University Park, IL

University Park Map

University Park is a village in Will County, Illinois. A very small parcel is in Cook County. University Park has been the home of Governors State University since 1969. The population was 6,662 at the 2000 census, and estimated to be 8,102 as of 2005.

This village, one of the region's few planned communities, was known as Wood Hill, Park Forest South, and finally University Park.

In the late 1950s, Woodhill Enterprises purchased land south of Park Forest for a large subdivision. Building began in 1961, but by 1967 Wood Hill had only 240 homes. Residents created a homeowners association, which fostered a community identity.

Nearby cities include Markham, Tinley Park, Lansing, South Holland, Harvey.