🌱 Brookfield Zoo's $66 Million Project + Annual Food Truck Rally

Hey, Oak Park-River Forest. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and hot. High: 94 Low: 74.

Here are the top three stories today in Oak Park-River Forest:

1. The Brookfield Zoo is starting a $66 million project to provide outdoor complexes for gorillas, orangutans, and several species of South American monkeys. Currently, the primate building is only indoors, but the new primate spaces will feature grasses, vines, and running water outside. The entirety of the new outdoor complex is expected to be completed in 2025. (Daily Herald)
2. River Forest's annual Food Truck Rally is coming up on Saturday, Aug. 26. The rally will take place in Keystone Park West at The Depot parking lot, beginning at 4:00 p.m. and lasting through 9:00 p.m. Stop by the annual event for a variety of food trucks, a beer tent, family entertainment, and live music. (Village of River Forest via Facebook)
3. In case you missed it, earlier this month the village board of trustees voted 5-2 in favor of a plan to demolish Oak Park's Village Hall. However, public opposition to the building's demolition could lead to the board switching plans and just creating a new police station, at minimum. Local advocacy group Preservation Oak Park will host public meetings about the demolition plans at 7:00 p.m. on Jul. 25 at the Oak Park Library, and 7:00 p.m. on Aug. 29 at the Unity Temple. (Subscription: Chicago Tribune)

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Today in and around Oak Park-River Forest:

Tuesday, July 25

• Creative Writing Workshop At Oak Park Public Library (3:30 PM)
• Jill Scott Anniversary Tour At The Chicago Theatre, Chicago Metro (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• This Thursday, Jul. 27, the Oak Park Public Health Department will host its monthly immunization clinic from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Cheney Mansion. Stop by for free COVID-19 booster shots and initial COVID-19 vaccines for children. Register here. (Village of Oak Park, Illinois via Facebook)
• Park District of Oak Park's new Fall/Winter program guide for 2023-2024 will be out this Friday, Jul. 28. If you'd like to pick up a copy, you can grab one at GRC, RCRC, or 218 Madison. (Park District of Oak Park via Facebook)
• The Village of River Forest will host its next Community Safety Meeting today (Jul. 25) from 5:00-6:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Village Hall. During the meeting, receive safety updates and learn how to get involved. (Village of River Forest via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday. I'll see you around!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.