The Renew the Avenue construction project is moving into a new phase with Oak Park Avenue now closed to traffic in the Hemingway District from Lake Street to Randolph Street until November. East-west traffic along Lake Street, North Boulevard and South Boulevard remains open through the construction zone – click here for a local access map showing how to navigate the new traffic patterns. Residents are encouraged to support Hemingway District businesses while construction is ongoing. Sidewalk access to businesses remains open, and free 90-minute parking is available every day at the Avenue Garage, 720 North Blvd. Visit www.renewtheavenue.com for the latest project information and to sign up to receive weekly project updates. And be sure to save the date for the Hemingway District Block Party on Saturday, April 11 along Oak Park Avenue from Lake Street to Pleasant Street. The construction-themed bash for the whole family will feature games, food, deals and surprises.

The Village Clerk’s Office is not only bringing back the Oak Park Neighborhood Clean-Up for 2026, but the program is expanding. Building on the one-day success of previous years, this community-driven initiative is expanding and inviting residents, families and local groups to come together to help keep Oak Park clean, vibrant and welcoming. Clean-up events will take place on the first Saturday of each month starting April 4 through October, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, in different Oak Park neighborhoods each time. Volunteers who participate will receive a complimentary t-shirt as a token of appreciation for their service. Find more information and sign up to volunteer at www.oak-park.us/cleanup26.

The Oak Park Public Works Department’s Street Services Division began its first round of spring street sweeping this week. Street sweeping occurs in designated cycles across various areas of Oak Park, including residential streets, business districts and permit parking zones. Sweeping takes place overnight in most areas and in parking permitted areas during daytime hours as posted. Residents are asked to refrain from blowing leaves, grass clippings or other debris onto the street as such actions can block storm drains and reduce the effectiveness of street sweeping efforts. Free yard waste bags are available for residents to pick up at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. and the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd. For more information, contact 708.358.5700 or publicworks@oak-park.us.

The Village is seeking applicants for the position of firefighter/paramedic with the Oak Park Fire Department. The starting salary is $80,943 with a paramedic stipend, and the position includes a range of competitive benefits. Find more information about the position, job requirements and hiring process at www.oak-park.us/firejobs.

The Village invites non-profit organizations serving the Oak Park community to attend the annual mandatory Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) workshop for Program Year 2026. This virtual workshop will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. this Wednesday, April 1. Non-profits interested in applying for federal CDBG funding are required to attend the workshop to be eligible for funding consideration. The workshop will provide an overview of CDBG eligibility requirements, the public service application process, required documentation and key timelines. Organizations must RSVP by emailing grants@oak-park.us to receive confirmation and access details. For more information about CDBG in Oak Park, visit www.oak-park.us/cdbg.