he Altenheim will be home to a drive-in movie on July 9, an event sponsored by the Park District of Forest Park with help from the village. The movie is Toy Story 4, which will be projected on a giant screen, and the sound will be available on FM radio.
Jackie Iovinelli, park district executive director, said the idea originated about a month into the pandemic.
“We were looking for ideas on things we could do to bring activities to the residents and do so safely,” Iovinelli said. The idea for a drive-in movie was floated around. “Rachell [Entler] took the idea and really went with it.”
When the park district reached out to the village to discuss possible locations, the village suggested the Altenheim property, said Iovinelli.
And once the state entered Phase 4 of the Recover Illinois plan, the park district knew it was the right time to host the event.
“We knew we could pull it off,” said Iovinelli.
This week’s event, limited to 36 cars and open to Forest Park residents only, is already booked. But Iovinelli said the park is looking at holding more drive-in movies, possibly every week throughout the summer.
“If people follow the rules, we’ll keep it going,” said Iovinelli.
The property at the Altenheim will be set up so cars drive in from one entrance and out through another to make sure traffic flow is smooth.
“We’re going to mark off spaces for cars. People can bring chairs and sit outside their cars, but they must stay within their marked-off area,” Iovinelli said.
