In what has been a well-orchestrated and respectful process, the Park District of Forest Park now owns the entirety of the block of Harrison Street, from Thomas to Hannah avenues. At the end of 2024, the parks closed on the purchase of a segment of the block where H&R Auto has long operated.
From the time the parks bought the old Pines Restaurant/Oak Leaf Lounge property, it has been clear the goal was to purchase the full block. The district was patient in waiting for Larry Moskos, owner of H&R, to be ready to sell. The property went under contract last May, closed in December and H&R will wind down its business likely by this June.
The park’s plan for the block had been to build a new structure there to house its growing indoor programs. Originally, that plan included a partnership with the West Suburban Special Recreation Association, which is also looking for new space. But the park district had yet to raise the money needed for construction of a new building, so it took the interim step of planting grass and placing some benches on the site.
Lo and behold, many people really liked the new open, green space. The parks say they are open to keeping it green for now.
The need for indoor program space remains, however, and the park district, board and administration, need to craft a thoughtful plan that accomplishes that goal. Seemingly off the table for now is the use of the Grant-White School building on Randolph, which had seemed like a viable alternative.