Evergreen Park, Illinois

Evergreen Park, Illinois is a village located in Cook County, Illinois, approximately 15 miles southwest of Chicago. The village is situated near the Tri-State Tollway and Interstate 294, providing easy access to nearby cities like Oak Lawn, Illinois, Burbank, Illinois, and Hometown, Illinois. Evergreen Park is also close to the Chicago Midway International Airport, which offers flights to various destinations, including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport. The village is served by the Evergreen Park Public Library, which provides a wide range of books, media, and programs for residents, including those from nearby Alsip, Illinois, Blue Island, Illinois, and Calumet Park, Illinois.

Geography

Evergreen Park is located at 41.7206° N, 87.7017° W, and has a total area of 3.2 square miles, with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The village is bordered by Chicago to the north, Oak Lawn, Illinois to the west, Burbank, Illinois to the south, and Hometown, Illinois to the east. The nearby Salt Creek and Calumet Sag Channel provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as fishing and boating, and are also home to various parks and nature reserves, including the Palos Forest Preserve and the Sagawau Environmental Learning Center. The village is also close to the Indiana Dunes National Park, which offers hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities, and is accessible via the South Shore Line and Indiana Toll Road.

History

The area now known as Evergreen Park was first settled in the mid-19th century, with the village being incorporated in 1893. The village was named after the nearby Evergreen Cemetery, which was established in 1864 and is the final resting place of many notable individuals, including Richard J. Daley, Daniel Burnham, and Marshall Field. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the village experienced significant growth, with the establishment of various industries, including the Pullman Company and the Western Electric Company. The village was also home to several notable events, including the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, which was held in nearby Chicago and featured exhibits from around the world, including the Eiffel Tower and the Ferris wheel. The village is also close to the Museum of Science and Industry, which showcases a wide range of scientific and technological exhibits, including a German U-boat and a coal mine.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the village had a population of 19,943, with a diverse range of ages, ethnicities, and incomes. The village has a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and condominiums, with a median home value of around $170,000. The village is also home to several parks and recreational facilities, including the Evergreen Park Community Center, which offers programs and services for residents of all ages, including those from nearby Chicago Heights, Illinois, Country Club Hills, Illinois, and Flossmoor, Illinois. The village is served by the Evergreen Park School District 124, which operates several schools, including the Evergreen Park High School, which is part of the South Suburban Conference and competes against other schools, including Brother Rice High School, Marist High School, and Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School.

Economy

The village has a diverse economy, with a mix of retail, service, and industrial businesses. The village is home to several major employers, including the Little Company of Mary Hospital, which is part of the OSF HealthCare system and provides a range of medical services, including cardiology, oncology, and pediatrics. The village is also close to the Chicago Loop, which is a major commercial and financial center, and is home to several notable companies, including United Airlines, Boeing, and Exelon. The village is served by the Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce, which promotes local businesses and provides resources for entrepreneurs, including those from nearby Tinley Park, Illinois, Orland Park, Illinois, and Mokena, Illinois.

Education

The village is served by the Evergreen Park School District 124, which operates several schools, including the Evergreen Park High School, which offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including Advanced Placement courses, sports teams, and music programs. The village is also close to several higher education institutions, including Moraine Valley Community College, Governors State University, and University of Illinois at Chicago, which offer a range of degree programs, including business administration, nursing, and engineering. The village is also home to several private schools, including St. Bernadette School, which is part of the Archdiocese of Chicago and provides a Catholic education for students from kindergarten to eighth grade.

Government

The village is governed by a mayor-council government, with a village president and six trustees who are elected by the residents. The village has a range of departments, including public works, police department, and fire department, which provide various services to residents, including waste management, law enforcement, and emergency medical services. The village is also part of the Cook County, Illinois government, which provides additional services, including property tax assessment, election administration, and public health services. The village is served by the Evergreen Park Village Hall, which is located in the heart of the village and provides a range of services, including building permits, business licenses, and parking permits.