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Opioid Overdose Prevention Project

By the Village of Oak Park – OAK PARK, Ill. — The Oak Park Department of Public Health is launching a new initiative this month aimed at preventing deaths caused by opioid overdoses.

Emergency opioid overdose boxes will be installed in seven (7) easily accessible, public-facing locations throughout Oak Park. Each box contains several pouches with doses of naloxone nasal spray and instructions on how to administer the potentially life-saving medication, which is designed to block the effects of an opioid overdose.

Most boxes will be accessible 24 hours a day, and anyone who wishes to take one or more of the free pouches may do so anonymously regardless of immediate need. Boxes will be installed on Village-owned light poles this month at the following approximate locations:

  • Corner of South Blvd. and Harlem Ave.
  • Corner of North Ave. and Ridgeland Ave.
  • Corner of Randolph St. and Marion St.
  • Corner of Washington Blvd. and Austin Blvd.
  • Near the alley between parking lot 33 and 900 S. block of Humphrey Ave.

Boxes will also be installed at the following community locations:

  • Oak Park Public Library – Main Branch; lobby (834 Lake St.)
  • Maple Park; bathroom building (1105 S. Maple Ave.)

“There is no doubt that there is a real need for this type of resource,” said Oak Park Public Health Director, Dr. Theresa Chapple. “We are excited to be able to bring forth a program that is so accessible throughout Oak Park as we truly believe that this is a key step in working together to reduce opioid overdoses in our community.”

Naloxone, also commonly referred to as the trademarked name Narcan, is a safe medication that works to block the effects of an overdose from opioids such as heroin, prescription painkillers and fentanyl. 

Individuals concerned that someone is experiencing a drug overdose should immediately call 911, administer naloxone following the easy-to-use instructions included with the kit and stay on scene until emergency responders arrive.

Naloxone has no adverse effects, even on children. Naloxone is an opioid blocker, so it will not have an effect, positive or negative, on anything other than an opioid overdose.

Oak Park is no different than many communities across the country that have seen an increase in opioid overdoses in recent years. In 2022, 151 people experienced overdoses in Oak Park throughout the course of the year.

Project expenses are funded by the Illinois Opioid Allocation Agreement, through which settlement funds from opioid manufacturers and distributors are distributed to states for use in combatting the opioid epidemic.

Anyone needing help with opioid use disorders, including families of anyone affected by the disease, can get help 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 833.234.6343, a hotline hosted by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Find more information at www.ilhelpline.org.  

More information about Oak Park’s naloxone program, including a list of frequently asked questions and an up-to-date list of available locations, can be found at www.oak-park.us/naloxone. 

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Barrie Park Renovation begins in June

Both Barrie Center tot lot and Barrie Park playground will be updated to include accessible surfacing for the enjoyment of all patrons. The Barrie sled hill will undergo repair and enhancements as well.

These areas will be closed June 1 through the end of the year. The north end of the park will also be closed during this time to rebuild the retaining wall. The fields will remain open for sports and play.

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Outdoor AEDs at all Park District Comfort Stations

In case of an emergency, every comfort station in our parks is equipped with an outdoor automated external defibrillator (AED). After calling 911, start the AED and follow the automated, step-by-step instructions to aid in an emergency. When visiting a park, please take note of the location of these life-saving devices.

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The Parks Foundation donates $10,000

“The Parks Foundation of Oak Park donates $10,000 to PDOP’s Scholarship Fund”

The Park District of Oak Park received a generous donation of $10,000 from the Parks Foundation to support its Scholarship Fund. The District’s Scholarship Fund is available to assist under-resourced individuals and families who lack financial access participate in Park District programs.


Each year, the Parks Foundation supports the Scholarship Fund with donations secured from hosting fundraising events along with individual gifts. Edward Kerros, Parks Foundation vice president, stated “We believe in fostering connections and building community among Oak Park residents. Participating in Park District programming affords all individuals the opportunity to do just that.”
Jan Arnold, executive director, said “The Parks Foundation is an invaluable partner and supports the Park District in many ways. We are especially grateful for their support of our Scholarship Fund as their donations aide in our efforts to ensure equitable access to our parks and programs.”


Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis to each individual in a qualifying household. Funds may be applied to all Park District programs, including classes, passes, and special events reducing the cost of a program up to 75%. Applications for the 2023 Scholarship Fund will be released online December 1. Individuals are encouraged to apply for funds each year. Please visit pdop.org/scholarships.

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About Park District of Oak Park: The Park District of Oak Park serves the recreation needs of Oak Park’s 53,000 residents, providing nearly 3,000 programs and special events annually throughout our versatile recreation centers, 18 parks totaling 84 acres, two outdoor pools, indoor ice rink, gymnastic center, the Oak Park Conservatory, Cheney Mansion and Pleasant Home. Since 1912, our high-quality programs and well-maintained parks and facilities have dependably met residents’ diverse leisure, wellness, childcare and other needs and helped enhance quality of life. Learn more at https://www.pdop.org/.

About the Parks Foundation of Oak Park: The Parks Foundation promotes giving opportunities around Oak Park parks and to support extraordinary projects within the Park District of Oak Park. Its mission is to collaborate with Oak Park residents, community groups and partner organizations to support exceptional and extraordinary projects that enhance our parks and community life. Founded in 2012, the Foundation is chartered with the State of Illinois as a 501(c)3 charitable organization. While a separate and independent entity, the Foundation coordinates closely with the Park District of Oak Park to help address community health, recreation and wellness needs for all. For more information, visit the Parks Foundation website at: https://parksfoundationop.org.

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Won Emerald Award from Illinois Green Alliance

“Park District of Oak Park Earns Emerald Award from Illinois Green Alliance for Commitment to Sustainability”

The Illinois Green Alliance awarded the Park District of Oak Park with the Organizational Emerald Award for Green Building in Illinois last week. Since 2014, the Park District has prioritized sustainability throughout the District, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, clean energy, and water conservation and reuse. The Park District’s sustainability actions save over $200,000 per year.


Two notable Park District buildings, the Carroll Community Center and the Community Recreation Center (CRC), represent the District’s continued focus on sustainability. Carroll Center became the second facility in Illinois to be verified a net zero facility earlier this year. The Center was constructed using Passive House design principles to attain a quantifiable and rigorous level of energy efficiency. Coupled with a solar array, the building achieved Net Zero status and continues to operate as Zero Source energy facility.


The Park District’s Community Recreation Center (CRC) construction includes design and engineering to operate as a net zero building as well. The all-electric building features airtight construction and energy saving devices, including a VRF HVAC system, triple pane windows, and insulation to reduce the energy needed to operate while the solar array collects clean, renewable energy to support its reduced energy needs. Construction of the CRC will be complete in the spring of 2023.


The Park District received grants from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation to construct these Net Zero buildings. In addition, the Village of Oak Park provided a grant to help fund the Net Zero building requirements of the CRC.


“It’s an honor to receive such an award. Not only does it recognize our efforts, but it validates our commitment sustainability,” said Chris Lindgren, superintendent of parks and planning. “We’d like to thank Tom Bassett-Dilley and Mark Nussbaum for their architectural and engineering excellence.”

Chris Wollmuth, Park District Commissioner, said “Sustainability is a core value at the Park District. We’re proud to be recognized for these efforts and hope that we can inspire others to follow in our footsteps.”


For more information on the Park District’s environmental initiatives, visit https://www.pdop.org/about/environment/.

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About Park District of Oak Park: The Park District of Oak Park serves the recreation needs of Oak Park’s 53,000 residents, providing nearly 3,000 programs and special events annually throughout our versatile recreation centers, 18 parks totaling 84 acres, two outdoor pools, indoor ice rink, gymnastic center, the Oak Park Conservatory, Cheney Mansion and Pleasant Home. Since 1912, our high-quality programs and well-maintained parks and facilities have dependably met residents’ diverse leisure, wellness, childcare and other needs and helped enhance quality of life. Learn more at https://www.pdop.org/.

About Illinois Green Alliance: Illinois Green Alliance is a membership directed nonprofit organization working to transform the region’s built environment to become ecologically sustainable, profitable, and healthy. To do so, we engage community leaders and utilize member expertise in education and community outreach through targeted programs and initiatives focused around green homes, communities, schools and existing buildings. With hundreds of passionate members and volunteers who lend their time and expertise, Illinois Green provides nearly 75 educational programs, community engagement events, tours and advocacy initiatives each year.