Think Spring: Fox Valley Park District Picnic Shelter Reservations Begin Feb. 1

Think Spring: Fox Valley Park District Picnic Shelter Reservations Begin Feb. 1

With all this mega-cold weather we’ve been having lately, it’s good to think of all the wonderful outdoor things we’ll do once the weather warms up.

And now’s a great time to get your spot staked out before the spring rush.

The Fox Valley Park District will begin accepting picnic shelter reservations on Monday, Feb. 1, on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Park District features 15 picnic shelters throughout its park system in Aurora, North Aurora and Montgomery. Reservations for groups of 25 or more are available from May 1 to Oct. 28.

The reservation fee for shelters is $60 for residents and $90 for non-residents. A $100 refundable security fee is required as well. Reservations include exclusive use of the shelter, pavilion and grill areas during the reserved time. However, as public parks, open space and playground areas remain open to others.

Capacity ranges from 30 to 150 people at all of the shelters except Cool Acres, which can accommodate groups as large as 200. Cool Acres – located on the Fox River along Route 25 and Sullivan Road – is the only shelter area that allows consumption of alcohol. Additional fees and permits are required.

Jericho Lake Park and Copley I Park will not be available for shelter reservations during the 2016 season due to on-site construction.

Reservations are taken in-person at the Cole Center (101 W. Illinois Ave.), Prisco Center (150 W. Illinois Ave.) and Eola Center (555 S. Eola Road) during weekday hours. A concept book is also available online and at each facility, providing an aerial overview and numerous photos from each reservable park site.

  • FEATURE PHOTO CAPTION: Waubonsie Lake Park is one of 15 picnic shelters available for summer parties and picnics. Reservations for 2016 are accepted through the Fox Valley Park District beginning Feb. 1.

About the Fox Valley Park District

The Fox Valley Park District is a dynamic and growing park district that serves a diverse population of more than 233,000 people. Recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Agency, Fox Valley holds the nation’s highest honor as a National Gold Medal Award winner for excellence in park and recreation management. Serving the communities of Aurora, Montgomery and North Aurora, the district maintains 165 parks and 48 miles of inter-connected regional trails amid 2,500 acres of parkland. For more information, visit FoxValleyParkDistrict.org or the Fox Valley Park District Facebook page.