The Village of Park Forest is encouraging residents to consider serving on one of its 12 boards and commissions, several of which currently have multiple vacancies.

Village boards and commissions are made up of residents who volunteer their time to study issues, offer expertise, and provide recommendations to the Park Forest Board of Trustees. Their work helps shape policies, programs, and long-term planning decisions that affect the entire community.

“These groups play a critical role in local government,” Village officials said. “They ensure resident voices are represented, and help guide decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of Park Forest.”

Several boards and commissions are in particular need of members. The Senior Citizens Advisory Commission currently has seven vacancies, while the Veterans Commission has two openings. The Recreation and Parks Advisory Group and the Environment Commission each need four new members, as well as the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Economic Development Advisory Group. The Commission on Human Relations needs two members, and the Housing Authority has one opening.

Park Forest’s boards and commissions address a wide range of topics. The Planning and Zoning Commission reviews development proposals and zoning matters, meeting on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. The Economic Development Advisory Group meets the second Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. and focuses on business growth and economic vitality.

Other groups focus on quality-of-life issues. The Environment Commission meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. to provide education and guidance on environmental matters. The Recreation and Parks Advisory Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. to discuss park facilities and programming. The Senior Citizens Advisory Commission meets the first Thursday of the month at 1 p.m., while the Veterans Commission meets the second Saturday of the month at 9:30 a.m.

Additional bodies include the Commission on Human Relations, which meets the second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m., the Youth Commission, which meets the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.

Residents interested in serving are encouraged to apply online by clicking here. Applicants must be Park Forest residents and should be willing to attend meetings regularly and work collaboratively with fellow members.

Serving on a board or commission offers residents an opportunity to become more involved in local government and help shape the future of Park Forest