Forest Park (formerly Harlem) is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States, and a suburb of Chicago.

[4] According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Forest Park has a total area of 2.40 square miles (6.22 km2), all land.

The community (formerly part of a larger town called Harlem) officially became incorporated under the name of Forest Park on April 17, 1907.

Forest Park has also held two other centennial celebrations, one in 1956 for when the first settlers came and one in 1984 for the 100th anniversary of the creation of the town of Harlem.

Initially, the park was received negatively by Chicago area church members due to its close proximity to the cemetery.

However, its public acclaim helped bring in a crowd of approximately five to ten thousand on opening day, and the various rides, games, and shows the park had to offer kept residents coming back.

The fire quickly spread to other utility areas of the park which left firefighters without access to water and power.

However, with the 18th Amendment taking effect coupled with a strict crack-down on gambling, the park never reopened following the cessation of its 1922 season.

[23][24] Its former location is now occupied by the Forest Park station on CTA's Blue Line at Desplaines Avenue.

[26] Hedy Weiss of the Chicago Sun-Times writes: "One of the most consistently satisfying theatrical operations in the area ...everything from classics to new American plays ...theatre at its very best."

[27] Notable visits from famous playwrights have included Marvin Hamlisch, Rupert Holmes, Douglas Post, Michael John LaChiusa, Stephen Clark and Rebecca Gilman.

[26] Rebecca Gilman had her first play produced at Circle Theatre before becoming one of America's leading playwrights.

The United States Postal Service operates the Forest Park Post Office at 417 Des Plaines Avenue.

It monitors local governmental meetings and activities and sponsors workshops and presentations of important, relevant issues.

The community is served by Proviso East High School, which is by Maywood but technically in unincorporated land.

[35] In addition, the Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy, a magnet school, is located in Forest Park.

It covers 26,400 square feet (2,450 m2) over two levels and is completely accessible in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.