South Cook News

Park Forest saw its first snowfall of the season over the weekend, prompting the Village’s Public Works Department to begin winter operations. The department, led by Director Roderick Ysaguirre, is responsible for maintaining more than 65 miles of roads in the community.

Ysaguirre explained that his team prioritizes both safety and environmental protection during snow events. “Our goals are simple — safe roadway surfaces and protecting our environment,” he said. “When snow starts to accumulate, we follow a strategic plan that prioritizes the roads most essential for travel and emergency response. We also apply best management practices to protect the environment.”

According to Ysaguirre, plowing begins when two inches of snow have accumulated. Crews use two groups of three trucks each to clear main routes first, then divide into smaller teams to address secondary and local streets. “It takes around three to four hours to make one pass along main routes and another three to four hours for secondary and local routes,” he said. “It’s a process that takes time, especially during large or prolonged snowfalls. But our crews work continuously — often through the night — until the job is done.”

Main roads like Blackhawk Drive, Westwood Drive, Wildwood Drive, Indiana Street, Illinois Street, Shabbona Drive, Lakewood Boulevard, North Street, Dogwood Street, Alleghany Street, and Algonquin Street are cleared first to maintain access for emergency vehicles before crews move on to side streets.

Residents are asked to help by removing vehicles from streets during snow events. “The biggest help residents can provide is moving vehicles off the street during snow events,” Ysaguirre noted. “When roads are clear, our plows can work faster and more effectively.” A Snow Route Parking Ban goes into effect when two inches or more of snow or ice accumulate; cars left on streets may be ticketed or towed until plowing is complete.

For those living in multi-family housing or areas managed by homeowners’ associations (HOAs), private contractors typically handle snow removal. Residents with questions about responsibility should contact their property managers or HOAs.

Each year before winter arrives, Public Works inspects equipment and stocks supplies such as salt brine and road salt in preparation for storms.

“Snow removal isn’t just about clearing roads — it’s about keeping the community connected,” Ysaguirre said. “When residents can get to work, kids can get to school, and emergency services can respond quickly, that’s when we know we’ve done our job.”

As this winter begins, Park Forest officials say their Public Works team remains prepared for whatever weather conditions arise.