The Village of Park Forest is set to receive approximately $460,000 in grant funding from Cook County for an upcoming construction project on Forest Boulevard that will begin next year.
On Friday, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will host a press conference in Park Forest to discuss this announcement. Park Forest board members will join Preckwinkle at the event.
In addition, other county and state officials will be present to announce the 35 projects, including the Forest Boulevard Project, that will receive funding under the 2024 Invest in Cook grant program.
The pending construction project on Forest Boulevard will involve removing all of the southbound section of the street and moving all road lanes to the east roadway section.
According to officials, the revitalization of Forest Boulevard will generate ample green spaces along the downtown area. Conceptual plans have been devised for a prospective linear park encompassing public spaces, botanical gardens, and water elements. Furthermore, crews will reconstruct Forest and Norwood Blvd from Indianwood Boulevard to Westwood Drive.
Public Works Director Roderick Ysaguirre said residents will appreciate the new Forest Boulevard when it's completed.
"There are several highlights from this project," Ysaguirre said. "It'll consist of new curb and gutter, new roadway, on-street parking on both sides of Forest Blvd in the multi-family areas, geometric improvements at road intersections, ADA and pedestrian improvements at road intersections, and a 10-foot wide, off-street, multi-use trail along the entire project."
The press conference is scheduled for Friday, Aug 2. at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Forest and Indianwood, in Park Forest. The construction is set to begin next spring.