News Briefs

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Updated: March 3, 2012 8:04AM

Site info Feb. 9 on
Ridgeland Common

You are invited to a public information meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at the Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., (at East Avenue) to learn about the progress of the Ridgeland Common Renovation Project and get a look at what the exterior of the building may look like. The Park District of Oak Park Board of Commissioners accepted a plan outlining a major renovation of Ridgeland Common in October 2011. Nagle Hartray Architects, the firm contracted to complete this project, is currently in the schematic design phase.

In 2007, an Existing Conditions Study determined this 50+ year old facility has outlived its useful life. Over the past five years, the Park District has collected public input through community meetings and surveys to help shape the future of Ridgeland Common which currently features an outdoor pool, indoor ice arena, meeting room, sports fields, sled hill and dog park.

For more information, visit www.oakparkparks.com and click on “Future Plans & Current Projects.”

You may also contact Matthew Ellmann, Superintendent of Recreation, at matte@oakparkparks.com or Diane Stanke, Manager of Communications, at dianes@oakparkparks.com.

Survey seeks input
on Village website

The Village is asking citizens how they use the official municipal government website www.oak-park.us. A simple online survey is among the first steps toward redesigning the website to improve navigation and content. The survey will be available until 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27. Go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/VOPWeb to take the survey.

Voter registration
under way now

Oak Parkers planning to vote in the spring federal and state primary elections can register through Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Registration is offered from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday in the Village Clerk’s Office. Voter registration requires two types of identification, at least one with the current address. A drivers license or picture ID is preferred, along with an additional item such as a lease or utility bill.

Early voting is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Monday, Feb. 27 through Thursday, March 15. Registered voters do not need a reason to vote early.

Election Day is Tuesday, March 20. For more information, call (708) 358-5670 or e-mail clerk@oak-park.us.

Fire Department
offers safety info

Oak Parkers seeking information on a wide range of potential safety issues need go no further than www.oak-park.us/fire. That’s the page on the Village website that links to important information provided by the Oak Park Fire Department.

In addition to details on the vital mission of fire suppression and emergency medical services, the page also includes a list of helpful fact sheets on topics such as how to deal with severe weather and properly use a barbecue grill or outdoor fire pit. Fact sheets posted on the page also offer tips on properly using candles and making sure winter holiday decorations don’t create any unintended safety surprises.

In addition, visitors to the web page also can see the schedule for local CPR/AED classes, learn about child safety seats and even register their burglar, fire and medical alarms.

For more information on the Fire Department and related safety issues, call the Fire Department’s nonemergency number (708) 445-3300 or e-mail fire@oak-park.u.

Historic preservation news via e-mail

Interested in the latest information on Historic Preservation Commission meetings, events, workshops and other activities? Just e-mail kaarre@oak-park.us to receive monthly updates via e-mail. Go to www.oak-park.us/Community_Services/Historic_Preservation.html> for more information on historic preservation in Oak Park.

Warming centers
open if needed

Anyone needing relief from the cold can visit one of two warming centers in the Village. West Suburban Medical Center, Erie Street at Austin Boulevard, is open from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Rush Oak Park Hospital, 500 S. Maple Ave., is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours may be extended when weather conditions warrant.

To find out if the warming center is open after hours, call West Suburban Hospital at (708) 763-6747 or Rush Oak Park Hospital at (708) 660-6000. If transportation is needed, call the Oak Park Police Department’s nonemergency number (708) 386-3800.

Volunteer: Medical
Reserve Corps

Volunteers are being sought for the Oak Park Medical Reserve Corps, which began a new training cycle this month. Working with and supporting the Oak Park Department of Public Health, the Medical Reserve Corps relies on experienced health professionals and others who volunteer their expertise in times of need such as an influenza epidemic, chemical spill or other emergency. MRC volunteers also assist in promoting disease prevention, improving health literacy and enhancing emergency preparedness.

For more information on training, how to join and to learn more about the corps, e-mail health@oak-park.us or visit www.medicalreservecorps.gov.

Be neighborly:
shovel sidewalk

Keeping the Village walkable after a heavy snowfall requires everyone to take responsibility for the public sidewalk abutting their property. Village ordinance requires sidewalks to be cleared within 24 hours following a snow, sleet or freezing rain event. The shoveling requirement applies to both business and residential property owners.

Anyone who has difficulty shoveling may call (708) 358-5700 or e-mail publicworks@oak-park.us for assistance. Anyone who would like to volunteer is urged to call or send an e-mail as well.