Local residents have another overnight parking option following action by the Forest Park Village Council, Aug. 13.
With Commissioners Rachell Entler and Dan Novak absent, the council voted 3-0 to allow overnight parking in the lot adjacent to the Park District of Forest Park’s new Roos Recreation Center, 7329 Harrison St., for those who purchase permits.
The 30-space lot is at 700 Hannah Ave. on village-owned property on the east side of the facility.
The lot is available for park district use at no charge during the day but permits will be required to park there overnight. Vehicles still in the lot after 8 a.m. are subject to ticketing.
According to Village Administrator Tim Gillian, when negotiating an intergovernmental agreement regarding the development of the property, the village agreed to allow the park district to use the parking lot during the day at no charge.
Gillian also said the lot might not be available for overnight parking at 8 p.m. if an event or activity is taking place at the center, noting people “might have to wait.”
He also said the only option is an overnight permit. Previously, overnight parking was not allowed.
Overnight parking permits are available for $40 per month in the clerk’s office in village hall, 517 Desplaines Ave.
The 15,000-square-foot Roos Center includes an indoor basketball court, fitness center, walking track and nearby park space. Costing nearly $6 million, it opened in May following 10 months of construction.
The park district started making plans for the center in 2010 following approval of a referendum, finally acquiring the 3-acre property in May 2013 for $499,000. The center name is a tribute to the Roos Cedar Chest factory, which had been on the site until closing shortly after World War II.
