News Flash

Village spends $9 million on roughly six miles of roadway over the last year

If you've driven around the Village lately, you'll notice some of the area streets have been repaved. Over the last year, the Village of Park Forest has spent nearly $9 million on roughly six miles of roadway.

Assistant Public Works Director Nick Christie ...

PFFD hosts open house on Oct. 13, for Fire Prevention Week

While fall is known for enjoying the cool crisp air, getting cozy, and celebrating holidays, the Park Forest Fire Department often sees it as a time to brush up on fire safety.

On Friday, Oct. 13, from 4:30 to 3 p.m., the Park Forest Fire Department will k...

The grand reopening of Somonauk Adventure Park and Fall Fest recapped

On Saturday, Sept. 30, the Village celebrated Fall Fest and the grand reopening of Somonauk Adventure Park, a complete remodeling several years in the making.

The new park allows guests to experience nature unlike anywhere else in the south suburbs, boasti...

Village urges residents to keep storm drains clear amid recent rains to prevent street flooding

As forecasters call for more rainfall this week, the Village of Park Forest is asking residents to pitch in and assist in keeping storm drains clear of litter and debris.

The grated storm drains that you see on almost every street corner allow rainwater to...

Village hosts several events in October

The Department of Recreation, Parks & Community Health starts the month with a trip to the Studebaker Theater to watch "The Color Purple" musical on Sunday, Oct 1. 

For $130, you can travel via a luxury coach bus departing from Villa...

Public Works prepares for upcoming winter with various projects

The Department of Public Works continues to improve the Village's infrastructure with various ongoing projects this week. Crews were out in full force doing hydrant flushing and crack sealing. 

Department of Public Works Director Roderick Ysaguirr...

Officials remind drivers to use caution as deer season approaches

In Illinois, deer mating season begins in October and runs from rough January, with a peak in the middle of November, according to Wildlife Illinois. 

Between the months of October and December, deer become more active, especially at daw...

Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund program closing late next month

Homeowners have a little more than a month to apply for a state grant that can assist with mortgages, property taxes, insurance, and HOA fees.

Illinois will no longer accept applications on Oct 31., for the Homeowner Assistance Fund Program.

Illinois Homeow...

Park Forest board members recognize 10-year-old pageant winner

Village board members Monday night recognized a ten-year-old Park Forest girl who let no obstacle stop her from becoming a beauty pageant winner. 

Kiera Armstrong, who's in the fifth grade, has been a pageant participant each year since 2021. But ...

Freedom Hall announces fall/winter concert series, tickets on sale now

Individual ticket sales for this year's Freedom Hall series are currently on sale. 

Park Forest’s own Freedom Hall, located at 410 Lakewood Boulevard, is a premier performing arts venue in Chicago’s Southland. Freedom Hall’s Nathan Manil...

Public Works reminds residents hydrant flushing begins Monday, Sept. 18

The Department of Public Works announced earlier this week that crews will begin fall hydrant flushing next Monday, Sept 18., on the north end of the Village.

Residents can track where crews are flushing hydrants by using the interactive...

Village of Park Forest celebrates National Hispanic American Heritage Month

The Village of Park Forest is celebrating National Hispanic American Heritage Month.

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept 15 to Oct 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citize...

Park Forest Fire Department hosts poster contest ahead of Fire Prevention Week

The Park Forest Fire Department encourages children to participate in this year's poster contest as the department prepares for Fire Prevention Week next month.

The contest is for children ages seven to 12 who live in the Village or atte...

West Nile Virus reported in and around Park Forest

The Village of Park Forest received notice last week that multiple cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in the south suburban area. The Illinois Department of Public Health reports an uptick in West Nile cases in the region. Based on guidelines fro...

ComEd renews, invests EV Readiness Program which includes Park Forest

ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus announced the continued investment in the EV Readiness program earlier this week. The program was launched to help the Village of Park Forest and other local governments prepare to meet the growin...

Park Forest hosts family-friendly 'Night on the Town' event on Saturday

The Village of Park Forest hosts "Night on Town" Saturday on the Village Green from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., giving residents another opportunity to enjoy summer. 

Park Foresters are invited to the game night-themed event, offering giveaways, c...

Village paints, adds logo on water tower near Blackhawk Drive

The Department of Public Works is giving the water tower off of Blackhawk Drive a fresh new coat of paint.

Earlier this week, crews were out power washing the water tower and will continue to prep it for the paint job over the next several weeks. ...

Village to open cooling centers as dangerous heat wave is expected mid-week

The Village of Park Forest is opening cooling centers as record-breaking temperatures are expected during this week's heat wave.

The Park Forest Police Department, 200 Lakewood Boulevard, and Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, will serve as cooling ...

Several high-ranking members of the PFPD sworn in at Monday night's Board meeting

Several high-ranking members of the Park Forest Police Department were sworn in during Monday night's Board meeting at Village Hall. 

Sergeants James Kessler, Kristopher Kush, Commanders Julius Moore, Paul Morache, Deputy Chief Kristopher...

Park Forest residents asked to delay showers, use less water ahead of strong storms today

Residents across the Chicagoland area, including in the Village of Park Forest, are being asked to limit their water usage today ahead of severe weather that could drench the area with several inches of rain this afternoon and evening.

The Metropolitan Wat...

Somonauk Park's grand re-opening schedule for Sept. 30

The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Community Health announced on Friday that Somonauk Park's grand reopening is scheduled for late next month.

The grand reopening of Somonauk Park will happen during Fall Fest on Sept 30. The event will have ...

Village Manager Tom Mick explains why some trees are removed from the parkways amid construction

The Village of Park Forest is working towards resurfacing about five miles of roadway this summer. With that work, the Village is also replacing curb aprons, sidewalks, and streets. 

Some residents voiced their concerns about the Village removing ...

DPW announces water main construction project that scheduled for Aug. 21

The Department of Public Works (DPW) will start a new water main construction project later this month that could cause water service interruption for some residents. 

Officials sent mailers to residents last week who live near the intersection of...

Park Forest hosts several events in August

The Village of Park Forest will host a variety of events throughout August.

August is "Resident Appreciation Month," with the Village offering weekly raffles for residents. Community Relations will host a "Pioneers Resident Brunch" on S...

Village of Park Forest receives highest award in governmental accounting, financial reporting

The Village of Park Forest was awarded the Certificate of Achievement (COA) by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 20...

Park Forest Police Department hosts National Night Out, Unity Day

The Park Forest Police Department is participating in two events this week, focusing on bringing the community closer together.

On Tuesday night, the P.F.P.D. is hosting "National Night Out." According to its website, National Night Out is an ann...

Park Forest Bark District at Winnebago Park to close Aug. 2 for maintenance

The Park Forest Bark District at Winnebago Park is closing due to maintenance beginning Wednesday, Aug 2.

The Department of Recreation, Parks and Community Health Director Kevin Adams said crews are laying down new asphalt for the walking path leading to W...

Police Chief Rzyski gives residents advice on unwanted solicitation: 'Call the police'

Some residents took to social media and complained about unwanted solicitors coming to their doors over the last couple of weeks.

While the Park Forest Police Department confirmed no recent upticks in solicitation complaints, Chief Brian Rzyski says there ...

Village opens cooling centers amid upcoming heat wave

The Village of Park Forest is opening cooling centers as precariously high temperatures are forecasted this week. 

The Park Forest Police Department, 200 Lakewood Boulevard, and Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, will serve as cooling centers for th...

Winfrey, Elliot retire from PFPD after serving nearly 50 years combined

Chief Paul Winfrey and Detective Commander Lee Elliot retired from the Park Forest Police Department this week. 

The veterans collectively gave almost 50 years of service to the Village of Park Forest. Winfrey retired last Friday, and Elliot&a...

Captain Phil Myers retires from the Park Forest Fire Department after 30 years of service

Captain Phil Myers is retiring from the Park Forest Fire Department after serving for roughly three decades.

Myers was recognized during Monday night's Board meeting with a retirement resolution honoring his 30 years of service with the department...

PFFD promotes, swears in three members, including the department's first female lieutenant

The Park Forest Fire Department promoted Michelle Paradise to Lieutenant, making her the first female lieutenant in the department.

Lieutenant Paradise was one of three firefighters sworn in and promoted during Monday night's Board meeting. Her fi...

The Village, Solstice highlight accomplishments of solar program

The Village of Park Forest announced on Monday the achievements of its partnership with Solstice, a leading community solar provider. Through this collaboration, the Village has achieved substantial milestones in community solar enrollment, providing clea...

Youth Commission announces Youth Day backpack giveaway on Aug. 12

The Youth Commission announced earlier this week its annual Youth Day event will take place on Saturday, Aug 12.

Adina McCollough, the Recreation Supervisor of the Department of Park and Recreation and Community Health, said the day will be filled with var...

Main Street Nights canceled July 12 due to severe weather

The Main Street Nights concert series is canceled this evening due to the threat of severe weather.

Village officials said the goal is to reschedule, but at this time, it is still being determined if and when that will happen.

Forecasters said a low-pressur...

Park Forest Tennis and Health Club tennis courts closed this week for resurfacing, maintenance

The Park Forest Tennis and Health Club tennis courts are closed this week for resurfacing and maintenance. The work started on Monday and should continue through Saturday. 

Brad Skoryi, the club's manager, said the tennis courts should re...

Village hosts annual Ice Cream Social and Line Dancing event on Saturday

The Village of Park Forest hosts the annual Ice Cream Social and Line Dancing event this Saturday. Presented by the Commission on Human Relations, the event will run from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. with something for everyone. 

Evelyn Randle, the staff ...

Park Forest housing market continues to trend upward

With the housing market booming in some parts of the nation and leveling out in others, data shows the market is stable in the Village of Park Forest. 

In June, the average selling price for the month was $124,170. In total, 41 properties were sol...

Village to distribute Farmer Market coupons to eligible seniors next week

The Village of Park Forest will distribute Farmer Market coupons to eligible seniors next week. 

Distribution begins on Tuesday, July 11; coupons will be available while supplies last.

Below are the qualifications: 

• You must be 60 years and...

Village celebrates 4th of July; reminds residents fireworks are illegal in Park Forest

Thousands came out to celebrate Independence Day in Park Forest on Tuesday. The Village hosted a parade, concert, and the annual fireworks show to cap off the evening.

Residents began lining the streets along the parade route right before 6 p.m. Many peopl...

Park Forest hosts several events in July

The Village of Park Forest will host a variety of events throughout July. The Village hosts its annual 4th of July parade on Tuesday to kick off the month.

The parade will begin at 6 p.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Orchard Drive. Later that eve...

Park Forest participates in "Plastic Free July"

The Village of Park Forest is participating in "Plastic Free July," a global movement to encourage people to reduce the amount of single-use plastic they use. 

Sustainability Coordinator Carrie Malfeo said her department would post daily...

Park Forest Aqua Center hosts teen-only event on Friday

The Park Forest Aqua Center will host an "H20 Glow Teen Event" this Friday. Event organizers said the event is one of three planned for young people this season.

In addition to the pools, the events offer themed base activities, games, and photo ...

Village officials warn drought conditions make fireworks a major fire hazard

Fireworks are illegal in Illinois, and Village officials remind residents to leave the firework displays to the professionals. Park Forest is in a moderate to severe drought, with an elevated fire risk.

The extreme dryness sweeping the Chicagoland area is ...

Village releases statement about dispute between contractor, union workers at Somonauk Park

The Village was notified on Wednesday, June 21 that members of Cement Masons Local 502-Area 5 were present at the Somonauk Park Pavilion construction site. 

After speaking with union representatives, staff became aware of their concerns that the c...

Village calls on community to help those displaced by last Friday's fire

The Village of Park Forest is calling on the community to come together and help several displaced families after a fire on Friday night. 

The Park Forest Police Department responded to a structure fire in the 0-100 block of Indianwood Blvd. aroun...

The Village of Park Forest announces the winners of last week's basket raffle

The Village of Park Forest announced the winners of last week's basket raffle. The giveaway is part of "Resident Appreciation Month." 

Last week, the Village hosted a raffle where residents could come to Village Hall and enter their name...

Discover Magazine returns after three-year hiatus

The Village of Park Forest is rolling out a summer edition of Discover Magazine, which will be the first time it's been published since before the pandemic.

Jason Miller, the assistant to the Village Manager and former communications coordinator, ...

Hundreds of Park Foresters attend Resident Appreciation BBQ

Hundreds of Park Foresters gathered for the annual Resident Appreciation  BBQ on Wednesday. The event doubles as the official kick-off to Main Street Nights - the summer-long concert series on the Village Green.

Village staff and elected officials...

The Village of Park Forest announces the winners of last week's water bill raffle

The Village of Park Forest announced the winners of last week's water bill raffle. The giveaway is part of "Resident Appreciation Month." 

Last week, the Village hosted a raffle where residents could come to Village Hall and ent...

Resident Appreciation BBQ, Main Street Nights kick off on Wednesday

The Village of Park Forest hosts its annual Resident Appreciation BBQ on Wednesday, June 14, on the Village Green at 6 p.m.

The event has been going on since 2014 with Village employees and elected officials serving residents. 

Village Manager Tom ...

'Where is Away?' display at the Park Forest Library educates residents about recycling

The Park Forest Library is home to the "Where is Away?" display encouraging people to "rethink where to throw away your waste and where is away." The new display came to the library earlier this month and will remain until the end of J...

Village reminds residents on the proper way to discard yard waste

With the first day of summer on the horizon, Park Foresters are in their yards, making them beautiful. As the clean-up continues, there's bound to be yard waste, meaning residents must purchase a $3 sticker.

Code Enforcement Manager Jerry Martin s...

United Way of Metro Chicago and Cook County’s “Transforming Places” Partnership Expands

United Way of United Way of Metro Chicago, in partnership with Cook County and with support from the Nicor Gas Foundation, has announced the expansion of its Neighborhood Network Initiative in Park Forest and Richton Park, among various other communities ...

Waste recovery volunteers needed for resident BBQ, June 14

The Village of Park Forest is once again hosting a low-waste Resident Appreciation BBQ on Wednesday, June 14.

•  Volunteers needed to educate attendees on which bin to throw their waste.  
• No experience necessary, training on-site.
• Volunteers...

Park Forest PD participates in Special Olympics Illinois Torch Run, unveils newest squad car

Park Forest Police Department is participating in the Special Olympics Illinois Torch Run on Wednesday. In addition to the run, PFPD will unveil the newest squad car with a "special" theme.

The Torch Run is the single largest year-round fundraisi...

Municipal Fixed Rate Aggregation Program update and ComEd rate change

The Village recently renewed a municipal aggregation program in April with 100% renewable energy at a 7.99 cent rate, which was a significant drop from the previous ComEd rate of 9.7 cents when the program went into effect. However, in June, ComEd lowered...

Park Forest hosts several events in June

Summertime Park Forest is in full swing, so there are plenty of events for the entire family.  

The fun kicks off on Saturday, June 10, with the Juneteenth Celebration at the Village Green at 10 a.m. The Commission on Human Relations and Community...

Homewood Disposal provides yard waste options for Park Forest residents

Residents across Park Forest are spending more time on their lawns as summer nears. Yard work often has residents looking for ways to dispose of yard waste.

Homewood Disposal will pick up yard waste, but they have specific requirements: 

 ...

PFPD calls on residents to participate in the 2023 Cop on a Rooftop campaign

The Park Forest Police Department is once again participating in the 2023 Dunkin' Cop on a Rooftop campaign. The statewide event to raise money for Special Olympics of Illinois takes place this year on Friday, May 19, from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Last year, the ...

Village hosts Housing Fair on May 6

Have you ever thought about home ownership but need help navigating the process? The Village of Park Forest is hosting a Housing Fair on Saturday, May 6 at 10 a.m. at Village Hall, to help residents interested in buying homes.

Park Forest Communit...

Village swears in new mayor and trustees

It was standing room only at Village Hall during Monday night's Board meeting when new Park Forest trustees John Moore and Randle White, along with new Village mayor, Joseph Woods, were sworn into office.

Speaking to a sea of supporters in their f...

Main Street Market kicks off this weekend, May 6

It's that time of year again: Main Street Market is roaring back to DownTown Park Forest, giving area residents fresh options to eat.

Victor Blackful, overseeing the event, said the Market is a great way to unite the community.

"This year, we ...

Park Forest Police Department takes proactive approach to combat speeding

Many residents have complained that some drivers are speeding on area roadways putting themselves and others in danger. Park Forest police are aware of speeders, and Chief Paul Winfrey said his department would remain proactive and issue citations to thos...

Road work continues along Shabbona Drive with curb and driveway apron removal

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is alerting residents that crews will begin removing the curb and driveway apron on the north and east side of the street from lndianwood Boulevard to Seneca Street starting Wednesday, May 3.

This work is a part of the ...

Chuck Sabey walks down memory lane, recalling his 45 years of service to the Village

If you have ever attended a performing arts event in Park Forest, you have likely seen Cultural Arts Supervisor Chuck Sabey.

Many would consider Sabey a staple in Park Forest. He's served the Village in numerous capacities since the age of 17 when he took ...

DPW announces restriping project for Orchard Dr. slated for Monday, May 1

Heads up, motorists!

Superior Road Striping will start a restriping project on Orchard Drive on Monday, May  1.

Officials say the project will be from Lincoln Highway (Route 30) to Lakewood and last a few days. There will be no road closures. Howev...

Village reminds residents that lengthy grass can lead to citations

All across Park Forest, residents are mowing their grass and planting their gardens as winter is behind them, and the sunny, warmer days of spring and summer lie ahead.

Village Code Enforcement Manager Jerry Martin says now is a perfect time to remind resi...

Village officials urge residents to purchase vehicle stickers as deadline looms

Time is ticking for residents of Park Forest to purchase their vehicle stickers.

Assistant Finance Director Sharon Floyd reminded residents to purchase stickers by May 1.

"Vehicle stickers must be purchased and properly displayed on all vehicles regist...

The Village of Park Forest partners with IHDA to provide roofing repairs to homeowners

The Village of Park Forest has partnered with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) to provide roofing repair and replacement loans of up to $21,500 to eligible homeowners.

Village Planner Andrew Brown said Park Forest had been hoping a program...

Village secures millions in grants to improve infrastructure across Park Forest

Construction season is underway, and the Village of Park Forest plans to utilize nearly $4 million in grant funds to make improvements in the community this year. 

The Department of Public Works Assistant Director Nick Christie said the Village ap...

Park Forest Police Department reminds drivers to ‘Drop it and Drive’

Did you know nationwide 3,522 people lost their lives because of distracted driving? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in 2021, more than three thousand people died because of a growing epidemic of people texting, driving, an...

Arbor Day Foundation recognizes Park Forest as Tree City USA for the ninth time

The Village of Park Forest received its 9th Tree City USA award in 2023. The Tree City USA program, awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation, provides communities with a four-step framework to maintain and grow their tree cover. It also gives them an avenue to...

Housing Authority of Park Forest implements new incentive for property owners

The Housing Authority of Park Forest (HAPF) has implemented a new incentive for property owners this year.

Starting April 1., the HAPF is offering a one-time $300 signing bonus for units leased to new and current Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) participants. ...

Park Forest takes proactive approach to rid community of abandoned, dilapidated houses

Name any place, and more than likely, and you'll find abandoned or dilapidated houses. Unfortunately, the Village of Park Forest has its fair share of abandoned or run-down homes. 

However, the Village's code enforcement manager ...

Boil Order Advisory remains in effect for Lincolnwood area; Village thanks residents

Park Forest's newest water tower is one step closer to being online, and the Department of Public Works (DPW) completed Phase 2 of the water tower connection project on Tuesday night.

Officials with DPW noted things went better than expected, and most of t...

Understanding a Boil Order Advisory - a list of FAQ's

On Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 2 p.m., the Village of Park Forest will be under a Boil Order Advisory. However, many residents have called Village Hall and asked what that means and how it will impact them.

A Boil Order Advisory (BOA) is a public statement...

Boil Order Advisory to go into effect Tuesday, April 11 at 2 p.m. - for the entire Village

The Department of Public Works (DPW) will start the second phase of the water tower connection project - which will connect the new water tower to the water distribution system and could cause some water service inconveniences throughout the Village.

The e...

Breaking down where your tax dollars go

Often, residents ask, "Where are my tax dollars going?"

Citizens often express their concerns about taxes paid to the Village. A common thought is the Village is responsible for its entire tax bill. Nevertheless, that's not the case.

The reality i...

April 4, 2023 election results

Below are unofficial election results for the April 4, 2023, races for Park Forest village president, Park Forest trustee, and Park Forest Public Library trustee.

Results reflect votes received in Cook County, Will County, and total votes in Cook and Will ...