The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us
Oak Park offers a variety of services that can be accessed online from a computer, tablet or smart phone. Some of the services are managed directly by the Village, while others are third-party vendors authorized by the Village to conduct transactions.
The Village of Oak Park provides a wide range of services, from public safety programs like fire and police protection to support for housing, historic preservation and neighborhood relations. Don't see what you are looking for? Use the search feature at the top of the page.
Oak Park operates under the village manager form of government. A part-time, elected legislative body of a president and six trustees hires a professional manager to oversee the day-to-day administration of government programs and services.
Oak Park boasts excellent schools, world class architecture, shopping, dining and an extensive public transportation network. But Oak Park is more than a place – it also is a way of life. Use the links in this menu to learn more about our community and the many services available to residents and visitors alike.
Oak Park offers a variety of services that can be accessed online from a computer, tablet or smart phone. Some of the services are managed directly by the Village, while others are third-party vendors authorized by the Village to conduct transactions.
The Village of Oak Park provides a wide range of services, from public safety programs like fire and police protection to support for housing, historic preservation and neighborhood relations. Don't see what you are looking for? Use the search feature at the top of the page.
Oak Park operates under the village manager form of government. A part-time, elected legislative body of a president and six trustees hires a professional manager to oversee the day-to-day administration of government programs and services.
Oak Park boasts excellent schools, world class architecture, shopping, dining and an extensive public transportation network. But Oak Park is more than a place – it also is a way of life. Use the links in this menu to learn more about our community and the many services available to residents and visitors alike.
Here are links to some of the most popular items on the Village web site.
Here are links to some of the most popular items on the Village web site.
April 11, 2018 - Oak Park’s celebration of green living will be bigger than ever this year, with everything from goats and hula dancers to food trucks and the Farmers’ Market Band adding to the eclectic mix at the Village’s ninth annual Earth Fest.
The family-friendly event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 21 at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard.
More than 70 businesses and organizations scheduled to participate in what will be the largest Earth Fest to date. Event highlights include Public Works tours, activities for kids, live entertainment and several recycling opportunities.
Environmental focus
Since its inception in 2010, Earth Fest has served as a way for environmentally-conscious Oak Parkers to engage with a wide range of vendors providing hands-on activities, environmental services, free samples and green goods for sale.
This year will be no different as attendees will be available to gather information about composting, recycling and other ways to care for the planet from local businesses and organizations that promote wellness and sustainability.
Oak Park residents will also have a chance to meet members of the Village Board and the Village’s Environment & Energy Commission, which advises the Village Board on issues related to environmental conservation.
Public Works tours
Earth Fest serves as the Public Works Department’s annual open house, with tours of the green-built Public Works facility offered at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Guests will be able to check out the beehives on the building’s green roof and get an up-close look at the Village’s big trucks and other equipment during the behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the Public Works Department’s service delivery.
Representatives from the American Lung Association will be on hand sharing information about clean-vehicle technologies, including the B20 biodiesel fuel used by a number of vehicles used in the Village’s municipal fleet. Waste Management, the Village’s refuse and recycling contractor, is bringing a compressed natural gas truck from its green fleet and will also have representatives available to answer questions about recycling in Oak Park.
Kids’ activities
An opportunity to pet and feed goats from an urban goat farm is among the many kid-friendly activities planned. A bounce house and face painter will also be part of the fun.
The Park District of Oak Park will be on hand with a pop-up park for kids, and local artist Tia Etu is putting on a puppet show at 10:30 a.m.
Live entertainment and more
This year's Earth Fest will feature live entertainment for the first time. In addition to the puppet show, performances from the Hula School of Chicago from 11 to 11:30 a.m. and the Oak Park Farmers' Market Band from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Oak Park Library’s book bike is also scheduled to make an appearance at the event.
A food truck from Oak Park’s Carnivore, Inc. will be parked on South Boulevard, just outside the Public Works Center, and other refreshments will be available.
Recycling opportunities
Earth Fest will once again include an on-site opportunity for residents to recycle eyeglasses, sun glasses and hearing aids, all of which are not eligible for disposal through the Village’s blue bin recycling program.
The organization Working Bikes will be on hand collecting used bikes in almost any condition.
The organization Cradles to Crayons will also be collecting new and gently used basics for children and babies age 12 and under, including clothing, shoes and hygiene items. Click here to see a list of items accepted.
Bike or walk to Earth Fest!
The Oak Park Police Department will be at Earth Fest to help residents register their bicycles.
In addition, local organizations Interfaith Green Network and Green Community Connections are encouraging residents to leave their cars at home and to bike or walk to events and destinations around Oak Park throughout Earth Day weekend on April 21-22, including Earth Fest.
The group’s goal is to get 1,000 people to participate in biking and walking to raise awareness of efforts to improve the environment in Oak Park and surrounding communities. Residents can indicate their intent to walk or ride to Earth Fest by clicking here.
For more information about Earth Fest 2018, call 708.358.5778, email sustainability@oak-park.us or visit www.oak-park.us/earthfest.
This year's Earth Fest will feature live entertainment for the first time. In addition to the puppet show, performances from the Hula School of Chicago from 11 to 11:30 a.m. and the Oak Park Farmers' Market Band from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
This year's Earth Fest will feature live entertainment for the first time. In addition to the puppet show, performances from the Hula School of Chicago from 11 to 11:30 a.m. and the Oak Park Farmers' Market Band from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
