Please Read Guidelines Below
Special Park Usage Guidelines
- A copy of the Special Park Usage Permit must remain on-site during the event for review upon request.
- Permits are non-transferable. Prepayments are refundable, if notified within 5 working days prior to your permitted time. If for some reason you do not intend to use the park/field, please notify the Park District so that a permit may be granted to another group. Whenever possible, a make-up date may be assigned for picnic permits due to inclement weather, however this is not guaranteed and if it’s not possible a refund will be issued.
- In the event of scheduling problems, the Park District reserves the right to cancel 7 days prior to the event. If this should occur, a full refund will be issued.
- Applicant understands that failure to pay all costs for clean-up/repair; misrepresentations regarding the nature or scope of this reservation or violations of the terms of the permit may be grounds for denial of future permit applications.
- Security deposits of $100 will be refunded no later than 10 business working days after the event date if all permit restrictions are followed and the park is left clean and without damage.
- Motorized vehicles are allowed only in designated parking areas. Applicant shall ensure that all parties involved in the reservation shall not drive or park vehicles on the grass, athletic fields or service roads.
- The Skokie Park District is not able to provide amenities such as sound systems, tables, chairs, athletic equipment, electricity, water sources, portable washroom facilities or other support materials and services. Stakes, signposts and similar devices may not be used due to the presence of underground utilities. Setup of tents, inflatables, animal rides and petting zoos are not permitted in district parks. Setup of volleyball nets, not requiring ground pegs, is permitted in appropriate areas.
- Fastening or attaching any rope, sign, banner, flyer or other object to any tree or shrub in the Skokie Park District is strictly prohibited and automatically forfeits the security deposit.
- It is unlawful for any person/organization to sell, give away, possess or carry upon any Park District property alcoholic beverages in any form.
- Selling or dispensing refreshments or other concessions may be done only by special permission of the Park District.
- Charcoal grills may be brought into parks equipped with ash rings. Proper disposal of hot coals without harm to the park’s grass and plant growth is required. Gas grills are permitted.
- All paper, debris, bottles and garbage must be collected and deposited in trash containers.
- Smoking of any kind/substances is prohibited at parks, playgrounds, or other non-enclosed District facilities at all times.
- Pets access, Dogs must be licensed, vaccinated and have a current rabies inoculation. Owners are responsible for removing any excrement deposited by their dog. All dogs shall be restrained by a leash that is no longer than eight feet in length, with dog owners maintaining physical control of their dogs at all times. Retractable leashes and electronic leashes are prohibited. .Restricted areas, facilities and parks include: Picnic shelters (except at permitted picnics) Tennis, basketball, pickleball, futsal, and petanque courts, Sports fields during play (leashed dogs are allowed on the sidelines).
- Applicant shall comply fully and shall cause its officers, employees, agents, contractors, volunteers and invitees to comply fully with all applicable federal, state, county and local laws, rules and regulations.
- The Skokie Park District is not responsible for any theft, vandalism, or damage to applicant’s property or any non-park district property used in connection with this agreement.
- To the fullest extent permitted by law, the applicant shall indemnify and hold harmless the Skokie Park District and its officers, officials, employees, volunteers and agents from and against any and all liability, claims, damages, losses and expenses, including, but not limited to liabilities, claims, damages, losses and expenses arising out of personal injury, property damage, invasion of privacy or other civil rights, defamation, copyright infringement, libel or slander, in connection with the exercise of the permission or rights herein granted; including, but not limited to reasonable legal fees (attorneys’ and paralegals’ fees and court costs), arising out of or resulting from applicant’s work or rights granted by this Agreement. Such obligation shall not be construed to negate, abridge, or otherwise reduce any other right or obligation of indemnity which would otherwise exist as to any party or person described in this Paragraph.
- The Skokie Park District reserves the right to request a Certificate of Insurance from the applicant.
- Amplified sound may not be emitted from beyond the picnic site in a manner that will interfere with the use and enjoyment of other patrons.
Picnic Areas
Eleven picnic areas are currently available for use. They are located at Central, Devonshire, Gross Point (10A–3P only), Hamlin, Laramie, Lorel, Lockwood, Lyons, Oakton, Schack, and Terminal Parks. No electricity or water is available at any of these sites.
Drinking Fountains
Most District parks have drinking fountains which are operable from April 1 thru September 30, weather permitting.
Park Hours
The parks are open to the public from sunrise until sunset unless otherwise posted.