Facilities & Parks: 2010 Referendum

The Park District of Forest Park has become aware of the possible opportunity to acquire the Roos Property immediately to the east of the Park. The acquisition and development of the property, however, cannot be accomplished without increased tax revenue and so the District brought the question to the voters.

A referendum question appeared on the February 2, 2010 ballot and passed with a 60% vote. The Board of Park Commissioners and staff would like to thank the citizens of Forest Park for this vote of confidence. Special thanks to the Friends of the Park who campaigned tirelessly to make this project possible.

The Board is committed to providing facilities that our community can take pride in and a wide variety of recreational opportunities for people of all ages. We are very grateful for your support and excited to embark on this new project.

The blighted Roos property has been vacant for more than five years and has been subject to dumping and vandalism. The Park District has developed potential plans for the use of the building and grounds which include:

  • the preservation of the historic portion of the building incorporating a teen program center, a preshcool facility, a fitness room, multi-purpose classrooms, a new home for our FunCamp/DayCamp programs and a party room, along with offices and rooms to serve as headquarters for West Suburban Special Recreation Association.
  • an open grassy area, as well as a gazebo and picnic area, an amphitheatre for outdoor concerts and performances, a plaza with fountain and benches, extended walking paths, garden plots for community gardening, an ADA compliant tot playground and a covered bicycle parking area for CTA communters
  • the possible demolition of Building #4 and replacement with a gymnasium.

The District will be hosting forums for citizen input during the planning process. Please watch this website for dates and times.

For additional information, please contact the Park District Director Larry Piekarz at lpiekarz@pdofp.org or at 708-366-7500 ext.12.

Interested in hearing more about the Roos Project? Visit the Friends of the Park website at www.friendsofthepark2010.org