Park District's 1st Toy Show: Check Out the Best Action Figures Ever

In honor of the Oak Forest Park District's first toy show Sunday, Oak Forest Patch Editor Joe Vince put together his list of the all-time greatest action figures to grace toy shelves. Find out if your favorites made the cut.

Are you an avid collector looking to add to your run of 1960s G.I. Joe figures? Maybe you're just nostalgic for afternoons spent coming up with adventures for He-Man, Battle Cat and the rest of your Master of the Universe toys. Or perhaps you want to show your kids what it was like before action figures came with microchips inside of them. On Sunday, April 21, about 60 vendors will be on hand at the Central Park Building to cater to any of those types of toy lovers at the Oak Forest Park District's first toy show. Attendees will be able to check out a variety of toy lines, including vintage G.I. Joes, Star Wars, Hot Wheels and more, said Donna Gutierrez, a member of the park district's advisory committee and someone with more than 20 years…

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Hop to It: Where to Find the Easer Bunny, Egg Hunts in Tinley Park, Oak Forest

The Oak Forest Park District and Downtown Tinley are holding two separate Easter events this weekend. Plus, find out more about an egg hunt for your dog.

Easter is just around the corner, which means time is running out to visit the Easter Bunny or participate in an Easter egg hunt. Check out these upcoming holiday events in Tinley Park and Oak Forest. SATURDAY MARCH 23 Kids can see the Easter Bunny and hunt for eggs throughout Central Park. The hunt is for kids up to third grade. Check Patch's Events Calendar to find out when the hunts for each age group begins. Meet at Central Park Pavilion at least 15 minutes before the hunt. When: The first hunt starts at 12:30 p.m. Where: Central Park, Oak Forest Cost: Free More info: Check the listing in Patch's Events Calendar. Kids aren't the only ones who can enjoy a good Easter egg hunt. This event is set up for your dog to have fun with eggs …

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Swing Away! City OKs Transfer of Batting Cages to Park District

Oak Forest aldermen approved a year-long agreement with the Oak Forest Park District to allow the park district to run the batting cages in the Oak Forest Community Center. The agreement will cost both sides $0.

It's batter up for the Oak Forest Park District, thanks to a move by the Oak Forest city council at its Feb. 26 meeting. Aldermen approved a year-long agreement between the city and the park district to allow the park district to use the batting cage area of the community center building. The agreement is similar to an agreement the city has with the park district to use the basement of city hall for wrestling programs, said City Clerk Scott Burkhardt. “The park district asked if they could be the user of the facility,” Burkhardt said. “What is before you this evening is an agreement that would allow the park district to use that facility.” The agreement is free for the city and park district, with the the only cost to the city for heating…

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Last Chance for Daddy, Daughter Date Night

The Oak Forest Park District will host a daddy, daughter date night at Arbor Park Middle School. The night will be filled with music, fun and great to memories for attendees. The cost of the event is $18 per couple.

Every girl is 'Daddy's Little Girl,' and the Oak Forest Park District is ready to give dads and daughters their own special night to build on that bond. On Feb. 8, the park district will host its annual Daddy, Daughter Date Night at Arbor Park Middle School from 7 to 9 p.m. Registration for the event ends Monday, Jan. 28. The cost of the event is $18 per couple, with an additional $8 charge for every additional date. The night will be filled with music, memories and more, according to the park district, including a balloon drop to end the night. For more information about the event or to register, call Kristin at 708-687-7270 x132.  

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Terrance Bates

11:06 am on Friday, February 8, 2013

newborn to age 100 awesome event !!!!!!! You don't want to miss.   more ›

Former Park District Commissioner Dies; City Pauses in Remembrance

Jim Petkus, who Ald. Chuck Toland called one of the founders of the Oak Forest Park District, died Tuesday, Jan. 8. Toland notified the Oak Forest City Council of Petkus' passing during its meeting, and the council held a moment of silence in his honor.

The Oak Forest Park District lost one of its founding members Jan. 8. Jim Petkus died around 7 p.m. Oak Forest Aldermen Chuck Toland interrupted the city council meeting to share the sad news. “Mr. Petkus died about an hour ago,” Toland said. “He was one of our Park District founders and he's been involved with the city in every aspect: football, flag football, Raiders football, the baseball association and just about every youth organization we've had here in the city.” Toland said he received a text message informing him of the news and felt he should share it with the council during the meeting. “I just wanted to bring this up, right this second, so we can offer up a prayer to him and his family,” Toland said. Mayor Hank Kuspa called it…

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Jeff Graveline

11:22 am on Friday, January 11, 2013

Thank you for the info Chuck, much appreciated. - Jeff Graveline Oak Forest Patch   more ›

Last Chance to Hit the Park District Craft Fair

Taking place this Sunday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Oak Forest Park District will host a craft fair. The free event will take place at the Central Park Gymnasium.

Calling all craft makers and craft lovers, the Oak Forest Park District has a special event planned just for you. The Craft Fair, which takes place Sunday, Oct. 7, will offer items for every crafty eye, according to the Park District's website. The event will take place in the Central Park Gymnasium and will run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The event is free to attend. For more information about the event, call the park district and ask for Stephanie. 

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Don't Forget: Only Two Farmers Markets Left!

The Oak Forest Park District's Farmers Market is coming to a close on Tuesday, Oct. 2. So hustle over to the market on Tuesdays, from 3 to 7 p.m. to grab fresh veggies, fruits and crafts while you can.

OF Farmers Market: Just a Few Weeks Left

The Oak Forest Park District's Farmers Market is coming to a close on Tuesday, Oct. 2. So hustle over to the market on Tuesdays, from 3 to 7 p.m. to grab fresh veggies, fruits and crafts while you can.

Time is running out to get fresh produce, handmade crafts and other goodies from the Oak Forest Park District's farmers market, as the last day of the market, Tuesday, Oct. 2, quickly approaches. The market currently features about 15 vendors every Tuesday, outside the park district's fitness center. Park District Commissioner Joe Conway said that while the market has been a moderate success this year, traffic has peetered off compared to the first year. “This summer was year two of the farmers market,” said Park District Commissioner Joe Conway. “As of right now we're down to 15 vendors, though. Last summer I felt like I had to beg and beg to get vendors. … This summer I had a waiting list, but it's dwindled for several reasons.” He said …

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Joseph Conway

3:37 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012

So, the second annual Oak Forest farmers market is coming to a close as of today. After a great first year that was surrounded by excitement and large numbers of visitors, this year's market, without a doubt, struggled to be an event worthy of your time. The park district is determined to find out went went wrong this year, and what went right. I am asking you for your input - I'd love to hear …   more ›

Oak Forest Has Some Good Ol' Fun at Old Times Picnic

Hundreds of Oak Forest residents attended the annual family fun-filled day in Oak Forest.

Oak Forest families shut off the laptops and set aside the phones and video games—all to get back to some good, old-fashioned fun at this year's Old Time Picnic. Though clouds hovered overhead, the rain held off for the fun and games, which included classic games, pony rides and a petting zoo. Hundreds gathered to enjoy a Sunday afternoon—and each other's company.  Check out Patch's photos from the day, and add your own! Click the giant "Upload Photos and Video" button, select your photo and you're all set!

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