The village ostensibly furthered its commitment to a healthier citizenry last month when it passed the Complete Streets resolution, which, in the future, will make it easier for folks to physically navigate the town’s streets.

Now, when street projects or improvements are being planned, motorists aren’t the only ones who will be taken into consideration. Money from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be used to make streets more accessible to pedestrians, bicyclists and public-transit users if and when projects and or improvements occur. The aim, of course, is to get more people moving – and not just in their cars.

A press release from the Cook County Department of Public Health cites a 2009 study in the journal Social Science and Medicine that found that people living in walkable communities were less likely to be overweight.

What’s more, according to that press release, Forest Park was the second community, countywide, to pass a resolution (Complete Streets) that, essentially, expresses its commitment to make it easier for folks to be physically active when in town.

More municipalities might want to follow suit: The village reported, in an April press release, that, throughout Cook County, 63 percent of adults and 40 percent of children are overweight or obese.

This resolution indicates that the village is concerned with the physical health of its residents and proves that it is willing to be at the front of the pack, regionally, when it comes to promoting public health.

 

Ribfest’s streak of successes

By most accounts – in fact, all that we’ve heard thus far – the village’s 6th Annual Ribfest was a huge success, and much of that has to do with the hard work and planning of village officials and community center staff, particularly Karen Dylewski.

Dylewski, the community center director, is charged with organizing and overseeing much of Ribfest, and, as usual, she did a great job. There was a plentitude of rib styles to sample, as well as other food, and attractions for adults and kids.

She hit the nail on the head when she told the Forest Park Review that Ribfest “showcases Forest Park.” Folks from different states and towns – rib-makers and patrons, alike – convened at the Grove, and everyone the Review spoke with seemed to be soaking up all that Ribfest had to offer: the contest, the bands, the sweet corn, and, of course, the ribs!

At Monday night’s council meeting, Mayor Anthony Calderone paid tribute to everyone who was involved in the event by initiating a well-deserved round of applause.

It will be icing on the cake, though, if this year’s Ribfest was profitable. This has almost always been the case in years past, but members of the last two village boards have questioned the logic of some event spending.

That said, we’re happy with the outcome thus far, but we hope that Ribfest continues its streak of financial success.