The Village of Park Forest’s Public Works Department is celebrating "National Public Works Week 2025" from May 18 to May 24 by hosting a coloring contest and engaging the community through daily posts made to the Village of Park Forest’s Facebook page.

 This week-long event is sponsored by the American Public Works Association (APWA) and aims to recognize the public works professionals who provide essential services and infrastructure that enhance the quality of life in our communities. This year's theme, "People, Purpose, Presence," highlights three key ideals that motivate public works professionals to serve their communities every day.

In Park Forest, the Public Works Department will host a coloring contest. Coloring sheets were distributed to local schools and may also be picked up at the Park Forest Library, at Village Hall, or downloaded from the Village's Facebook page by clicking here. Gift cards of $20 will be awarded to the winners of each age division: five to eight years old, nine to 12 years old, and 13 years and older.

Public Works Director Roderick Ysaguirre stated that the contest is another way for the department to engage the community. 

"Last year, we celebrated our Public Works crews and posted a photo on Facebook," Ysaguirre explained. "We took the guys out to lunch at Aurelio's Pizza and posted a photo online to help the community see who the people are who serve them. This year, we want to take the online engagement a step further by highlighting more our individual staff members and the outstanding work that they do."

The Public Works Department will judge all entries submitted before the Friday, May 23 deadline. If you would like to participate in the coloring contest, please include your name, phone number, and address with your submission. Submissions can be made at the Public Works Department at Village Hall, located at 350 Victory Dr. Please note that the contest is only open to Park Forest residents.

In addition to the coloring contest, the Public Works Department will launch a social media campaign on Facebook next week to showcase the department each day. Here’s the schedule:

Monday: A recap post on social media highlighting last year's National Public Works Week.

Tuesday: “I Love Public Works Because...” - This day will feature posts from community members sharing their appreciation for the department.

Wednesday: “What Are You Wearing” - On this day, we'll highlight various Public Works crew members discussing their roles and the importance of their work.

Thursday: Public Works will share before-and-after photos of various projects on social media.

Friday: The weekly newscast, Park Forest Newsbreak, will be dedicated to Public Works, focusing on what the department is working on this summer.

Residents are encouraged to visit the Village of Park Forest’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ParkForestIL throughout the week to learn more about the members of the Park Forest’s Public Works Department, and to show their appreciation for the work that they do.