Village of River Forest

Village of River Forest Welcome to the official page of the Village of River Forest.

The Village of River Forest is a mature community located approximately 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. The Village is home to 11,172 residents, an assortment of businesses and two universities: Concordia and Dominican. The Village is bounded on its west side by the Des Plaines River and large tracts of Cook County Forest Preserves. River Forest is bordered to the east by Oak Park, to the south by Forest Park, to the north by Elmwood Park, and to the west, across the Des Plaines River, by Melrose Park and Maywood. The Village is centrally and conveniently located in the Chicago metropolitan area and it is well served by an efficient roadway network and mass transportation system.

At its September 14 meeting, the Village Board unanimously passed a resolution opposing the proposed O’Hare Flyer Projec...
09/15/2026

At its September 14 meeting, the Village Board unanimously passed a resolution opposing the proposed O’Hare Flyer Project - a high-speed passenger rail proposal that would use existing railroad lines running through River Forest neighborhoods. The resolution cites concerns including pedestrian and vehicular safety, potential impacts on emergency response times, disruptions to neighborhood character, and potential impacts on Thatcher Woods, among others. The Village is also calling on project sponsors to cease advancing the current plans and explore alternative route options, including improvements to existing Metra and CTA service. The Village will continue to formally object throughout the review process and advocate for the interests of the River Forest community and its residents. You can read the resolution herehttps://www.vrf.us/uploads/cms/documents/events/Admin_-_OHF_Resolution_Final_for_website.pdf

The Village Hall Paver Project is scheduled to begin next Monday, September 21! The Project involves installing permeabl...
09/15/2026

The Village Hall Paver Project is scheduled to begin next Monday, September 21! The Project involves installing permeable pavers and will be completed in two phases; Phase I is expected to take approximately two weeks and residents will be able to access Village Hall using the sidewalk along the firehouse. During this phase, drop-off boxes will be temporarily relocated across the street. Phase II will have no impact on accessibility. Expect some noise and disruption during construction, and be sure to follow all posted signs and pedestrian routes. Thank you for your patience as we make this significant improvement at Village Hall.

Drive safely in school zones! Motorists should remember to stay alert and drive with extra caution near schools, parks, ...
09/14/2026

Drive safely in school zones! Motorists should remember to stay alert and drive with extra caution near schools, parks, neighborhoods and bus stops - where children can be walking or biking. Follow posted school zone speed limits, put your phone away, watch for crossing guards, and always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Slow down and stay focused to keep our community’s children safe.

Is your child’s car seat installed correctly? In recognition of Child Passenger Safety Week (September 20–26), the Polic...
09/14/2026

Is your child’s car seat installed correctly? In recognition of Child Passenger Safety Week (September 20–26), the Police Department is offering free car seat safety checks on Saturday, September 26, from 9 a.m. to noon at the River Forest Town Center, 7200 W. Lake Street. Certified technicians will help parents and caregivers select the right car seat and ensure it is properly installed. Held in conjunction with National Seat Check Saturday - this free event is a great opportunity to make sure your child is riding in your vehicle as safely as possible. Can’t attend? Visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/right-seat to find certified technicians, installation assistance, and other child passenger safety resources.

Cleaning out your closets? Don’t put unwanted clothing and textiles in your recycling cart! Instead, donate usable items...
09/12/2026

Cleaning out your closets? Don’t put unwanted clothing and textiles in your recycling cart! Instead, donate usable items or schedule a free pickup with Simple Recycling. River Forest residents can schedule pickups every Friday for a variety of accepted items, including clothing, shoes, bedding, coats, linens, tools, and toys. Help keep these items out of landfills and give them a second life! Learn more, view accepted items, and schedule a pickup at https://simplerecycling.com/.

Please take a moment to read this week’s E-News! This edition features a message from the Village President, an update o...
09/11/2026

Please take a moment to read this week’s E-News! This edition features a message from the Village President, an update on the Village Board’s upcoming consideration of a resolution opposing the O’Hare Flyer Project, important reminders about school zone safety, details on the upcoming Fire Department Open House, and more! Read it here: https://conta.cc/4iq0puE

Want the E-newsletter delivered straight to your inbox each week? Sign up here: https://www.vrf.us/E-News.html.

This week, crews installed the new watermain along Franklin Avenue to Madison Street, including new fire hydrants. Next ...
09/11/2026

This week, crews installed the new watermain along Franklin Avenue to Madison Street, including new fire hydrants. Next week, crews will continue watermain installation along Madison Street and make sewer adjustments as needed to accommodate the new main. Thank you for your patience and cooperation throughout the project. Please follow all posted construction signs and avoid the work zone whenever possible.

Today, we honor the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks - by remembering the lives lost and re...
09/11/2026

Today, we honor the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks - by remembering the lives lost and recognizing the courage of the first responders, service members, and everyday citizens who answered the call to help others on this tragic day in United States history.

You’re invited to celebrate a new cafe focused on improving local community health and well-being! Attend a ribbon-cutti...
09/10/2026

You’re invited to celebrate a new cafe focused on improving local community health and well-being! Attend a ribbon-cutting and the grand opening celebration of the Food Is Medicine Café on Friday, October 30, from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at 1100 S. 11th Avenue, along the Illinois Prairie Path in Maywood. This Café promotes healthy eating, education, and community connection to help improve health - and address chronic disease. Save the date and learn more about how the Food Is Medicine Café can make a difference in the lives of residents at https://maywood-il.gov/_T10_R380.php.

If you have a business located in River Forest with a valid business license, you can be featured in the Village’s business spotlight. Email [email protected] to share your information. Visit the Shop River Forest web page on the Village’s website for a list of local businesses at https://www.vrf.us/guides/guide/37.

Calling all 7th and 8th grade girls who want to learn more about Trinity High School! Discover the Trinity experience th...
09/09/2026

Calling all 7th and 8th grade girls who want to learn more about Trinity High School! Discover the Trinity experience through Future Blazer Shadow Days, which begin tomorrow, Thursday, September 10 and continues through December 5. Students will be paired with a Trinity Ambassador to visit classes, tour the school, and enjoy lunch with the Blazers. Want to experience Trinity’s student spirit? Join Fall Spirit Week, September 14–17, or check out Class of 2031 Preview Day on Monday, October 12. Register at trinityhs.org/shadow. Trinity High School is located at 7574 Division Street.

Address

400 Park Avenue
River Forest, IL

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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