Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.

Police

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  • Parking tickets may be paid by cash, check, or credit card (MasterCard/Visa/American Express) at the Park Forest Police Department, 24 hours a day. Additionally, online bill pay of parking tickets is available by visiting https://www.violationspayment.com/ws/ (click on Park Forest then Parking/Compliance/Hearing Request) Questions regarding your ticket can usually be answered by any records clerk. More detailed problems are handled by the Parking Administrator at the Park Forest Police Department, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Those wishing to speak with the Parking Administrator should call 708-748-4701 during the above noted days and times.
    Police

  • If you were issued a traffic citation where the citation number begins with the letter Y, you can pay the fine via US Mail by using the envelope provided by the officer during the traffic stop. Directions are included on the envelope. Some traffic citations require a mandatory court appearance. You can check in the lower right hand corner of your citation for any court information. If you were issued a municipal citation where the citation number begins with the letter M, you can pay the fine in cash or credit card (MasterCard/Visa/American Express) at the Park Forest Police Department, in person or by mail. Please note that prepayment is not available if the officer checked the “Must Appear” box at the bottom of the Municipal Citation. In this case, the hearing information is included to the right of the “Must Appear” box, and you must appear at the hearing or be subject to a $750 fine.
    Police

  • Scheduling of court appearances for traffic citations (citation numbers beginning with the letter “Y”) is conducted through the Cook County, 6th District Circuit Court in Markham, Illinois. The Park Forest Police Department cannot change court dates. Call the Markham Courthouse at 708-232-4577.
    Police

  • Anyone wishing to make a complaint against a police department employee is encouraged to speak to the on-duty supervisor, either by visiting the police department or by calling (708) 748-4701. Often times, misunderstandings of policy or minor issues can be successfully resolved by the on-duty supervisor. However, we recognize that sometimes a person may not want to visit the police department or speak with the on-duty supervisor. Should that be the case, formal complaint forms are located in the lobby of the police department and can also be downloaded here. Completed forms may be emailed to citizencomplaint@parkforest-IL.gov, dropped off at the front desk of the police department, or mailed to:

    Citizen Complaint

    Park Forest Police Department

    200 Lakewood Blvd.

    Park Forest, IL 60466


    It is the policy of the Park Forest Police Department to ensure that the community can report alleged misconduct without concern for reprisal or retaliation.  All citizen complaints are treated seriously and investigated.

    Police

  • If you would like to commend a police department employee for the service they provided, please email Chief Christopher Mannino at cmannino@parkforest-IL.gov or correspondence can be mailed to:

    Chief Mannino
    Park Forest Police Department
    200 Lakewood Blvd.
    Park Forest, IL 60466

    All letters of commendation are shared with the employee and also placed in their personnel file.

    Police

  • Village Ordinance prohibits anyone under the age of 17 from being in any public place, street, or assembly between the hours of 11:01 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and 12:01 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on the weekends. Parents may be held liable if their minor children are out past curfew.
    Police

  • No, the Park Forest Police Department Community Service Unit and Animal Control Units do not remove wild animals. Please call a professional wildlife removal specialist.
    Police

  • Village ordinance limits the amount of pets in your home to no more than three dogs and cats.
    Police

  • Yes, annual pet licenses must be purchased at Village Hall. To obtain the license, the pet owner must provide an up-to-date rabies vaccination from a license veterinarian.
    Police

Water

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  • The Village is supplied by ground water pumped from six wells drilled approximately 340 feet deep into a dolomite limestone aquifer. The wells are all located within a one-mile radius of the Village’s Drinking Water Treatment Plant. Ground water is pumped from the wells to the plant where it is treated using a lime and soda ash softening process. The treated water is also filtered using anthracite and sand. Chlorine is added as a disinfectant, fluoride is added to help prevent tooth decay, and phosphates are added to help inhibit corrosion. Drinking water is then pumped from the plant to the consumer through 72 miles of underground drinking water mains.
    Water

  • Yes. The Village is required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to test for lead every three years from IEPA-approved sites. The Village does not have laboratory facilities to test for lead in drinking water, but contracts with a lab certified by the Illinois Department of Public Health. The most recent sampling period was July/August of 2017. The results are posted on the Village’s website at www.vopfwaterreport.com. The Village complies with all IEPA testing requirements and have met those requirements every year since testing began in 1997.

    Water

  • The bulk of Park Forest homes were built in the 1950s and 1960s when lead piping was more prevalent. While most of Park Forest’s water system was not built using lead piping there are fixtures and joints that could contain lead both within the Village’s water system and inside a resident’s home. Current chemical testing indicates Park Forest homes do not have lead levels approaching amounts that are a cause for concern under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines, though, it still is possible for some homes to have small traceable amounts of lead in their tap water under the right conditions.
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  • Lead will most often enter the drinking water from pipe corrosion or wearing away of lead-based materials.
    Water

  • The Village adds chemicals to the drinking water at its Treatment Plant that coat the inside of the pipes to inhibit corrosion and prevent leaching of lead into the drinking water supply. While it is possible that some homes may still have lead service lines or lead solder pipe joints, the Village’s corrosion control methods reduce the amount of lead leaching into the drinking water from these sources as well. These anti-leaching, anti-corrosion additives are safe for consumers.
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  • The 72 miles of municipal water mains are mostly Cast Iron or PVC. Some lead solder joints still remain, but the drinking water mains are coated by the additives the Village of Park Forest uses to inhibit corrosion and lead leaching. In addition, unlike the drinking water in one’s home, the drinking water in the Village’s mains flows constantly. The leaching of anything into the drinking water occurs from standing water. That’s why experts recommend that homeowners run their tap water for at least three minutes before use if it has not been used in the previous six hours.
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  • Maintenance on the Village’s water system has the potential of causing corrosion on any lead piping of fixtures that may exist. That’s why experts recommend homeowners run their tap water for at least three minutes after any water main work is performed in your area. The Department of Public Works notifies residents in the area of any planned water main work prior to construction.
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  • If you have lead in your home’s tap water, the source most likely is the service line pipe connecting your home to the municipal water main, lead solder joints in your home’s own plumbing, or brass fixtures manufactured prior to 2011.
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  • Yes. A property owner can replace the water service line. Property owners are responsible for the cost of replacing the service line from the shutoff valve to the house.
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  • If you are concerned about the possibility of lead in your home’s drinking water, you can have your drinking water tested by a certified laboratory. If you have difficulty finding a certified laboratory for testing, contact the Public Works Department at 708-503-7702.
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  • Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources. It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to young children, pregnant women, and infants-particularly if they drink formula prepared with tap water containing elevated levels of lead.
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  • The U.S. EPA recommends the following steps: • Flush your pipes before drinking - The more time the water sits in your home’s pipes, the more lead it may contain. Any time water in a particular faucet has not been used for six hours or longer, flush the cold water pipes by running the water until it becomes as cold as it will get. This could take as little as 30 seconds or up to three minutes. To save water, use the water you flush out for watering plants. • Use cold water for cooking and drinking - Use only water from the cold-water tap for drinking, cooking, and especially for making baby formula. Hot water is likely to contain higher levels of lead. Run cold water until it becomes as cold as it will get. Boiling water will not get rid of lead contamination. • Use water filters or treatment devices - Many water filters and water treatment devices are certified by independent organizations for effective lead reduction. Devices that are not designed to remove lead will not work. Verify the claims of manufactures by contacting National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International at 800-NSF-8010 or visiting www.nsf.org. Some water filters that remove lead also remove fluoride. Residents with children may wish to discuss fluoride replacement with a dentist.
    Water

  • Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or by visiting www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. You also can review the Village’s Annual Water Report posted at www.vopfwaterreport.com. If you would like to discuss the issue with a local contact, call Village of Park Forest Public Works Department at 708-503-7702.
    Water

Economic Development and Planning | Become a vendor FAQs

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  • You can apply by completing the Temporary Food Dispenser or Peddler application form online or in person by the stated deadline. Deadlines to apply are typically a week before the event unless otherwise stated by the event coordinator.

    Economic Development and Planning | Become a vendor FAQs

  • We accept a variety of vendors, including food vendors, artisans, retail businesses, community organizations, and service providers. All vendors must align with the event's mission and standards.

    1. If you are providing a service or giving out free information, you are considered a Civic vendor. You only need to fill out a Peddler form, and do not need to provide the additional documents that go along with that application. Fees may still apply.
    Economic Development and Planning | Become a vendor FAQs

  • Yes, vendor fees vary based on the type of vendor (e.g., food vs. non-food). Fee details are included in the vendor application packet.

    Economic Development and Planning | Become a vendor FAQs

  • Yes. If your business is based in Park Forest (even if online), it must be registered with the Village. All vendors must have a business name in good standing according to Illinois state law.

    Economic Development and Planning | Become a vendor FAQs

  • Yes. Food vendors must comply with all county and state health regulations and will be inspected the day of the event. If the health inspector does not pass you, he will give you time to correct any violations.

    Economic Development and Planning | Become a vendor FAQs

  • Once reviewed, you will receive a confirmation email with your acceptance status and additional instructions, including setup times and vendor rules.

    Economic Development and Planning | Become a vendor FAQs

  • Vendor spaces typically include a designated outdoor or indoor area.  You are encouraged to provide your own tables, chairs, tents, and electricity, unless otherwise arranged with the event coordinator.

    Economic Development and Planning | Become a vendor FAQs

  • Booth placement is determined by the event organizers to ensure a balanced layout. Requests may be considered but are not guaranteed.

    Economic Development and Planning | Become a vendor FAQs

  • Set-up usually begins several hours before the event starts. All vendors must be ready by the opening time. Teardown may only begin after the event ends, unless otherwise directed. If you need to leave before the event ends, you must notify the event coordinator before the event starts.

    Economic Development and Planning | Become a vendor FAQs

  • Most events are rain or shine. In the case of extreme weather or cancellation, you will be notified about contingency plans by noon the day of the event. 

    Economic Development and Planning | Become a vendor FAQs

  • Refunds are not typically issued for cancellations unless otherwise stated by the event coordinator.

    Economic Development and Planning | Become a vendor FAQs

  • Shared booths may be allowed with prior approval and separate applications for each business involved.

    Economic Development and Planning | Become a vendor FAQs

  • Basic event security may be provided, but vendors are responsible for their own property and merchandise.

    Economic Development and Planning | Become a vendor FAQs

  • Vendors may be included in event marketing materials, social media, newsletters, and website listings. You are encouraged to promote your participation as well.

    Economic Development and Planning | Become a vendor FAQs

  • The amount of attendees expected vary by event. You can reach out to the event coordinator for more information.

    Economic Development and Planning | Become a vendor FAQs

  • Serving or selling alcohol is only permitted with prior written approval from the event organizers and the Mayor. A special use permit liquor license provided by the state is also be required. You can find that application here.

    Economic Development and Planning | Become a vendor FAQs

  • Alcohol samples are permitted only if you have obtained the proper licensing and insurance. Samples must comply with local size and service restrictions.

    Economic Development and Planning | Become a vendor FAQs

  • Please contact the Event Coordinator or the Business Licenser Arika Rogers at arogers@vopf.com for any questions not addressed here.

    Economic Development and Planning | Become a vendor FAQs