About the Program

Park Forest's Civic Leadership Academy offers seven focus areas, all centered around the unique aspects of Park Forest. View the list of areas covered below.

Arts/Cultural Programming/Entertainment

  • Freedom Hall
  • Main Street Nights Performing Arts Series
  • Public Art
  • Tall Grass Arts Association
  • Salon Artists Gallery
  • Music Education
  • SPAA Theater
  • Governors State University's Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park
  • Park Forest Public Library

Environmental/Sustainable Leadership

  • Park Forest Sustainability Plan and related programs/activities
  • Central Park Wetlands
  • Thorn Creek Nature Center
  • Park Forest Environment Commission
  • Economic Development

Youth Programming

  • Park Forest Recreation and Parks activities
  • Teen Zone
  • Park Forest Baseball Program
  • Park Forest Hurricanes Football Program
  • Aunt Martha's

Municipal Government

  • Manager/Council form of government
  • Village services
  • Finance and budgeting
  • Park Forest Boards and commissions overview
  • Regional collaboration

Health Care

  • Park Forest Health Department
  • Park Forest Senior Commission
  • Rich Township Senior Center

Housing

  • Diversity of housing types in Park Forest
  • Foreclosures and vacancies in Park Forest and what's being done
  • Veterans' housing, jobs, and engagement

Education

  • Rich East High School
  • School District 163
  • Governors State University