Overview
Park Forest is a village located in Cook and Lake counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. It is part of the Chicago metropolitan area and is situated approximately 30 miles (48 km) south‑southeast of downtown Chicago. As of the 2020 United States Census, the village had a population of 22,467 residents.
History
- Founded in 1946 as a planned community intended to provide housing for World War II veterans and their families.
- The development was coordinated by the Federal Housing Administration and private developers, converting farmland into a suburban settlement with a mix of single‑family homes, apartments, schools, and community facilities.
- The name “Park Forest” reflects the original design emphasis on green spaces, parkland, and tree‑lined streets.
- Incorporated as a village in 1950.
Geography
- Total area: 6.01 square miles (15.57 km²), of which 5.98 sq mi (15.48 km²) is land and 0.03 sq mi (0.09 km²) is water.
- The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, typical of the Lake Michigan coastal plain.
- Adjacent municipalities include Chicago Heights, Matteson, and University Park.
Demographics (2020 Census)
- Population: 22,467
- Racial composition: approximately 55 % White (non‑Hispanic), 31 % African American, 7 % Hispanic or Latino, 4 % Asian, and 3 % two or more races.
- Median household income (American Community Survey 2021): $73,500.
- Housing units: 9,850, with a homeownership rate of roughly 68 %.
Government
- Operates under a mayor‑council form of government. The mayor is elected at‑large, and the Village Board consists of six trustees representing elected districts.
- Services include a police department, fire protection (provided by the Park Forest Fire Protection District), and a public works department.
Education
- Served primarily by Park Forest‑Chicago Heights School District 163, which operates several elementary schools, a middle school, and Park Forest High School.
- Nearby higher‑education institutions include the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Lake County campus (located in neighboring University Park) and several community colleges within the Chicago region.
Transportation
- Major roadways: Interstate 80 (tollway) runs along the southern edge of the village; U.S. Route 30 (Lincoln Highway) traverses the northern part.
- Public transit: Metra’s Metra Electric District Line provides commuter rail service to downtown Chicago via the Park Forest station.
- Bus service is offered by Pace Suburban Bus Service.
Parks and Recreation
- The Park Forest Park District manages more than 1,300 acres of parkland, including lakes, trails, sports facilities, and community centers.
- Notable parks: Village Square (hosts annual community events), Woodfield Lake, and the Riverside Trail system.
Notable People
- Bob Dole – Former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate; resided in Park Forest during his early political career.
- Richard J. Daley – Former Chicago mayor; owned a residence in the village.
- Julius Erving – Hall of Fame basketball player; lived in Park Forest during his youth.
- Anne McClain – NASA astronaut; grew up in the village.
References
- United States Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census.
- Village of Park Forest official website (www.parkforest.org).
- Illinois State Archives, incorporation records.
- Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, regional planning documents.
