The facility is home to the Roos Recreation Center, which was a significant adaptive reuse project transforming a former industrial factory into a community fitness space.
The park district operates its own dedicated aquatic center, which is a major draw for the village during the summer months.
The grounds host the annual 'Forest Park Music Fest,' a community event that utilizes the park's open space for local performances.
The recreation center includes a multi-purpose gymnasium and an indoor walking/jogging track that remains popular during Illinois winters.
The Park District of Forest Park is a multi-functional community facility centered around the 15-acre Roos Recreation Center and the surrounding park grounds. The park features an extensive aquatic center, which includes a zero-depth entry pool, lap lanes, and water slides. Outdoor amenities include lighted baseball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and multiple playgrounds tailored for different age groups. It serves as a central hub for local youth programming, offering dedicated space for summer camps and seasonal athletic leagues. The facility is managed by a local government agency focused on community fitness and recreational enrichment. The landscape is primarily urban-park style, designed for active recreation rather than wilderness preservation.
The elevated vantage point near the aquatic center entrance looking out toward the athletic fields.
Check the official district website for the seasonal aquatic center schedule before visiting, as it is only open during peak summer months.
Bring your own sports equipment for the courts if you plan to play basketball or tennis, as rentals are not always available on-site.
Monitor the park district's online calendar for local youth soccer or baseball tournament schedules, as these events can lead to crowded parking areas.
Attempting to use the outdoor pool outside of the summer season or assuming all park facilities are free of charge for non-residents.
The aquatic center is seasonal, operating exclusively from late spring through late summer.
Proper athletic attire is required for the recreation center; pool rules prohibit outside floats and require appropriate swimwear.
