A Chance to Voice Your Opinion to the National Park Service

It has been a while since my last post but we have some good news to share.

As you know, we were awarded an assistance grant from the National Park Service. They have been reaching out to local organizations to get their feedback on how to best use the village-owned property known as Altenheim, concerning what type of green space amenities should be developed.


They are, not, however directly addressing the performing arts venue included in our Cultural Park Concept.

They have now entered the public outreach phase of their research and are seeking opinions from the general public. They will have tables set up at the events with an Activities/Amenities poster and an Opportunities/Concerns poster for people to leave feedback. They will also have some pictures and images of the site.


As of today, the scheduled community outreach events are at the following dates/times:


Forest Park, Park District, 7501 Harrison St, Forest Park, IL 60130
 Saturday, June 30th - 11am-2pm
 Saturday, August 4th - 11am-2pm

Public Library 7555 Jackson Blvd, Forest Park, IL 60130
 Wednesday, July 25th - 4pm-7pm
 Wednesday, August 8th - 4pm-7pm


It is important that supporters of the Cultural Park Concept, including a performing arts venue, attend these meetings to voice their opinions and raise questions on how the property should be utilized.


Please plan on attending one or more of these meetings, your input is essential to moving this concept forward.


I hope to see you there.


Ralph

12/19/2016 Meeting: Ad Hoc Committee Approved by Council, Being Formed

As reported in the Forest Park Review:


At the last Forest Park Village Council meeting on December 19, the mayor approved the formation of an ad hoc committee to further study the concept of a cultural park. Each council member will nominate one person to serve on the committee, and one of the committee members will act as a liaison between the committee and the council.


"Let's make this vision a reality," Calderone said, to which Commissioner Tom Mannix said, "Let's tee it up."


Commissioners will nominate the members on either January 9 or 23, at which time the ad hoc committee will be formed. DiFebo will be a member of the committee as well.

Cultural Park on the Agenda, December 19, 2016

Bad news / Good news

Unfortunately, I received an email from the Oak Park River Forest Foundation informing us that we did not make the final cut for the Big Idea grant. We extend congratulations to all of the finalists and wish them all luck as they move forward. Although the results were disappointing we are not discouraged, rather I think the process has reinvigorated our resolve to seek funding. The search for funds will continue from all possible sources.

Now for the good news, WE ARE BACK ON THE AGENDA!. The Cultural Park is going to be on the Village Council's agenda. The creation of an ad hoc committee will be discussed at the next board meeting on December 19^th meeting at 6:55 PM in the evening. We'll post an event on the Facebook page. Here is the link to the event.

I encourage everyone to attend the meeting and show support for turning our Cultural Park Concept into a plan and then into a park!

I hope to see you on December 19^th.

Ralph DiFebo

Very Positive Reporting in the Forest Park Review

First the article--Di Febo seeks grant to help fund music park.

Then the editorial--Big Idea, indeed.

And here is how the grant seeking progressed.

Oak Park River Forest Foundation - Grant Application

Just a short update. As you may be aware, Ralph DiFebo has been working with the Kiwanis Club of Forest Park in promoting the Cultural Park. With the help of the Kiwanis Club we have applied for a grant being offered by the Oak Park River Forest Foundation. They are offering a grant up to $50,000 for a “Big Idea” that will change the community. Our proposal is currently being reviewed and the Foundation will be announcing their grantees at the end of February.

The money would be used to further the conceptual development of the proposal.