Department of Recreation, Parks & Community Health

Updates:

November 20, 2020
Covid-19 Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigations

Park Forest Department of Recreation, Parks & Community Health

November 20, 2020

Good afternoon Park Forest

As most of us are aware, the state has new mitigations to help slow the spread of COVID-19. These mitigations have a far reaching effect on businesses throughout Illinois, and Recreation and Parks agencies throughout the state have been instructed to do their part. These resurgence mitigations went into effect today, Friday, November 20, 2020 at 12:01 AM.

Under these restrictions, Recreation, Parks and Community Health has cancelled/paused the majority of indoor recreation activities at this time, and all events/social gatherings that are normally held at our facilities have been cancelled/paused until further notice. All current program participants and facility applicants have been notified of these changes. The Park Forest Tennis and Health Club will remain open for 1-on-1 tennis lessons as allowed under the current mitigations. As unfortunate as this news is, your safety is most paramount.

We are happy that our parks, playgrounds and walking trials will remain open during this time. Please enjoy everything our parks and open spaces have to offer. When and wherever possible, please continue to practice social distances while visiting our parks and trails.

We thank you for your patience as we all work together during these challenging times. Please stay informed by visiting www.villageofparkforest.com or follow us on Facebook for updates.

For more detailed information regarding these new mitigations, plus additional industry-specific guidelines, please visit https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/restore-illinois-mitigation-plan.

Sincerely,

Kevin Adams
Assistant Director
Recreation, Parks & Community Health
Village of Park Forest
708-283-5650
kadams@vopf.com

Mission Statement

The Department of Recreation, Parks & Community Health operates under the philosophy that its facilities are available to all residents of Park Forest for a reasonable cost and its programs and services are available to everyone, regardless of one’s ability to pay, their ethnic background or orientation. In its interactions, the Department will treat all peoples with dignity and respect.

The department’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for all peoples and to advance the use and enjoyment of parks, recreation and environmental conservation under the guiding values of community Health & Wellness, Sustainability and Social Equity.

Vision Statement

The Department of Recreation, Parks & Community Health will be a nationally recognized provider of exceptional, community driven experiences in parks and recreation with special regard to community health, social equity, fiscal and environmental sustainability.

Overview

The Department of Recreation, Parks & Community Health offers close to 120 recreational activities and instructional programs, and is responsible for roughly 400 acres of park land including:

Ball fields
Bark District Dog Park
Playgrounds
Picnic Pavilions
Skate park
Tennis courts

Facilities

Additionally, the Department of Recreation, Parks & Community Health operates the regionally popular Park Forest Aqua Center, the Park Forest Tennis and Health Club and Freedom Hall.

Department of Recreation, Parks & Community Health has expanded its services to include Community Health. Contact the department with questions on where to go for various health services as well as health and wellness programming and workshops.

The Village’s recreation facilities, public parks and park facilities are available and maintained primarily for and by the residents of Park Forest and it is the general intent to give Village residents priority in the use of these facilities. Both residents and non-residents are welcome to use the Village’s parks and facilities and to enjoy recreational programs in a non-discriminatory manner.

Recreation, Parks & Community Health Brochure

The Department of Recreation, Parks & Community Health brochure is published three times a year. Winter/Spring, Summer and Autumn. Current programs and events are listed on the Recreation, Parks & Community Health Department website. Due to Covid-19 Mitigations the brochure schedule is subject to change.

Please note the registration deadlines for programs.

Please register early or the program/trip may be cancelled due to lack of enrollment.
Information printed in the brochure may change.
Registration Form and Waiver - A completed registration form and signed waiver is required before participating in any program or trip. Form: Registration Form and Waiver

Online Registration

Registration from the comfort of your home with anytime, around the clock access! Create your online account today by clicking the button below.

Please note: some programs will not be available for online registration.