We are dedicated to creating inviting and secure facilities, parks, and open spaces for the enjoyment of our vibrant community. Our mission is to provide an optimal environment that encourages outdoor activities and fosters a sense of community. With our Park Use Agreement, we aim to maintain a balance that prevents overcrowding, ensuring everyone can enjoy a pleasant and memorable park experience.
For those planning a picnic outing, many of our parks feature individual picnic tables available on a first-come, first-served basis. To guarantee your preferred date and location, we recommend making a reservation in advance. By doing so, you not only secure your spot but also contribute to a seamless and enjoyable experience for all. For more details or availability, feel free to reach out to Jonathan Taube at jtaube@waukeganparks.org or (847) 360-4756 or the Jack Benny Center front desk at 847-360-4740. Join us in creating lasting memories in the heart of Waukegan’s beautiful outdoor park spaces!
Outdoor facilities reservations will be open for booking starting on Friday, March 1, 2024 from 9am to 5pm at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, located at 39 Jack Benny Drive in Bowen Park.
Important Rental Documents
A park use permit is required for:
- any group of twenty-six (26) or more individuals.
- 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 renting a designated Green Space, Pavilion, Gazebo, or Bandshell.
- any group of twenty-five (25) or less individuals who would like to reserve Green Space D or E for free.
Pavilions
Regardless of group size, a permit is required for exclusive use of a pavilion. A pavilion rental includes the use of the pavilion from 9am to sunset, picnic tables, grill, and trash barrels. Most have limited electricity.
Green Spaces
Green spaces are for any group size who wish to gather in the park, but do not wish to rent a pavilion. Green Space permits may include use of a grill (charcoal not provided). Some sites are designated sites with a sign and post.
Formal Garden
The formal garden space is ideal for ceremonies. Within the space there is a gazebo. We have only one Formal Garden available and it is located in Bowen Park. A formal garden rental only includes the use of the space.
Bandshell
This space was designed for performances, concerts and ceremonies. A bandshell rental only includes the use of the space.
Reservation requests for outdoor facilities will be accepted beginning at on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 9am. Reservations are granted on an application-review basis. Make your reservation one of three ways:
Online Reservations
Make a reservation through our online registration system
Mail-In Reservations
Payments and applications can be mailed to the Jack Benny Center for the Arts (39 Jack Benny Drive, Waukegan, Illinois 60087). Make sure checks are payable to the Waukegan Park District.
WALK-IN Reservations
The Jack Benny Center for the Arts, located at 39 Jack Benny Drive, offers walk-in hours on Mondays – Thursdays from 3pm to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm. Please note that hours may vary during different seasons, so it is advisable to call ahead before your visit.
Outdoor Facility Rental Spaces
Whether you’re planning a wedding reception, birthday party, anniversary, shower or family reunion, the Waukegan Park District has the accommodation for you! Call (847) 360-4740 today for more information on how the Park District can help you plan your special gathering.
Green Space (Designated)
This outdoor space is ideal for groups who wish to gather in the park without renting a pavilion, but would like a designated area to gather. These non-shaded spaces are equipped with a grill, 2 picnic tables and a trash barrel for your use. Other amenities will depend on the park. There are only a few parks that have designated green spaces.
Areas: Ben Diamond Green Space A, Bevier Park Green Space A & B, Bowen Park Green Space A, B & C, Clearview Park Green Space A (quiet park), Hinkston Park Green Space A & B, and Upton Park Green Space A. For fees and capacity maximum, please visit the Park Use Permit Guide and Application.
Seating: 2 tables, no electricity availability
Available: Monday-Sunday 9am-sunset
Rates: See Park Use Permit Guide and Application
Green Spaces (Non-Designated)
Non-designated Green Spaces are perfect for individual who wish to gather in our parks in an open grass space. This area does not have a permanent sign but may be marked with a temporary sign. This type of space works for groups who plan to bring their own tables and chairs. Tables and trash barrels may be supplied on request and additional payment of fees. All of our parks allow for non-designated green space. For fees and capacity maximum, please visit the Park Use Permit Guide and Application.
Seating: No tables, no electricity available.
Available: Monday-Sunday 9am-sunset
Rates: See Park Use Permit Guide and Application
Bevier Park Pavilion
The outdoor shelter at Bevier Park is designed for small gatherings, such as baby showers or birthday parties. The shaded pavilion is equipped with a grill and six picnic tables, which will seat about 48 people. Parking and restrooms are nearby. Other amenities at Bevier Park include basketball and tennis courts, pickleball court, a walking path around the pond, playground, and disc-golf course. Amenities are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Maximum capacity 50.
Seating:Â 6 tables, limited electricity available.
Available: Monday–Sunday 9am-sunset
Resident:Â $100 /Â Non-Resident:Â $135
Bowen Park Formal Garden
The Formal Garden at Bowen Park offers a picturesque setting that is a favorite for small outdoor wedding ceremonies. The gazebo is perfect as the center point of the ceremony, with the gardens as a beautiful backdrop for pictures. Parking and restrooms are nearby. Maximum Capacity 100.
Tables not available, limited electricity available.
Available: Monday- Sunday 9am-sunset
Resident: $80 / Non-Resident: $115 per hour
Bowen Park – Janet Morrison Picnic Center
Located in Bowen Park, the Janet Morrison Picnic Center is a terrific outdoor area for parties, reunions, or company picnics. The shaded pavilion is located close to the play equipment, the Jack Hofflander Wildflower Refuge, and the beautiful woods of Bowen Park. The pavilion is equipped with grills. Parking and restrooms are nearby. Maximum capacity 185.
Seating: 14 tables, limited electricity available.
Available: Monday–Sunday 9am-sunset
Resident: $100 / Non-Resident: $135
Clearview Park Pavilion
The outdoor shelter at Clearview Park is designed for small gatherings. The shaded pavilion is equipped with a large grill and nine picnic tables, which will seat about 72 people. Parking and restrooms are nearby. Other amenities at Clearview Park include basketball, splash pad area, play equipment, and walking path with exercise equipment. Maximum capacity 50.
Seating: 9 tables, limited electricity available.
Available: Monday-Sunday 9am-sunset
Resident: $100 / Non-Resident: $135
Eugene P. King Park Pavilion
Nestled in Eugene P. King Park, our picnic pavilion offers an ideal setting for family gatherings, grilling sessions with neighbors, and simply unwinding. Conveniently situated near the playground, ballfield, and challenge course, with a restroom nearby, this spot provides a perfect blend of convenience and recreation. Rentals cover picnic tables, grills, and trash receptacles, making it hassle-free for your enjoyment. The pavilion accommodates a maximum of 35 people.
Seating:Â 4 tables, limited electricity available.
Available: Monday–Sunday 9am-sunset
Resident:Â $50 /Â Non-Resident:Â $85
Corrine J. Rose Pavilions
(Formerly Belvidere Park)
CORRINE J. ROSE PAVILION A
Pavilion A is located outside of SplashZone near the indoor buildings (Park Place/Belvidere Rec. Center). The pavilion is equipped with a grill, picnic tables and trash barrels. This outdoor facility is designed for medium gatherings such as birthday parties, reunions, or family picnics. Parking and restrooms are nearby. Other amenities at this park include basketball courts, play equipment, walking path, exercise equipment, percussion play area, tennis courts, volleyball court, baseball field and SplashZone. Note that rental of the pavilion does not guarantee entrance to SplashZone. Maximum capacity 50.
Seating: 6 tables.
Available: Monday-Sunday 9am-sunset
Resident: $100 / Non-Resident: $135
Corrine J. Rose Pavilions
(Formerly Belvidere Park)
CORRINE J. ROSE PAVILION B
Pavilion B is located outside of SplashZone near the baseball field. The pavilion is equipped with a grill, picnic tables and trash barrels. This outdoor facility is designed for medium gatherings such as birthday parties, reunions, or family picnics. Parking and restrooms are nearby. Other amenities at this park include basketball courts, play equipment, walking path, exercise equipment, percussion play area, tennis courts, volleyball court and SplashZone. Note that rental of the pavilion does not guarantee entrance to SplashZone. 
Maximum capacity 50.
Seating: 6 tables
Available: Monday-Sunday 9am-sunset
Resident: $100 / Non-Resident: $135
Hinkston Park Pavilion
In the midst of the mature trees of Hinkston Park, this pavilion is designed to host many types of outdoor events, from birthday parties and showers to company picnics and family cookouts. The shaded pavilion is equipped with grills. Restrooms are in the pavilion, and parking is nearby. Hinkston Park also has play equipment and a walking path. Maximum capacity 185.
Seating: 14 tables, limited electricity available.
Available: Monday–Sunday 9am-sunset
Resident: $100 / Non-Resident: $135
Washington Park Bandshell
Located in Washington Park, near the corner of Washington and Glen Rock Streets, the bandshell can be used as a stage area for meetings and performances. Note that there are no public restrooms in this area, and parking is limited. Maximum Capacity 100.
Tables not available, limited electricity.
Available: Monday–Sunday 9am-sunset
Resident: $75 / Non-Resident: $110 per hour
Special Supporting Documents
To facilitate your special rental, event, or permit, several documents are available for your reference. For instance, please review the Third Party Contractor Agreement and Certificate for Insurance if you intend to engage external vendors for services at your event. This could include activities like a bounce house, pony rides, and more. If you prefer utilizing an approved District vendor, consult our Approved Vendor List and inform us of your choice. For those interested in renting the picnic set for your event, kindly complete the Picnic Set Use Agreement.