From monitoring community green spaces and organizing village-wide cleanups, to holding a pumpkin-smashing event and painting a panel on Circle Bridge, the Forest Park Recreation Board has a variety of things to do.
You can be a part of this.
The village is seeking two people to serve along with current members Amy Binns-Calvey, Jonah Harlan, Shyeim Ward, Meghan Hunt and John Cunningham.
“It just gives me such a thrill to see, you know, the impact people can have,” said Board Chair Binns-Calvey, who has served for five years.
She added, “If you have ideas or you’re concerned or passionate about that kind of environment, then the rec. board is a great place. You can come in with an idea and maybe see it come to life within a relatively short period of time.”
The board’s mission is “to help Forest Park residents and organizations find opportunities to serve the community including influencing the maintenance, safety and improvement of Village owned green space and recreational public property,” according to the Village’s website.
The board holds events, such as its first-ever “pumpkin smash,” where residents last year brought their leftover Halloween pumpkins to be smashed in a “fun way” and composted.
Another event celebrates Arbor Day; the Village plants a tree to honor the holiday and the board organizes events to accompany the planting.
However, these events do not organize themselves; the board’s members are critical to carrying out their mission.
The rec board meets on the second Tuesday of every month to consider ideas to improve the village, some of which they will forward to the village for official consideration.
The Village has been very supportive of the recommendations.
“It’s been super smooth and seamless,” said Binns-Calvey of the village administration. . “They’re super receptive.”
The board’s direct connection to the village is Jessica Voogd, the Village commissioner. Additionally, the board works alongside Sal Stella, the director of Public Works in Forest Park. To encourage public participation, agendas are posted on the Village’s website.
“The public is always welcome to come to a meeting,” she said. “We always have, you know, a spot in case somebody from the public wants to pitch an idea or say something.”
For those interested in joining the board, find the PDF attached to this article, which can be submitted to mroach@forestpark.net or brought in-person to Village Hall. The duration of the positions are five years.
“It’s a super easy board to be on, we meet once a month and you can be as involved as you want to be,” said Binns-Calvey. “It’s been a real pleasure to be on this board. I highly recommend it to anybody. It feels great to give back to the Village.”