Shopping local will be made even easier beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving on Nov. 29 and continuing every Saturday through Dec. 21 when parking will be free in the three Village-operated public garages and for two hours at pay-by-plate parking spaces downtown and in the vicinity of south Oak Park Avenue. Parking is always free on Sunday throughout the year. Village officials say they hope this small gesture will benefit both customers and the businesses they patronize. For more information about parking in the Village, email parking@oak-park.us or visit www.oak-park.us/parking.
Benefits of shopping local...Oak Park is home to more than 1,000 businesses owned by neighbors and friends who care about their customers and are invested in the well-being of the community. Shopping at an Oak Park business during the holiday season helps strengthen the local economy and reduces the community’s carbon footprint by reducing travel distances. Retail sales benefit not only local retailers, but the entire Village since 2% of every retail sale comes back to municipal coffers to fund vital public services. For many retailers, the holiday season is the most important time of the year. Find information about Oak Park's diverse, committed and creative business community at www.pickoakpark.com.