Park Forest, Illinois

Last updated

Park Forest, Illinois
Flag of Park Forest, Illinois.png
Park Forest Logo.png
Motto: 
"Live Grow Discover"
Cook County Illinois Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Park Forest Highlighted.svg
Location of Park Forest in Cook and Will Counties, Illinois.
Illinois in United States (US48).svg
Location of Illinois in the United States
Coordinates: 41°29′31″N87°40′26″W / 41.492°N 87.674°W / 41.492; -87.674
CountryUnited States
StateIllinois
Counties Cook, Will
TownshipCook: Rich, Bloom
Will: Monee
Government
  MayorJoe Woods
Area
[1]
  Total4.96 sq mi (12.85 km2)
  Land4.96 sq mi (12.85 km2)
  Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
712 ft (217 m)
Population
 (2020)
  Total21,687
  Density4,371.50/sq mi (1,687.74/km2)
Time zone UTC−6 (CST)
  Summer (DST) UTC−5 (CDT)
ZIP Code(s)
60466
Area code 708
FIPS code 17-57732
Wikimedia CommonsPark Forest, Illinois
Website www.villageofparkforest.com

Park Forest is a village located south of Chicago in Cook County, Illinois, with a small southern portion in Will County, Illinois, United States. The village was originally designed by Loebl Schlossman & Bennett as a planned community for veterans returning from World War II. [2] As of the 2020 census, the village had a population of 21,687.

Contents

Park Forest is bordered by Olympia Fields to the north, Chicago Heights to the east, University Park to the south, and Richton Park and Matteson to the west. The village has multiple public and private schools. In addition to the arts and culture scene including Tall Grass Arts Association [3] and the Illinois Theatre Center, [4] residents also have access to a myriad of recreational opportunities for both children and adults such as the Park Forest Aqua Center. [5]

History

Developers Nathan Manilow, Carroll F. Sweet and Philip M. Klutznick held a press conference in the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago on October 28, 1946, to announce the planned development of a new self-governing community in Chicago's south suburbs. This project, soon to be referred to as Park Forest, was to be developed by American Community Builders (ACB). The village of Park Forest was partly designed by town planner Elbert Peets in the tradition of planned communities around the nation to provide housing for veterans returning from World War II.

Studs Terkel, in his oral history of World War II, The Good War , [6] says Park Forest and other such middle-class suburbs grew out of the new prosperity after the war. First he quotes an unnamed GI, "The war changed our whole idea of how we wanted to live when we came back. We set our sights pretty high. . . . I am now what you'd call middle class." Terkel goes on: "The suburb, until [about 1946], had been the exclusive domain of the 'upper class.' It was where the rich lived. The rest of us were neighborhood folk. At war's end, a new kind of suburb came into being. . . . Thanks to the GI bill, two new names were added to American folksay: Levittown and Park Forest.

"A new middle class had emerged. Until now, the great many, even before the Depression, had had to scuffle from one payday to the next. . . . [Before there had only been one] car on the block. Now everybody was getting a car. Oh, it was exciting. (Terkel, p. 12)"

Park Forest was honored in 1954 as an "All-America City" for its citizens' help in the creation of Rich Township High School, on Sauk Trail. It was awarded this same honor again in 1976 for open housing and racial integration and initiatives. [7] A village landmark was the Park Forest Plaza, an outdoor regional shopping center of over 50 stores and restaurants which included Sears, Marshall Fields and Goldblatt's. [8]

In 1956, William H. Whyte, an editor at Fortune magazine, published a book called The Organization Man that defined the nature of corporate life for a generation. The book described how America (whose people, he said, had "led in the public worship of individualism") had recently turned into a nation of employees who "take the vows of organization life" and who had become "the dominant members of our society". Park Forest was one of the communities that figured most prominently in Whyte's study of the home life of "the organization man," and should be read by anyone seeking an insight into early Park Forest.

By 1949, the village was home to a chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women, a B'nai B'rith lodge and a Hebrew school (Sunday School). [9] By 1955, a second Hebrew school had opened and three new women's groups had formed, including chapters of Hadassah, the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods (later renamed Women of Reform Judaism) and a B’nai B’rith Auxiliary. [10] In 1951 and 1957, synagogues opened in Park Forest as Jews became 15% of the population. By 2013, both synagogues had moved outside the town. Although officially desegregated from its inception, Park Forest's first African-American family took residence there in 1959. [11]

Park Forest is known for the "Scenic 10", a 10-mile (16 km) race held annually on Labor Day that attracts runners from around the globe. In 2008, the race was shortened to a 5-mile (8.0 km) course to attract more local runners and renamed the "Scenic Five". [12] [13]

On March 26, 2003, a meteor exploded over the Midwest, showering Park Forest with dozens of meteorite fragments. [14] These fragments are currently on display at the Field Museum in Chicago. For further reading see Park Forest (meteorite).

Geography

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Park Forest has a total area of 4.96 square miles (12.85 km2), all land. [15]

The village is generally bounded by U.S. Highway 30 on the north, Western Avenue on the east, Central Park Avenue on the west and Thorn Creek on the south. Parts of Park Forest are east of Western Avenue, however, including a subdivision called "Eastgate". Park Forest is bisected by the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway (now the Canadian National Railway) double-track main line, which was paralleled a little further north by the Michigan Central (New York Central) railroad. That rail line has been converted to a nature trail called Old Plank Trail. The beginning of the trail is at Western Avenue, and it runs through Park Forest west to Joliet.

Climate

Climate data for Park Forest, Illinois (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1952–present)
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high °F (°C)65
(18)
71
(22)
86
(30)
89
(32)
97
(36)
102
(39)
102
(39)
103
(39)
99
(37)
91
(33)
77
(25)
70
(21)
103
(39)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)31.1
(−0.5)
35.2
(1.8)
46.4
(8.0)
59.3
(15.2)
70.6
(21.4)
80.2
(26.8)
83.9
(28.8)
82.0
(27.8)
75.8
(24.3)
63.1
(17.3)
48.2
(9.0)
36.3
(2.4)
59.3
(15.2)
Daily mean °F (°C)23.2
(−4.9)
26.8
(−2.9)
37.2
(2.9)
48.8
(9.3)
60.0
(15.6)
69.5
(20.8)
73.9
(23.3)
72.0
(22.2)
65.2
(18.4)
52.8
(11.6)
39.8
(4.3)
28.9
(−1.7)
49.8
(9.9)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)15.2
(−9.3)
18.4
(−7.6)
28.1
(−2.2)
38.3
(3.5)
49.3
(9.6)
58.9
(14.9)
63.8
(17.7)
62.0
(16.7)
54.6
(12.6)
42.4
(5.8)
31.4
(−0.3)
21.5
(−5.8)
40.3
(4.6)
Record low °F (°C)−27
(−33)
−21
(−29)
−6
(−21)
9
(−13)
25
(−4)
36
(2)
45
(7)
41
(5)
29
(−2)
17
(−8)
0
(−18)
−21
(−29)
−27
(−33)
Average precipitation inches (mm)2.49
(63)
2.15
(55)
2.65
(67)
4.02
(102)
4.57
(116)
4.91
(125)
4.73
(120)
4.02
(102)
3.44
(87)
3.65
(93)
3.00
(76)
2.47
(63)
42.10
(1,069)
Average snowfall inches (cm)10.2
(26)
7.5
(19)
4.9
(12)
0.5
(1.3)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.2
(0.51)
0.9
(2.3)
4.0
(10)
28.2
(72)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)10.69.010.212.113.110.49.49.18.310.510.110.7123.5
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)5.94.62.60.40.00.00.00.00.00.10.93.718.2
Source: NOAA [16] [17]

Transportation

Metra operates commuter railroad service to downtown Chicago. Stations bordering Park Forest include Richton Park (Sauk Trail at Governor's Hwy./Crawford Ave./Pulaski Rd.,) 211th Street (Lincoln Highway) and Matteson stations on the Metra Electric Line, which runs parallel to the Illinois Central Railroad Company (owned by Canadian National Railway Company) but on its own closely adjacent tracks [18]

Pace provides bus service on multiple routes connecting Park Forest to destinations throughout the Southland. [19]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1950 8,138
1960 29,993268.6%
1970 30,6382.2%
1980 26,222−14.4%
1990 24,656−6.0%
2000 23,462−4.8%
2010 21,975−6.3%
2020 21,687−1.3%
U.S. Decennial Census [20]
2010 [21] 2020 [22]

As of the 2020 census [23] there were 21,687 people, 8,179 households, and 4,738 families residing in the village. The population density was 4,371.50 inhabitants per square mile (1,687.85/km2). There were 9,701 housing units at an average density of 1,955.45 per square mile (755.00/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 70.18% African American, 18.83% White, 0.25% Native American, 0.76% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 3.39% from other races, and 6.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.76% of the population.

There were 8,179 households, out of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 31.32% were married couples living together, 23.13% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.07% were non-families. 39.47% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.91% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.38 and the average family size was 2.46.

The village's age distribution consisted of 22.9% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $56,393, and the median income for a family was $65,507. Males had a median income of $41,744 versus $40,219 for females. The per capita income for the village was $26,078. About 5.8% of families and 12.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.7% of those under age 18 and 13.3% of those age 65 or over.

Park Forest village, Illinois - Demographic Profile
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / EthnicityPop 2010 [21] Pop 2020 [22] % 2010% 2020
White alone (NH)6,7593,82830.76%17.65%
Black or African American alone (NH)12,97715,02259.05%69.27%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)37250.17%0.12%
Asian alone (NH)1571500.71%0.69%
Pacific Islander alone (NH)1090.05%0.04%
Some Other Race alone (NH)411310.19%0.60%
Mixed Race/Multi-Racial (NH)5878402.67%3.87%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1,4071,6826.40%7.76%
Total21,97521,687100.00%100.00%

Government

Park Forest is in Illinois's 2nd congressional district.

Local Government:

Presidents/Mayors of Park Forest:

Education

School districts serving Park Forest include:

Schools

Arts and culture

The Illinois Theatre Center

The Illinois Theatre Center was established in 1976 by Steve and Etel Billig. At its inception, it was located in Park Forest's public library but was later moved to Downtown Park Forest in 1999. In addition to the main stage series of six plays, the theatre offers programs like The Drama School which provides acting classes for children, teens and adults. [4]

Freedom Hall Performing Arts Theatre

Freedom Hall Performing Arts Theatre is a performing arts theatre and concert hall situated in Park Forest, Illinois. It offers a variety of concerts and theatre performances. Since the opening of Park Forest’s Cultural Arts Center in 1976, Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre has presented performance arts in the form of theater groups, recitals, lecture events, etc.

The Nathan Manilow Theatre has 287 seats. This theatre has presented a variety of events of all genres for more than thirty years. Such shows include Tom Dreessen, C.J Chenier, The Chicago City Ballet, The National Theatre of the Deaf, Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre, Tom Chapin, Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, Corky Siegel, George Winston, The Second City Touring Company, John Houseman, Peter Mayer and many other performances. The goal of such performances is to present the finest cultural events for the Park Forest community and other residents of the Chicago area. [28]

Museum Home

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum is meant to replicate an original home. It was built in 1947-1949 and now stands as a house has remained furnished the same way it originally was back in the years of 1948-1953, just as it was during the first five years that it was occupied by tenants. Visiting this site provides people with the ability to uniquely experience the history of Park Forest, a suburb built after the conclusion of World War II. Initially designed to help veterans and their families returning from the war, it would later become an attraction for enthusiasts of the era.

Visitors can open drawers, cupboards, and closets containing period treasures. Consistent with the way the house was furnished, dolls, toys, built-in bookcases and even a collection of clothes from that period may be found. One of the rooms even recreates a classroom from the very first school in the town. [29]

Tall Grass Arts Association, Park Forest, IL.jpg

Tall Grass Arts Association

Tall Grass Arts Association is located in downtown Park Forest Cultural Center; the Tall Grass Arts Association operates a regional art gallery where juried artists are invited to participate in the annual fine arts fair held in September in downtown Park Forest. Artists can display their work in the gallery at least once a year in addition to including their work in the Tall Grass Gift Shop. [3] [30]

Recreations

Park Forest offers a variety of recreational services to its residents and surrounding neighborhoods including the Park Forest Aqua Center, the Park Forest Tennis and Health Club, and park district classes and sports teams.

Turtle Slide at Park Forest Aqua Center.jpg

Park Forest Aqua Center

Park Forest Aqua Center has been a neighborhood institution since 1952. Both seasonal memberships and daily passes are available. Patrons can enjoy a beach pool for toddlers, the 160-foot water slide, 2 drop slides, a 15-foot aquatic climbing wall, and the East Pool, which is designed for adults to swim laps. [5] Additionally, the Aqua Center also has a sand area and a concession stand. [31]

Summer season opens to the public in the beginning of June and ends on Labor Day. [5] Throughout the season, the Aqua Center offers special events, such as Members Only Kickoff, Hawaiian Night, Glow Swim, and Carnival Night, as well as multiple swim lesson programs: [32]

Park Forest Tennis and Health Club

For over thirty years, the Park Forest Tennis and Health Club has offered residents a place to play tennis and workout. In addition to six indoor tennis courts and a fitness area, the Club also has saunas in the locker rooms, a courtside lounge, professional tennis instructors, racquet stringing, and a pro shop.

The Tennis and Health Club offers multiple types of tennis lessons. Group lessons are available for children and adults. The Club also offers private lessons and the Junior Excellence program, which is available to junior high and high school students who are interested in competing. [33]

Park District Programs

The Park Forest Park District runs seasonal programs open to both residents and non-residents and includes a variety of programs for all ages. The Park District offers sports, health & wellness, and dance programs, in addition to special day trips and art classes. [34]

Architecture

In celebration of the 2018 Illinois Bicentennial, the Park Forest was selected as one of the Illinois 200 Great Places [35] by the American Institute of Architects Illinois component (AIA Illinois).

Notable people

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flossmoor, Illinois</span> Village in Illinois, United States

Flossmoor is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 9,704 at the 2020 census. Flossmoor is approximately 24 miles south of The Loop/Downtown Chicago. It is closely tied to neighboring Homewood, sharing a high school and park district.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Franklin Park, Illinois</span> Village in Illinois, United States

Franklin Park is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 18,467 at the 2020 census, up from 18,333 at the 2010 census. It was named for real estate broker Lesser Franklin who bought acres of the area when it was a majority of farming fields.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glenview, Illinois</span> Village in Illinois, United States

Glenview is an incorporated village located in Cook County, Illinois, United States, approximately 15 miles northwest of the Chicago Loop. Per the 2020 census, the population was 48,705. The current Village President is Michael Jenny.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matteson, Illinois</span> Village in Illinois, United States

Matteson is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 19,073 at the 2020 census. It is a suburb of Chicago.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Olympia Fields, Illinois</span> Village in Illinois, United States

Olympia Fields is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 4,718 as of the 2020 census. It is a southern suburb of Chicago. The municipality grew up around the prestigious Olympia Fields Country Club, originally established in 1915.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Richton Park, Illinois</span> Village in Illinois, United States

Richton Park is a village and a southern suburb of Chicago in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 12,775 at the 2020 census. The community was named after a Richton in Vermont, the native home of a first settler.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">River Forest, Illinois</span> Village in Illinois, United States

River Forest is a suburban village adjacent to Chicago in Cook County, Illinois, United States. Per the 2020 census, the population was 11,717. Two universities make their home in River Forest, Dominican University and Concordia University Chicago. The village is closely tied to the larger neighboring community of Oak Park. There are significant architectural designs located in River Forest such as the Winslow House by Frank Lloyd Wright. River Forest has a railroad station with service to Chicago on Metra's Union Pacific West Line.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tinley Park, Illinois</span> Village in Illinois, United States

Tinley Park is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States, and is a suburb of Chicago. Per the 2020 census, the population was 55,971, and it is among the fastest-growing suburbs southwest of Chicago. In 2009, BusinessWeek named Tinley Park the "best place in America" to raise a family.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University Park, Illinois</span> Village in Illinois, United States

University Park is a village in Will County with a small portion in Cook County in the U.S. state of Illinois. It is a south suburb of Chicago. The village is one of the region's few planned communities; it was developed in the 1960s as Wood Hill, then Park Forest South, and finally University Park. Governors State University was established in the village in 1969. The village population was 7,145 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chicago Southland</span> Suburban region of Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Southland is a region comprising the south and southwest suburbs of the City of Chicago in the U.S. state of Illinois. Home to roughly 2.5 million residents, this region has been known as the Southland by the local populace and regional media for over 20 years. Despite this relatively recent term, some older native Southlanders and current local advertisements colloquially refer to the Southland as the Southside, meaning on the southern side/border of Chicago as extended into the suburbs since some of them previously lived on Chicago's Southside but moved to the suburbs during post WWII white flight.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rich Township, Cook County, Illinois</span> Township in Illinois, United States

Rich Township is one of 29 townships in Cook County, Illinois, United States located south of Chicago. As of the 2020 census, its population was 76,138. Richton Park serves as the governmental seat for the township.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prairie State College</span> Community college in Chicago Heights, Illinois, US

Prairie State College is a public community college in Chicago Heights, Illinois. It is the only college operated by Illinois Community College District 515.

Rich Township High School STEM Campus, formerly Rich Central High School, is a public four-year high school in the south suburbs of Chicago, located in Olympia Fields, Illinois. The Campus serves portions of Chicago Heights, Country Club Hills, Matteson, Olympia Fields, Park Forest, Richton Park, and Tinley Park. The school serves sections of elementary school districts 162, 161, 160, and 159. It is a part of Rich Township District 227, along with Rich Township Fine Arts Campus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matteson station</span> Commuter rail station in Matteson, Illinois

Matteson is one of two commuter rail stations along the Main Branch of the Metra Electric line which serve Matteson, Illinois. It is located at 215th and Main Streets, and is 28.2 miles (45.4 km) away from the northern terminus at Millennium Station. In Metra's zone-based fare system, Matteson station is in zone 3. As of 2018, Matteson is the 86th busiest of Metra's 236 non-downtown stations, with an average of 591 weekday boardings.

Rich Township High School Fine Arts Campus, formerly known as, Rich South High School (RSHS) is a public four-year high school located in Richton Park, Illinois, a southern suburb of Chicago, in the United States. Rich Township's campus serves the cities of Matteson, Park Forest, Richton Park, Olympia Fields and University Park. It is a part of Rich Township District 227.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rich East High School</span> Public secondary school in Park Forest, Illinois, United States

Rich East High School or REHS was a public four-year high school located in Park Forest, Illinois, a southern suburb of Chicago in the United States. Rich East's campus serves the cities of Park Forest, Matteson, Olympia Fields, Chicago Heights and Richton Park serving sections of school districts 162 and 163. Oscar W. Huth Middle School, Illinois Elementary School, Barack Obama School of Leadership and STEM and Michelle Obama School of Technology and the Arts served as feeder schools. It is a part of Rich Township District 227, which also includes Rich South High School and Rich Central High School. As of October 16, 2019, District 227 has decided to close the school.

Matteson School District 162 is a suburban school district in Illinois, based in Richton Park. The district enrolls nearly 2,400 students, serving portions of Matteson, Richton Park, Olympia Fields, Park Forest and a small section of University Park. As of 2017 it has 2,100 students.

Elementary School District 159, also known as Matteson School District 159, is a school district headquartered in Matteson, Illinois near Chicago, United States.

Rich Township High School is a public high school headquartered in the south suburbs of Chicago in Matteson, Illinois. The district enrolls nearly 2,500 students from all or portions of Chicago Heights, Country Club Hills, Olympia Fields, Matteson, Richton Park, Park Forest, Tinley Park, and University Park. The district operates two campuses, a Fine Arts and Communications Campus in Richton Park, and a STEM Campus in Olympia Fields.

The Southland College Preparatory Charter High School is a College Preparatory Charter High School in Richton Park, Illinois. The school serves the communities of Richton Park, Country Club Hills, Matteson, Olympia Fields, and Park Forest.

References

  1. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  2. "Park Forest Is Special". www.parkforesthistory.org. Retrieved December 8, 2019.
  3. 1 2 "Tall Grass Arts Association - About Us". Tall Grass Arts Association. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  4. 1 2 "About ITC". Illinois Theatre Center. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  5. 1 2 3 "Park Forest Aqua Center". Park Forest, IL. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  6. Studs Terkel, The Good War. Pantheon Books, NY, 1984
  7. "Past Winners".
  8. "Marshall Field's Park Forest History".
  9. Park Forest: Birth of a Jewish Community:A Documentary Commentary. April 1951
  10. Progress of a Suburban Jewish CommunityPark Forest Revisited Commentary. February 1957
  11. "Park Forest is Special".
  12. Scenic race down to 5, but still alive :: The SouthtownStar :: Matteson :: Park Forest :: University Park :: Richton Park :: [ permanent dead link ]
  13. Running Club Works With Village to Secure Future of Scenic 10
  14. APOD: 2003 May 6 - A Chicago Meteorite Fall
  15. "Gazetteer Files". Census.gov. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  16. "NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
  17. "Station: Park Forest, IL". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
  18. "Metra Electric | Metra".
  19. "RTA System Map" (PDF). Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  20. "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decades". US Census Bureau.
  21. 1 2 "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Park Forest village, Illinois". United States Census Bureau .
  22. 1 2 "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Park Forest village, Illinois". United States Census Bureau .
  23. "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  24. Slowik, Ted (October 16, 2019). "District 227 board votes to close Rich East High School in Park Forest as part of consolidation plan". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  25. "Park Forest - Chicago Heights School District 163". www.sd163.com. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  26. "Welcome : South Suburban SDA Christian School Park Forest IL". anfbso.adventistschoolconnect.org. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  27. "Rich Township High School District 227 Home". www.rich227.org. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  28. "Freedom Hall". Park Forest, IL. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  29. "A Brief History". www.parkforesthistory.org. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  30. "Tall Grass Arts Association - Gift Shop". Tall Grass Arts Association. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  31. "Park Forest Aqua Center". Chicago Parent. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  32. "Park Forest Aqua Center | Jeff Ellis Management". jeffellismanagement.com. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  33. "Park Forest Tennis and Health Club". Park Forest, IL. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  34. "2019 Autumn Recreation Programs and More". Village of Park Forest.
  35. Waldinger, Mike (January 30, 2018). "The proud history of architecture in Illinois". Springfield Business Journal. Retrieved January 30, 2018.