Park District to Purchase 7400, 7408 and 7412 Harrison St. Properties
7400, 7408, & 7412 Harrison St. Photo courtesy Forest Park Review
On Thursday, March 3, 2022, the Park District of Forest Park adopted a resolution authorizing the purchase of real estate commonly known as 7400, 7408, and 7412 Harrison Street. This property, adjacent to the park, includes The Pines, Oak Leaf, and Foreign Auto Body.
The primary Park District of Forest Park campus has developed substantially over the years to accommodate the growing programming but was running out of space to support it. With a rapidly growing Day Camp program, the need for more indoor space became imminent. Park District staff knew they had to get creative with few available options on campus.
How It All Came Together
The subject property has been vacant and undeveloped for several years, and one day the proverbial light bulb went off during a staff meeting…why not explore across the street? Executive Director Jackie Iovinelli took the idea to the Board of Commissioners and they felt it would be a great idea to explore.
This property would not only help expand the campus but also provide a great community resource. After talking with board members and key village staff, they connected Director Iovinelli with the property owner. After meeting over a few months, both parties were able to come to an agreement on a price.
What’s the Plan for the Property?
The property will be developed to provide expanded space for the Park District’s Day Camp program and growing recreation services. Additionally, the Park District is looking into the possibility of partnering with the West Suburban Special Recreation Association. This purchase will allow the Park District to maintain our open space while also addressing a lack of indoor space.
While no official plan is set in stone, the first step is to clean up the dilapidated property. The Park District will be using capital reserve funds to purchase this property meaning there will be no increase in resident tax dollars.