COMMUTER UNIVERSITY. The final Chicago Tribune Ends of the Line essay visits University Park, formerly known as Park Forest South.

From the beginning, a university and train stop were incorporated in the planning. (Illinois Central Industries was a partner in the development, and, in 1969, the Illinois Central Railroad made its first commuter extension in 40 years to Park Forest South.)What now is the University Park Metra station is right across from campus, making commuting from and to the north -- even all the way to Chicago -- easy for students and faculty.

Also part of the original plan is Governors Gateway, an industrial park, now double its original size and housing some 60 manufacturing and service businesses.

"We have the best of two worlds here," village manager David Litton said. "We're far enough from the city to be able to enjoy open spaces and yet we're just 50 minutes from downtown.

We're a rapidly growing community with something like 8,400 or 8,500 residents now."

The next township south is Peotone, possible site of yet another Chicago airport. (Punch up the Hiawatha line and Mitchell Field could be 50 minutes from the Loop!)

The article has a slideshow that features artwork and wildlife on the Governors State campus.