Oak Park Police believe simple silicone bracelets can help break down communication barriers during emergencies when first responders encounter individuals with autism, Alzheimer’s, dementia or other mental health issues.
The bracelets — their green color universally associated with mental health...
Oak Parkers with special needs that should be considered in an emergency situation can register confidentially with the Village to ensure first responders are aware when dispatched via a 911 call.
Knowing that they are being dispatched to a home where someone may have a hearing or visual impairment...
Good times abound at the Oak Park Farmers’ Market, where every Saturday features music from the Farmers’ Market Band, fresh donuts and dozens of vendors selling fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, cheese, honey, milk and other products from across the region.
Upcoming special events…The annual corn...
As temperatures rise, so does the threat of the mosquito-borne West Nile Virus. Illinois reported 152 human cases and four deaths last year. The severity of this season has not been established, but the virus has been found in numerous Illinois communities, including Oak Park.
Take precautions......
As part of the interstate compact for preserving the Great Lakes, summer watering restrictions are in effect May 15 through Sept. 15. Outdoor water use is limited Mondays through Fridays to even-numbered street addresses on even-numbered days, and to odd-numbered addresses on odd-numbered days....
The Fire Department has a special email address to accept requests for child safety seat inspections. Parents of young children can email carseat@oak-park.us to request an appointment. Parents will need to bring their vehicle owner’s manual and car seat manufacturer’s manual along with the seat...
Oak Park Police rely on residents taking an active role. If you see unusual activity, suspicious people or vehicles in your neighborhood, don’t hesitate to call 911 immediately. Visit www.oak-park.us/police for more information on police programs and services, including how to contact the officer...
Every Oak Park resident who owns or leases a vehicle is required to purchase and display a vehicle sticker annually before July 15.
Anyone who misses the deadline must purchase a sticker and pay a $20 late fee. Failure to display a valid Village sticker by the deadline also may result in a $75...
Residents interested in seeing the Village Board craft public policy can view meetings live at www.oak-park.us/boardtv. Past meetings also are archived on the page, which offers keyword searches. Visitors can view the materials and documents elected officials use to make decisions, and link...
With the highest temperatures of the season typically coming in July and August, public health officials urge residents to protect themselves and their loved ones from the sometimes severe consequences of extreme heat. While everyone is susceptible to heat-related illnesses, the elderly and...
Residents of single-family homes and buildings with five or fewer units can safely dispose of common hazardous household waste and unwanted electronics without a trip to a collection site. At-Your-Door service is part of the regular weekly municipal garbage and recycling collection programs billed...
Residents ages 16 to 18 are invited to learn skills and techniques that can help them find and keep a job at annual workshops presented by the Community Relations Department.
This year’s workshops are scheduled for 1 to 6 p.m., July 31 – Aug. 4 at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St....
Single-family emergency…No-interest loans of up to $5,000 are available to help income-eligible owners of single family homes make emergency repairs such as replace faulty furnaces or water heaters. To qualify, homes must be owner-occupied and household income must be at or below 80 percent of the...
Nominations are being sought for awards that recognize efforts by organizations, individuals and businesses to improve the Village through property preservation, sustainability and accessibility. Here are the details:
Accessibility: Businesses, organizations and other entities that provide...
Summer concerts…Free concerts in Scoville Park at Lake Street and Oak Park Avenue continue every Sunday through Aug. 20. These family-friendly concerts feature a wide range of music. Concerts are held from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Garden art swap meet…Local gardeners are invited to participate in a garden...
Applications are now being accepted for a program that provides financial assistance to property owners who install an overhead sewer system or a backflow prevention system to protect their homes from sewer backup during a heavy rain event.
Anyone who meets the program guidelines can apply,...
Karen Rozmus, the conscience, heart and hands of the Village of Oak Park’s recycling programs retired on June 30 after nearly 22 years on the job. As manager of the Village’s refuse and recycling programs, she touched virtually every program in Oak Park related to environmental sustainability....
Property owners are urged to keep their shrubs and trees along sidewalks and alleys properly trimmed to ensure safe passage by pedestrians and motorists. Blocking the public way not only creates hazards, it also is a local ordinance violation. Residents whose plantings create issues are asked to...
Responsible pet owners agree that picking up after one's dog is the right thing to do. Dog excrement is not only a nuisance, it's unhealthy and leaving it unattended is against the law. Anyone observing someone not picking up after a dog should call 708.358.5680 or email health@oak-park.us. And be...
To protect the health and safety of the public, Village ordinance requires building permits for construction and many home repairs. Homeowners preparing for summer repair projects should always work with their contractors to ensure that they register with the Village, obtain any required permits,...