President Preckwinkle, Park Forest Mayor Joe Woods, Announce Major Upgrades to Park Forest Fire Training Site through Build Up Cook Program

Park Forest, IL - Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle was joined by Commissioner Donna Miller, Park Forest Mayor Joesph A. Woods, regional fire service leaders, and other local officials to celebrate the completion of two Build Up Cook projects at the Park Forest Fire Training Site. The improvements strengthen one of the region’s most active firefighter training facilities, which supports more than 500 firefighters from over 50 departments each year.

The enhancements completed through Build Up Cook included major upgrades to the training building, such as a full roof replacement, installation of a new pry-door, and new burn containers to recreate realistic smoke conditions. The program also funded the replacement of the site’s watermain and fire hydrants, ensuring firefighters have the reliable water supply necessary for live-fire exercises. The costs of these upgrades through the Build Up Cook program totaled $327,577 for watermain upgrades and $407,476 for building upgrades and burn containers.

“These upgrades are what the Build Up Cook program is all about--partnering with great leaders like Park Forest Mayor Woods, investing in critical needs, and delivering for our communities.” said President Toni Preckwinkle. “Every community in Cook County deserves well-trained, well-equipped first responders. Through Build Up Cook, we are strengthening the infrastructure that keeps our residents safe.”

The Park Forest Fire Training Site, located at 55 N. Orchard Drive, has served the region since the early 1960s and was dedicated in 1965 to Park Forest’s only line-of-duty fatality, Captain Adolph “Shorty” Pfeifer. The site features a mock two-story residential structure with burn containers that simulate smoke-filled environments, allowing departments to conduct live-fire drills, search-and-rescue operations, and other essential training. The Park Forest facility is used year-round by the Park Forest, Matteson, and Richton Park Fire Departments; the Prairie State College Fire Academy; South Suburban Combined Agency Training; and the Illinois Fire Service Institute.

“This is great project for the whole region.” Said Park Forest Mayor Joesph A. Woods. “Cook County’s investment in our emergency services training facility ensures that first responders from the Park Forest Fire Department and throughout the Southland are well-prepared to handle the evolving challenges of the 21st century.”

Build Up Cook is a program within the Cook County Bureau of Asset Management funded by a $30.5 million investment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. The program focuses on infrastructure upgrades in communities across Cook County, addressing long-standing inequities in public facilities and infrastructure. Project support was provided by Ardmore Roderick-ARCADIS, STV-CBRE, Primera Engineering, Paul Borg Construction Company, and FH Paschen. 

Learn more about the Build Up Cook program at https://arpa.cookcountyil.gov/build-up-cook.