Waukegan, Illinois (March 1, 2023) – The Waukegan Park District is now accepting applications for outdoor facility rentals, including designated green spaces, six pavilions, one formal garden gazebo, and one bandshell. The application process helps accommodate groups to avoid overcrowding, resulting in enjoyable experiences in the parks. Applications can be submitted online, via mail, and in person.
A reservation is required for:
- any group of twenty-six (26) or more individuals.
- any group renting a designated green space, pavilion, gazebo, or bandshell.
- any group renting picnic tables.
- events or gatherings with equipment brought into a park.
- publicly advertised events or gatherings.
- events or gatherings that will impact normal public use of a park.
- any group of twenty-five (25) or less individuals reserving Green Space D or E for free.
Applications can be submitted online at waukeganparks.org/permits or via mail and in person at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, located at 39 Jack Benny Drive in Bowen Park. Reservations are granted on an application-review basis.
More information, including the park permit guide and application and list of outdoor facilities, is available at waukeganparks.org/permits.
About the Waukegan Park District
Established on December 26, 1916, the Waukegan Park District (WPD) has 53 properties and more than 742 acres of land, including the 18-hole Bonnie Brook and 9-hole Greenshire Golf Courses. Properties are managed to the highest environmental and conservation standards. Facilities operated by the WPD include the Field House Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Center, Waukegan’s Greg Petry SportsPark, Waukegan Skate Park, BMX Track, SplashZone, Percussion Playground, recreational centers, disc golf course, dog exercise area and agility course, outdoor sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, splash pads, and sports courts including basketball, tennis and pickleball. A full range of programs and services are offered year-round for all ages, from infants to seniors, as well as special need populations. Healthy lifestyles, wellness initiatives, and a connection with the outdoors and nature are integrated throughout programs, services, and special events. Arts and cultural activities are provided by the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorus, and the Waukegan History Museum. We offer something for everyone!
A member of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), and the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA), the WPD employs 73 full-time and 219 part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees and is recognized by the IPRA as an Exceptional Workplace.
Nationally accredited by the NRPA Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and State accredited through the IAPD Distinguished Agency Accreditation, the WPD has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Triple Crown Award for receiving the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The WPD was awarded the NRPA National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management in 2013, and was named a Gold Medal Finalist in 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Media Contact
Josue Pasillas, MPA
Communications Supervisor
Waukegan Park District
(847) 360-4789
jpasillas@waukeganparks.org
waukeganparks.org