Best Ways To Utilize Chicago's Parks & Rec Department
Chicago's Parks and Recreation Department offers some of the best public programs and activities in the country. There is something for everyone offered through the Chicago Park District; opportunities are year-round and the variety is substantial.
City Of Chicago Parks & Recreation Main Office
541 N. Fairbanks
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 742-7529
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
It is relatively easy to obtain a recreation center membership and secure a permit with the Chicago Park District — the "how to" is listed below. Also, listed are the top five programs and activities that Chicago's Parks and Recreation Department has to offer.
The Chicago Park District website is very easy to navigate. To view all of the available memberships, simply click on the "Programs and Events" tab on their main page. Once in this tab, click on "View All Programs." This will lead visitors to the page with all the programs offered and fees (if any) for each membership. For example, individuals can purchase a one month "Lap Swim" membership for $25. Alternatively, individuals can purchase a three-month membership for $40. This membership card gives access to all lap swim times at any park that offers lap swim across the Chicago Park District.
Similarly, a Gold Card Fitness three-month membership can be purchased for $80. This membership card gives access to all fitness centers across the Chicago Park District.
A special event permit application is required for all events hosted in any Chicago Park District park. Applications are only available online. Click on the "Permits & Rentals" tab on their home page. Once in this tab, click on the "Permit Application Process" link. This will take the viewer to the online process.
The two-step process must be followed:
Step 1: Pay a non-refundable $35 Permit Application Fee. This will secure a spot in the processing queue.
Step 2: Complete and submit the Permit Application for the event. It is required to include the application fee from step 1 above with the Permit Application. Site plans are required for all events and a route map is required for all runs and/or walks.
The Chicago Park District offers three different options for wedding needs:
1. Reception Only or Reception with Ceremony.
The Chicago Park District has a number of historic indoor and outdoor facilities available to rent for weddings. The park district also has a list of preferred professionals who offer catering and event rentals. These pre-approved preferred professionals must be used for events containing food, beverages, rentals and production services.
2. Ceremony Only: Outdoor Garden or Picnic Grove
In order to host an outdoor wedding ceremony in one of the park district's gardens or beaches a Special Event Permit – Commemorative Level is required, regardless of location and number of people. Food and beverage is not allowed. Similar to the reception option above, all equipment rentals must be contracted through the preferred professionals.
3. Engagement or Wedding Photography
There are many Chicago Park District locations that are great places for wedding pictures. Buckingham Fountain and Museum Campus on the lakefront are just two places for that perfect wedding picture.
Each of these has a different fee structure. Please check their website for specific pricing. To access their pricing table, click on the "Permits and Rentals" tab, and follow the link labeled "Weddings." The pricing structure can be found at the bottom of the Weddings link
The Chicago Park District offers programs throughout the city for just about everyone. For example, players can sign up for a 12-inch fast-pitch softball league, or a basketball league in all four corners of the city. They have leagues for women, men and co-ed. They also have leagues by age group. The Park District has done a great job of providing options.
The park district has swimming pools throughout the city. There are specific times and a limit to the number of participants. It is recommended to check their website for locations, times, fees (if any) and availability.
The Park District also has gyms with workout equipment throughout the city. Not all locations have the same equipment for their facility. Similar to the swimming, it is recommended to check their website for locations, times, fees (if any) and availability.
The Chicago Park District is a great place for kids to be safe and active and meet new friends this summer. Last year, over 40,000 kids took advantage of the Chicago Park District camps. Please check their website for locations, activities, availability and fees.
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Michelle Guilbeau is a writer, reviewer, teacher and business owner. She is also proud founder of CraftKitsForKids.com, MichelleGuilbeau.com and bestchicago.blogspot.com Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of cities, food, travel, education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
