Forest Park, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Forest Park, Illinois
|
||
|---|---|---|
Madison Street, Downtown Forest Park
|
||
|
||
| Motto(s):
"Big city access, small town charm"
|
||
Location of Forest Park in Cook County, Illinois.
|
||
 Forest Park, Illinois
Location in Greater Chicago
Forest Park, Illinois
Location in Illinois
Forest Park, Illinois
Location in the United States
|
||
| Country | United States | |
| State | Illinois | |
| County | Cook | |
| Township | Proviso | |
| Incorporated | 1907 | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Commission | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 2.40 sq mi (6.22 km2) | |
| • Land | 2.40 sq mi (6.22 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) 0% | |
| Population
(2020)
|
||
| • Total | 14,339 | |
| • Density | 5,969.61/sq mi (2,305.18/km2) | |
| Standard of living (2007-11) | ||
| • Per capita income | $34,756 | |
| • Median home value | $222,400 | |
| ZIP code(s) |
60130
|
|
| Area code(s) | 708 | |
| Geocode | 26935 | |
| FIPS code | 17-26935 | |
Forest Park, once called Harlem, is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. It is a suburb right next to Chicago. In 2020, about 14,339 people lived there.
The Forest Park station is the last stop on the CTA Blue Line. This train line is part of Chicago's famous "L" train system. Forest Park is one of only two towns served by the "L" that doesn't directly touch Chicago.
Contents
Where is Forest Park?
Forest Park is located at 41°52′23″N 87°48′40″W / 41.87306°N 87.81111°W. It covers about 2.40 square miles (6.22 square kilometers) of land. The Des Plaines River flows through the village.
A Look at Forest Park's Past
The community was once part of a larger area called Harlem. It officially became the village of Forest Park on April 17, 1907.
For many years, Forest Park was known as the "Village of cemeteries." It had more dead "residents" buried there than living people. Some say there were 30 buried people for every one living person! Some of the cemeteries in Forest Park include Altenheim, Forest Home Cemetery, Jewish Waldheim, and Woodlawn. The famous Haymarket Martyrs' Monument is located in Forest Home Cemetery.
From 1925 to 1931, Forest Park even had its own radio station. It changed names a few times, like WHT, WNBA, WSOA, and WCHI.
During World War II, the Naval Ordnance Station Forest Park was very important. It made torpedoes for the Navy. Up to 6,500 people worked there, producing 19,000 torpedoes during the war. Most of the plant was replaced by a mall in 1971.
In 2007, Forest Park celebrated its 100th birthday as an incorporated village. The town has also had other big celebrations for its history.
Women's professional baseball and softball have ties to Forest Park. A team called Emery Parichy's Bloomer Girls played here from the 1930s until 1955. Their softball field was eventually used to build the Eisenhower Expressway.
Fun at Forest Park Amusement Park
Forest Park was once home to a popular place called Forest Park Amusement Park. It was open from 1907 to 1922. The park had many rides, games, and shows.
On July 25, 1918, a fire broke out at the park. It destroyed about one-fifth of the area. Even after the fire, the park continued to be popular. It hosted events that helped the community and even held rallies against prohibition. However, after 1922, the park closed for good. The area where it once stood is now the Forest Park station for the CTA Blue Line.
Circle Theatre's Story
For many years, Forest Park was home to the Circle Theatre. This professional theater company was known for its excellent shows. It produced over 175 plays and won many awards. Famous playwrights and actors like Harry Connick, Jr. and Russell Crowe supported the theater.
Who Lives in Forest Park?
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 923 | — | |
| 1900 | 4,085 | — | |
| 1910 | 6,594 | 61.4% | |
| 1920 | 10,768 | 63.3% | |
| 1930 | 14,555 | 35.2% | |
| 1940 | 14,840 | 2.0% | |
| 1950 | 14,969 | 0.9% | |
| 1960 | 14,452 | −3.5% | |
| 1970 | 15,472 | 7.1% | |
| 1980 | 15,177 | −1.9% | |
| 1990 | 14,918 | −1.7% | |
| 2000 | 15,688 | 5.2% | |
| 2010 | 14,167 | −9.7% | |
| 2020 | 14,339 | 1.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 2010-2020 |
|||
In 2020, Forest Park had 14,339 people living there. The village is a mix of different backgrounds. About 49.60% of residents were White, and 30.89% were African American. About 11.32% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
The average age in Forest Park was 39.6 years old. About 14.7% of the people were under 18. The median income for a household was $70,670.
Life in Forest Park
The Park District of Forest Park has a 15-acre park with an aquatic center for swimming and fun.
Most of the shopping and dining is on Madison Street. This street used to have many taverns, but now it also has antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants. The Chicago Tribune readers even voted it the "Best Neighborhood Dining" in the Chicago area!
Every year, the Forest Park Park District hosts the Forest Park No Glove National Invitational Softball Tournament. This event brings together the best 16-inch softball teams from the Chicago metropolitan area. It's a slow-pitch game played without gloves, which is very popular in the region.
In the autumn, St. Bernardine Church holds an Oktoberfest, and the village hosts a Rib-fest.
One of the most well-known businesses in Forest Park is the Ferrara Pan Candy Company. You can often smell the sweet candy from the nearby Harlem Blue Line train stop!
Forest Park has two local newspapers: the Forest Park Review and The Forest Park Post. These papers keep residents updated on local news.
Learning in Forest Park
Forest Park has its own school district, Forest Park School District 91. This district runs four elementary schools and Forest Park Middle School. Older students attend Proviso East High School in Maywood. There's also a special magnet school called the Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy located in Forest Park.
Forest Park Public Library
The Forest Park Public Library is a great place to read and learn. The current library building opened in 1995. It's a large, comfortable space with lots of seating, study areas, a meeting room, a youth activity room, and a computer room. It's designed to be easy for everyone to use.
Famous Places in Forest Park
- St. Bernardine Catholic Church: This beautiful church was built in a Spanish Mission style. It was designed by McCarthy, Smith, and Eppig.
- The Ferrara Pan Candy Company: This famous candy factory is located at 7301 W. Harrison Street. It was started in 1908 by Salvatore Ferrara, who came to America from Italy. The company uses a special "sugar panning" process to make its candies.
Getting Around Forest Park
You can get around Forest Park using the "L" train system. The CTA Blue Line has two stations in the village: Forest Park station and Harlem station. Bus service is also available through Pace.
Notable People from Forest Park
- Kevin Bellie, an award-winning director and choreographer.
- W. Robert Blair, an Illinois politician.
- Warren Brown, a sports journalist who gave nicknames to famous athletes like Red Grange and Babe Ruth.
- Eddie Hoh, a rock drummer from the 1960s.
- Bill Idelson, an actor and writer.
- Erv Lange, a pitcher for the Chicago Whales baseball team.
- Howard R. Mohr, an Illinois politician and former Mayor of Forest Park.
- Frederick B. Roos, an Illinois politician.
- Calvin Sutker, an Illinois politician.
- Pierre Walters, an NFL athlete who played for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Images for kids
-
Entrance to the park and the ballroom that was connected with it
-
Steeplechase ride
-
From atop the chutes
-
Souvenir photo taken at the park
-
The park's casino building at night
-
A night view of the park from its lake
See also
In Spanish: Forest Park (Illinois) para niños
