[3] In the late 1950s, Woodhill Enterprises purchased land south of Park Forest for a large subdivision.

[4] In 1966, Nathan Manilow, one of the developers of Park Forest, started to purchase land around Wood Hill.

Park Forest had been a model for planning in the 1940s, and Lewis Manilow, son of Nathan, formed New Community Enterprises (NCE) to build "a whole new town".

Major partners included Illinois Central Industries and United States Gypsum Company.

Planning included space for residential, commercial, and industrial development and addressed the needs of education, recreation, and faith communities.

Racial integration was a goal from the beginning, and Park Forest South became a leader in support of open housing.

[4] The developers modernized the water and sewage treatment facilities and in 1970 initiated the first elementary school, the first apartment complex, and Governors Gateway Industrial Park.

[4] However, difficulties arose in the economy, in the requirements and lack of resources from HUD, in the projections for growth, and in other areas, leading to suspended development in late 1974.

The industrial park next to Interstate 57 is integral to the village, and residential areas continue to offer open space, bikeways, and additional development.

[4] The village of University Park falls within the Crete-Monee Community Unit School District 201-U.

Coretta Scott King Magnet Elementary and Crete-Monee Middle school is located in the village.

The Metra Electric line ends at this station; Amtrak services (City of New Orleans, Illini and Saluki) continue south without stoppage.