Forest Park might be getting a new garden on the village-owned property near the Altenheim – one that fosters environmental sustainability, growth and connection.
Opportunity Knocks presented the idea for its garden at the last village council meeting. The organization, launched in 2010 and based in River Forest, serves the near west suburbs, where they develop programming and collaborate with people who have different abilities, teaching them new skills and creating community.
During a presentation at the start of the Jan. 27 meeting, Opportunity Knocks President Phil Carmody asked the village to consider leasing the triangle-shaped piece of village-owned property just north of the Altenheim buildings for a farm. He suggested a 50-year lease with rent of $1 per year.
“We envision an inclusive community, where all individuals experience access, presence and support,” Carmody said of the organization’s vision at the village council meeting.
“This whole OK community really changed my life, ever since I met the Carmody family,” said Georgia Hunter, a Forest Park resident who has been active with Opportunity Knocks for 15 years. “OK has impacted my life most by helping me meet new people and creating a space for me to spend time with my friends and do fun activities.”
A community farm that highlights mixed-ability interactions and organic agriculture would grow produce for the community and for Knockout Enterprise, which Opportunity Knocks launched in 2014. As a part of the business, participants produce Knockout Pickles, which they pickle, market and sell themselves.
“Everything that we do in Enterprise is meant to create a thriving blended work environment, where people of all varieties of ability are working together to run a successful business,” Carmody said.
In 2015, Opportunity Knocks participants started growing cucumbers for Knockout Pickles, along with other produce, on a quarter-acre at 50 Madison St. in Maywood. In addition to landscaping and building growing beds at Knockout Farm, Opportunity Knocks composts, and catches and repurposes rainwater.
Hunter said that, at Knockout Farm, she is “learning how to put seeds in the soil, painting flower pots, growing vegetables, learning work skills and figuring out what our farm really needs, like veggies for catering and selling at the farmers markets.”
Last year, four farm employees harvested 1,085 pounds of food from the farm. This food is used for Knockout Pickles – sold at popups and farmers markets – but also Knockout Catering through Events By Cibula, and donated to food pantries and community fridges.
Last year, though, AV Chicago bought 50 Madison St. and told Knockout Enterprise they couldn’t return in 2025.
“I always knew that this day was coming,” Carmody said. “I think a lot of what we did to invest in the space was meant to be done in a way where we could pick it up and go someplace when this was going to happen.”
In looking at an opportunity to grow the farm and foster more community, Opportunity Knocks asked the village to consider its land just north of the Altenheim as a new location for its farm. Carmody said a farm at this location could facilitate partnerships between Opportunity Knocks, the village and those who live at the nearby Residences at the Grove.
“We’re not here to ask you for anything,” Carmody said. “We’re going to ask you to build something with us.”
“You will not find urban agriculture quite like we do it,” Carmody added. “We see many prospects for accessibility. We see a community that supports a mission. We see a community that supports green space. We see a beautiful natural landscape, a friendly village hall and friendly neighbors.”
After the village council meeting, Carmody said he learned about what potential next steps would be for opening a farm in Forest Park.
He said Village Administrator Rachell Entler told him she’d reach out if the village council directed her with the next steps regarding the farm. If they do, only then will discussions about a partnership agreement between the village and Opportunity Knocks begin.
“We are optimistic that there is an opportunity to pursue this in a path that has us farming in the spring,” Carmody said. “Our optimism was fortified by the feedback we got from the [village council] and mayor after we presented. We are perpetual optimists though, so take that for what it’s worth.”
All commissioners gave positive feedback about Carmody’s pitch following his presentation at the council meeting.
“It makes me feel really good about possibilities,” said Commissioner of Accounts and Finance Maria Maxham. “I would love to keep talking to you guys about how to make this happen.”
Commissioner of Streets and Public Improvements Michelle Melin-Rogovin – who helps find funding opportunities and writes grant applications at Northwestern University for her day job – said she could help find additional money to grow Opportunity Knock’s farm.
“I think there’s lots of funding out there that we could get to support this,” Melin-Rogovin said. “It’s a very exciting prospect for an organization that has a tremendous impact in the community, and one that has touched many people.”
Commissioner of Public Health and Safety Ryan Nero agreed: “I love your mission. I’m super excited to see what you guys are going to do.”
“I really appreciate your excitement, your dedication to your mission and your organization,” said Commissioner of Public Property Jessica Voogd, “but also the willingness to reach out to the community and bring folks together.”
