27, 2022.
The next time to request an overnight parking pass is after 8 pm on Sunday, November 27th for overnight parking 2 am-5 am on Monday, November 28.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Village of Forest Park posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Contact The Business
Send a message to Village of Forest Park:
Videos
A message from Mayor Hoskins about the recent shootings in Forest Park. The police department has determined that all three shootings arose from the same particular dispute.
If you have camera footage of any of the incidents please make it available to the Forest Park Police by calling 708-366-2425. Stay safe out there.
Holiday walk
Today is the day! Join Explore Forest Park on their annual Holiday Walk!
The event will go on from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Don't miss Santa and Mrs. Claus at 6:00 pm at the Constitution Court to light the tree! See you at Madison Street.
Veterans Day
We want to thank all of the Veterans for their service and sacrifices! The Village of Forest Park will be closed today in honor of Veterans Day.
Happy Veterans Day. You make us believe in heroes!
Message from Mayor Hoskins regarding recent crime incidents in the Village of Forest Park.
02/01 Planning Commission Meeting
Important PSA from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas. Go to https://www.cookcountytreasurer.com/ to see if you are owed money due to double payment or unapplied for exemptions.
Important PSA from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas. Go to https://www.cookcountytreasurer.com/ to see if you are owed money due to double payment or unapplied for exemptions.
Important PSA from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.
Go to https://www.cookcountytreasurer.com/ to see if you are owed money due to double payment or unapplied for exemptions.
Village of Forest Park Town Hall
Forest Park Village Update 6/3/2020 | Mayor Hoskins
A message from Mayor Hoskins
May 31st Village Update | Mayor Hoskins
An important update from Mayor Hoskins.
Forest Park, IL May 2020 State of the Village
We wanted to take the time to update you on our response to COVID-19 and what we're doing to ensure the safety of our community.
Located approximately 10 miles west from Chicago’s downtown loop area, Forest Park, Illinois, combines the unlimited resources of an urban setting with a small town sense of community, making it an exceptional place in which to live, work and do business.
Forest Park boasts first class dining at any number of fine eateries and pubs, and plays host to a variety of regionally attended events every year. Having been crowned "The best in neighborhood dining" according to a Chicago Tribune readers poll, and with a variety restaurants to choose from, the culinary community of Forest Park offers something for everyone.
Quality education, affordable homes and a close-knit, active community also make Forest Park the perfect place to raise a family.
Our unique combination of charming small-town life and urban sophistication benefits large and small businesses alike.
Getting here is easy; the Metra, CTA Elevated Trains (both the Green and Blue lines) and the Eisenhower Expressway can be accessed in town.
We welcome you to our community. Come for a visit, stay for awhile. Forest Park…the best of both worlds: big city access with small town charm.
ComEd launched its Future of Energy program, which will provide up to $250,000 in scholarships for women and minorities pursuing STEM degrees in college. Today through March 28, 2022, students in Illinois can apply for the scholarship program, which will provide financial assistance awards of up to $10,000 and a chance to intern with ComEd.
The Exelon Foundation is excited to announce that applications for the 5th annual summer Exelon Foundation STEM Leadership Academy are now open! The 2022 Exelon STEM Leadership Academy is a free, week - long, residential program for 10th and 11th grade girls interested in STEM and gives them the opportunity to learn from women working in STEM and other leaders.
Today we celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women across the world. In honor of International Women’s Day, The Village of Forest Park honors the women leaders who are currently helping to shape our community. While we have listed several prominent women, we invite you to share with us and tag some women who have had an impact in the Village of Forest Park.
Jessica Voogd- Commissioner, Village of Forest Park
Maria Maxham- Commissioner, Village of Forest Park
Leticia Olmsted, Finance Director, Village of Forest Park
Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park
Karen Dylewski- Director, Howard Mohr Community Center
Pilar Shaker- Director, Forest Park Public Library
Cathleen McDermott- Commissioner, Park District of Forest Park
Kristen Lyons- Commissioner, Park District of Forest Park
Jackie Iovinelli- Director, Park District of Forest Park
Kyra Tyler- District 91 School Board
Shannon Wood- District 91 School Board
Kathryn Valleau- District 91 School Board
Monique Cotton-Yancy- District 91 School Board
L’erin Cross- District 91 School Board
Dr. Elizabeth Alvarez- District 91 Superintendent
Claudia Medina- Proviso District 209 Board
Laurie Kokenes- Director, Forest Park Chamber of Commerce
This St. Patrick’s Day, a designated driver is your lucky charm.
As we head into St. Patrick’s Day weekend, the Forest Park Police Department is reminding motorists that they will be out in full force to keep our roads safe while the green beer flows.
“This St. Patrick’s Day, make your own luck by designating a sober driver,” said Chief Ken Gross. “If you’ll be drinking, planning ahead is the best way to ensure you and your friends make it home safely.”
In addition to looking for alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers, the Forest Park Police Department will be stepping up seat-belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat-belt usage rates are lowest. Speeding, distracted driving and other traffic laws will also be strictly enforced.
The campaign runs March 11-18.
While designating a sober driver is the simplest way to avoid a tragic crash or DUI arrest, here are some additional tips to help you keep yourself and others safe:
• If a friend is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them get home safely.
• Buckle up. It’s your best defense in the event of a crash.
• Remember, pedestrians are at risk, too. If you’re walking, keep an eye out for cars. If you’re driving, remain alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs.
The St. Patrick’s Day enforcement effort is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Looking to learn more about property tax and the appeal process? Join Commissioner Larry R. Rogers Jr. and other specialists for a zoom event on March 8th at 6:30 PM. For more information, see flyer below.
Sarah’s Inn is excited to announce its 2nd Annual Youth Voice Award! The organization is inviting all local high school students (ages 14-18) to write, sing, dance, or create a work of art to share their voice to end the cycle of relationship violence in their community.
On Saturday, March 5th at 1pm, the annual St. Patrick Day’s Parade returns to downtown Forest Park! The Chamber of Commerce will hold the parade on Madison Street from Van Buren Street to Harlem Avenue. Madison Street will be shut down to traffic from 11:30am-4:00pm.
Traffic around Madison Street will be rerouted during this time. Please be alert to traffic changes and pedestrians attending the parade. We look forward to this annual celebration returning to Forest Park
Housing Forward is opening an emergency overnight shelter to supplement warming center options in the community. The shelter will be open 7pm-8am Tuesday through Thursday during March and April. The attached flyer includes all the details for the month of March. Please share with your networks or anyone that you know who may need to take advantage of an emergency overnight shelter.
The Village of Forest Park has immediate openings for its before and after school programs. Part-time hours are M-F 2-6 p.m. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a driver’s license and also must pass drug screening and background checks. $12.00 per hour.
Applicants may apply in-person at the Howard Mohr Community Center, 7640 Jackson Boulevard, Forest Park, IL 60130. For more information, please contact 708-771-7737. Employment applications are available to download by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3JOUmuR
What better way to celebrate National Pizza Day on February 9th than with a ribbon cutting at Fiore Pizzeria & Bakery! Mayor Hoskins, along with Commissioners Ryan Nero and Maria Maxham helped welcomed the newly opened Fiore to Madison Street. Be sure to check out their menu for delicious pizza, pasta and much more!
How does a street sweeper work? Our friends from OPRF wondered the same thing, so they took a field trip to visit with Public Works Director Sal Stella to find out! Director Stella showed them the various trucks used by his department along with the attachments used to plow and salt the streets. Students saw demos of the wood chipper and learned how the street sweeper works to keep our streets clean at night.
Welcome to the last weekend of February and the latest edition of the Village of Forest Park's e-newsletter, bringing you the latest news, events, and resources in and around Forest Park.
In this week's edition, please find community notices for upcoming events, tax preparation services, job opportunities, scholarship opportunities, and more!
As a reminder, bill pay options are available online. Visit https://www.forestpark.net/dfp/ to pay your water bill, parking permits, and more. Have a wonderful weekend and please stay safe and warm!
