Village of Oak Park, Illinois

03/02/2021

Keep track of Village of Oak Park job openings at www.oak-park.us/jobs. The latest job postings include Farmers' Market Assistant, Building Inspector, Community Service Coordinator, Street Supervisor and Civil Engineer.

03/02/2021

Fourteen residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since the last report on Friday, the Oak Park Department of Public Health announced today. Five cases were reported Saturday, five Sunday and four today. According to state data, 2,750 Oak Park residents have tested positive since the first case was reported here on March 18. The cases reported today range in ages from less than 20 into their 70s. Local testing status bulletins, case data and other related information can be found at www.oak-park.us/covid19. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) posts a wide range of COVID-19-related statistical data by zip code online at www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/covid19-statistics.

02/28/2021

The 2021 construction season gets underway this week with the beginning phases of a major improvement project along Oak Park Avenue, the latest in a serious of much-needed upgrades to main thoroughfares in the community. The Village received federal funding to resurface the vital north/south roadway from North Avenue to Roosevelt Road. The project also includes replacing and rehabilitating underground water and sewer mains, some of which are more than 100 years old. The water and sewer infrastructure work is expected to begin in March, with street resurfacing scheduled to start in June. All work is expected to wrap up in November. Residents are encouraged to visit the project’s dedicated website at www.OPAveAnew.com for construction details and schedules. The website also offers an option to sign up for email updates.

02/27/2021

The Oak Park Department of Public Health has updated its vaccine pre-registration form to capture information from residents newly eligible under the state’s expanded criteria for vaccination. The state expanded Phase 1b criteria Thursday to include those 16 to 64 years old with high-risk medical conditions including cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, diabetes, heart condition, immunocompromised state from a solid organ transplant, obesity, pregnancy, pulmonary disease and sickle cell disease. Residents age 65 and older and essential workers who had previously pre-registered with the Village do not need to update their information since they already are on the eligibility list. Filling out the pre-registration form does not schedule a vaccination, but only collects information necessary to contact those eligible as specific vaccination opportunities arise. With the supply of vaccine still limited and deliveries unpredictable from week to week, public health officials continue to ask residents to remain patient. Due to limited vaccine supply, the Health Department does not plan to initiate the second part of Phase 1b until seniors and essential workers eligible in the first part of Phase 1b are completed. More information about the Oak Park Health Department's vaccination plan is available at www.oak-park.us/covid19vaccine.

02/27/2021

Seven residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since the last report on Wednesday, the Oak Park Department of Public Health announced today. Four cases were reported Thursday and three today. According to state data, 2,736 Oak Park residents have tested positive since the first case was reported here on March 18. The cases reported today range in ages from less than 20 into their 40s. Local testing status bulletins and other related information is available at www.oak-park.us/covid19. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) posts a wide range of COVID-19-related statistical data by zip code online at www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/covid19-statistics.

02/26/2021

How Harambee Started

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Harambee celebration that began in 2006 when a group of Longfellow Elementary School parents launched the event as a way of celebrating Black History Month. This year’s performance couldn’t be held in front of a live audience due to COVID-19, but the entire community can enjoy the show on VOP-TV. Starting tonight, this year’s Harambee celebration will air at 7 p.m. on Fridays and at noon and 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through March. VOP-TV is available to Comcast subscribers on channel 6 and ATT Uverse subscribers on channel 99.

02/26/2021

Local travel guidelines intended to help contain the spread of COVID-19 have been updated to mirror those of Cook County and Chicago. Under the latest guidelines, anyone coming into the Village from a state designated as orange must obtain a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Oak Park or quarantine for a 10-day period or for the duration of their time here, whichever is shorter. Find the list of 31 states currently designated orange on the City of Chicago website at https://bit.ly/3aS5TuK. Individuals who are fully vaccinated are not subject to the quarantine guidance if they are asymptomatic. The local guidelines are posted on the Village website at https://bit.ly/3dNps9m. General guidance from the CDC related to travel is available at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.

02/25/2021

The Oak Park Department of Public Health administered more than 1,000 COVID-19 vaccinations over the past two weekends at clinics held at OPRF. Recipients included eligible local public school educators, employees of state-licensed local daycare facilities and senior citizens. Over the next two weeks, the focus will be on equitably administering second doses to senior residents of local congregate living facilities and vaccinating Oak Parkers 78 years old and older, educators, daycare employees and other essential workers. Depending on vaccine supplies from the state, the Village continues to plan for broadening the availability of vaccination services across the community by allocating doses through local health care partners including hospitals, pharmacies and health care providers. The federal government also is beginning to make limited direct shipments of vaccine to major pharmacy chains that will manage vaccination registration and scheduling separate from local health department databases. More information on local vaccine distribution efforts is available at www.oak-park.us/vaccine.

02/25/2021

Eleven residents have tested positive COVID-19 since the last report on Monday, the Oak Park Department of Public Health announced today. Five cases were reported Tuesday and six today. According to state data, 2,730 Oak Park residents have tested positive since the first case was reported here on March 18. The cases reported today range in ages from less than 20 into their 60s. Local testing status bulletins, case data and other related information are posted at www.oak-park.us/covid19. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) posts a wide range of COVID-19-related statistical data by zip code online at www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/covid19-statistics.

02/24/2021

If you spot tree trimming crews out and about in Oak Park this winter, don't fret - they're following a carefully planned schedule to ensure the long-term health of the village's tree canopy. This winter one third of the Village's 18,000-plus parkway trees will be pruned, with the focus on trees between Chicago Avenue and North Avenue. Residents are urged to move their cars from the streets when temporary no-parking signs go up to prune the trees quickly and safely. More information is on the Village website at www.oak-park.us/treepruning2021.

02/24/2021

With Oak Park among the public health agencies across Illinois whose deliveries of vaccine have been impacted by severe weather, remaining stock on hand is being allocated this week to second doses until supply deliveries resume. Among those scheduled to receive second doses are senior residents of local congregate homes that have been hot spots for outbreaks and have experienced the most deaths. As supplies allow, the Health Department will continue vaccinating those eligible under the state's current Phase 1b guidelines, including senior citizens, educators and other essential workers. In addition to hosting drive-through and targeted vaccination clinics for people who live and work here, the Village also is working to broaden the availability of vaccination services across the community by allocating doses through local health care partners including hospitals, pharmacies, doctor offices and health care providers. More information on local vaccine distribution efforts is posted on the Village website at www.oak-park.us/vaccine.

02/23/2021

Nineteen residents have tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus since the last report on Friday, the Oak Park Department of Public Health announced today. Six cases were reported on Saturday, five Sunday and eight today. According to state data, 2,719 Oak Park residents have tested positive since the first case was reported here on March 18. The total number of cases sometimes must be adjusted as residency information is verified. The cases reported today range in ages from less than 20 into their 60s. Local testing status bulletins, case data and other related information are posted at www.oak-park.us/covid19. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) posts a wide range of COVID-19-related statistical data by zip code online at www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/covid19-statistics.

02/22/2021

If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms, you might have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider. Be sure to keep track of your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign such as trouble breathing, get emergency medical care immediately. Find more information about what to do if you are sick on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html.

02/21/2021

There is a good chance your nearest fire hydrant is covered in snow right now. Consider helping out the Oak Park Fire Department by ensuring the snow is cleared at least 3 feet around it. Minutes matter in a fire, and locating a snow covered hydrant during an emergency could delay first responders. A snow-packed hydrant is also more susceptible to freezing. Your block will thank you and the Fire Department certainly appreciates it, too! Email [email protected] with any questions.

02/20/2021

As the state and federal governments warned this week that winter weather would interrupt vaccine deliveries to local health departments, the Oak Park Department of Public Health continued to allocate its limited supplies to those eligible under the current Phase 1b criteria. The Health Department had allocated more than 10,100 doses through Thursday. In addition to hosting drive-through and targeted vaccination clinics for people who live and work here, the Village also has worked to broaden the availability of vaccination services across the community by allocating doses through local health care partners including hospitals, pharmacies, doctor offices and health care providers. The Health Department's direct vaccination efforts this week included seniors 80 years old and older, educators and second doses for those previously vaccinated. More information about local vaccine distribution is at www.oak-park.us/vaccine.

02/20/2021

Eleven residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since the last report on Wednesday, the Oak Park Department of Public Health announced today. Five cases were reported Thursday and six today. According to state data, 2,700 Oak Park residents have tested positive since the first case was reported here on March 18. The cases reported today range in ages from less than 20 into their 70s. Local testing status bulletins, case data and other related information can be found at www.oak-park.us/covid19. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) posts a wide range of COVID-19-related statistical data by zip code online at www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/covid19-statistics.

02/19/2021

When it comes to building a stronger community, funds from federal housing and development grants have a big impact in Oak Park. Each year the Village receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Applications for grant funding for Program Year 2021 are being accepted through March 5. More information about the federally funded but locally administered CDBG program is at www.oak-park.us/cdbg.

02/18/2021

The Oak Park Department of Public Health is continuing to vaccinate those individuals who live and work here and are eligible under current state guidelines. Nearly 600 public school teachers employed in District 200 and Oak Park Elementary School District 97 were vaccinated Saturday in a special clinic at OPRF, with additional clinics for local educators planned for the weeks ahead. Senior citizens also are being vaccinated by the Health Department and through health care partners, including local pharmacies. The Village is relying on pre-registration information to reach seniors based on age, with the oldest first. With an estimated 12,000 residents eligible under the current Phase 1b guidelines - and vaccine supplies limited - officials continue to urge patience. Phase 1b eligibility is scheduled to soon expand to include those 16 to 64 years old with high-risk medical conditions, but vaccine supplies will continue to determine how soon these residents can be vaccinated. More information on local efforts is available at www.oak-park.us/vaccine.

02/18/2021

Oak Park Snow Parking and Removal Plan

The snow emergency parking restrictions have been lifted. Normal parking rules and regulations are now back in effect. Thanks for everyone's patience and cooperation in making it possible for the Village's Public Works Department to plow the streets! Public Works crews have been working around the clock since Sunday night to clear the 18+ inches of snow that fell in Oak Park during the recent storm. When massive snow storms like this hit, the Village invariably receives a lot of questions about its snow removal strategy. This VOP-TV video helps explain the Village's approach to snow removal and how cooperation from residents is an integral part of the effort. More information is at www.oak-park.us/snow.

02/18/2021

Twenty-five residents have tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus since the last report on Friday, the Oak Park Department of Public Health announced today. Four cases were reported Saturday, three on Sunday, six on Monday, six Tuesday and six today. According to state data, 2,689 Oak Park residents have tested positive since the first case was reported here on March 18. The cases reported today range in ages from less than 20 into their 60s. Local testing status bulletins, case data and other related information can be found at www.oak-park.us/covid19. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) posts a wide range of COVID-19-related statistical data by zip code online at www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/covid19-statistics

02/17/2021

Your best protection from COVID-19 will be a combination of getting a COVID-19 vaccine, wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding crowds, and washing your hands often. No one tool alone is going to stop the pandemic. Learn about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination so you’ll be ready when a vaccine is recommended on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html. For more information about vaccine allocation in Oak Park, visit www.oak-park.us/vaccine.

02/15/2021

Village Hall will be closed to the public for in-person services Tuesday, Feb. 16 due the ongoing winter storm. Refuse and recycling collection has also been suspended and will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week. The Police lobby in the lower level of Village Hall will remain open and police officers and firefighter/paramedics will be on duty. Residents are reminded that a range of routine municipal services that do not require a visit to Village Hall are available via links at www.oak-park.us/onlineservices. More information on Village Hall hours and alternate service options during the pandemic are posted at www.oak-park.us/villagehall.

02/15/2021

UPDATE (Feb. 17): The snow emergency parking restrictions have been lifted. Normal parking rules and regulations are now back in effect. Thanks for everyone's cooperation in making it possible for the Village's Public Works Department to plow the streets!
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Oak Park's snow emergency parking rules are now in effect. Enforcement will begin at 10 p.m. Feb. 15 and continue until conditions improve. Parking is prohibited on designated snow routes and restricted on all other streets. Cooperation among residents is key to the Public Works Department's snow removal strategy. For the latest status of the parking situation, call 708.358.7669 for a recorded message or visit www.oak-park.us/snow. The website also includes details about Oak Park's snow emergency parking rules and answers to frequently asked questions.

02/15/2021

Village Hall is closed today in observance of Presidents Day. For more information about Village Hall hours in the midst of the pandemic, visit www.oak-park.us/villagehall.