The Village of Park Forest was featured in the November/December edition of Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine for its innovative community engagement through a new mascot created for its Recreation, Parks, and Community Health Department.

The feature highlights the creation of Reecy the Raccoon, a character designed to strengthen connections between the Village and residents while adding a fun, approachable presence to programs, events, and outreach. According to the magazine, the mascot has helped modernize communication efforts, particularly on social media and at community gatherings.

Illinois Parks & Recreation reported that raccoons were chosen because they are curious, adaptable, and energetic—qualities that reflect both Park Forest’s spirit and the department’s mission. Rather than serving as a simple logo, Reecy was developed as a full character with a personality intended to appeal to families, children, and residents of all ages.

The article also notes the collaborative process behind the mascot’s creation. The idea was spearheaded by Margarita Guzman, administrative assistant for Recreation, Parks, and Community Health, who played a major role in developing the concept as a long-term engagement tool for the department. Digital design tools were used to create initial concepts, and residents were invited to help select the final mascot through a public vote on social media and in-person submissions.

More than 100 votes were cast during Parks and Recreation Month in July, with Reecy emerging as the favorite among three finalists. The magazine said that community involvement helped ensure the mascot felt authentic and resident-driven from the start.

Following the design process, Reecy was incorporated into promotional materials, social media campaigns, and event marketing. The mascot made its public debut at Fall Fest in October, where it quickly became a popular attraction and a recognizable symbol of Park Forest’s parks and recreation programming.

A statewide publication, Illinois Parks & Recreation showcases best practices and success stories from agencies across Illinois. Park Forest’s recognition underscores its commitment to creative communication, resident engagement, and forward-thinking programming. To read the full article, click here.