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 Mosquito spraying scheduled for tonight
As part of its efforts to minimize a viral transmission cycle of mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus, the Des Plaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District has scheduled spraying in Oak Park from about 9 p.m. to midnight tonight (Wednesday, Aug. 20), weather permitting. A calm, rainless evening with temperatures no more than 85 degrees is preferred. Should unfavorable weather conditions prevail, spraying will be delayed to a subsequent night. West Nile Virus has been found in mosquitoes throughout Illinois, including Oak Park. More information is available on the Village website – click here to view.
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Take precautions to avoid
mosquito bites
Public health officials recommend avoiding being bitten by mosquitoes by wearing long sleeves and pants, limiting time spent outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and using insect repellant that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol. Residents also are urged to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites by cleaning roof gutters, storing containers upside down and emptying birdbaths every few days. For more information, visit www.oak-park.us./fightthebite or email health@oak-park.us.
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Invasive spotted lanternfly
discovered in Oak Park
The Village’s Forestry Division recently discovered spotted lanternfly in Oak Park. This invasive, sap-sucking insect is native to Asia and was first found in Illinois in 2023. It feeds on many plant species, with some of its preferred hosts being tree of heaven, fruit trees, grapes and hops. It should be a minor pest for most parkway trees. If you find spotted lanternfly, please take a picture and then kill the insect. Sightings can be reported to lanternfly@illinois.edu. The Morton Arboretum’s Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator will be at the Oak Park Farmers’ Market on Aug. 23 and Aug. 30 to answer questions.
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Registration open for fall tenant workshop series
The Village’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and legal aid nonprofit CARPLS are hosting a series of three workshops packed with important information for tenants renting homes and apartments in Oak Park. The first session on Aug. 27 will focus on how to use the Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance (RTLO) for lease compliance. The series continues with workshops on how to use the RTLO for code compliance on Sept. 24 and how to obtain legal services on Oct. 22. All three sessions will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 101 at Village Hall. Registration is free but space is limited. Click here for the link to register and more information about the workshops.
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East Avenue bridge repair to bring lane closure
Repairs on the East Avenue bridge over I-290 are planned to begin next Monday, Aug. 25, weather permitting. The work is expected to take about two weeks and will include patching the bridge deck and repairing curbs and sidewalks. During the first week, the southbound lane over the bridge will be closed and traffic will be detoured to Ridgeland Avenue. The following week, all lanes will be open, and no traffic will be detoured. Northbound traffic and pedestrian access on at least one side of the street will remain open throughout the project. Repairs on the Oak Park Avenue and Lombard Avenue bridges over I-290 are also upcoming following the completion of the East Avenue work. Visit www.oak-park.us/construction for the latest updates on construction projects in Oak Park.
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Home rehab loans available
Helping homeowners pay for needed repairs they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford is what the Village’s single-family rehab loan program is all about. The rehab program offers loans of up to $25,000 to correct health and safety issues and building code violations, such as broken pipes, a leaking roof, crumbling entry stairs, dangerous electrical systems and accessibility obstacles. No monthly payments are required, and loans don’t have to be repaid for 20 years or until the property is transferred. Grants do not have to be repaid. Eligibility is determined by federal income limits. Find more information at www.oak-park.us/rehabloans. Residents can also email housing@oak-park.us or call 708.358.5410 to learn more.
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 Suicide Prevention Summit planned for Sept. 19
Community members are invited to attend Suicide Prevention Summit 2025 on Friday, Sept. 19. The full-day event will take place at the Hyatt Lodge Conference Center in Oak Brook and bring together diverse voices in a shared space of learning, healing and action to advance suicide prevention through education, connection and empowerment. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with others and gain valuable insights. Five CEUs will be available for LSW, LCSW, LPC and LCPC professionals. Click here to learn more and register for the event, which is being hosted through a partnership that includes the Village of Oak Park, Riveredge Hospital, The Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township, West 40, Thrive Counseling Center, River Forest Township and Sustainable Mental Wellness, Inc.
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