Special/Athletic/Other Event Permits offer flexibility for a wide range of events, from larger gatherings to those with unique features and requirements:

• Any size event with additional features such as, but not limited to: routes, vendors, promotions, ticket sales or fundraising.
• Any event with 400+ attendees (total includes staff, volunteers, etc.)
• *Examples: Festival, fundraiser, 5K walk/run, fishing derby

*Athletic events cannot be booked online. Applicants must apply in person or via email/phone for all athletic events.

Fees

Fees, requirements and deadlines vary depending on the details of your event. Requests received within two weeks of event date are subject to denial or a $30 late fee.

Application Deadlines

• 25 – 399 attendees: 30 days prior to event
• 400 – 999 attendees: 45 days prior to event
• 1,000+ attendees: 60 days prior to event
• Permit changes: 14 days prior to event
  • Change requests received within two weeks of event date are subject to denial or a $30 late fee.

Additional Requirements

Upon receipt of your application, a Permit Administrator is assigned. The Permit Administrator will evaluate your application, reserve the space requested and provide you with more specific requirements/fees for your event.

All required documentation is due at least two weeks prior to the event date. Requirements that are not fulfilled before the two-week deadline may result in cancellation of your permit, or a late fee.

Additional requirements may include:

• On-site Meeting: To reduce day of event issues, the Forest Preserves may require an on-site meeting with event organizers. On-site meetings should be completed no less than 30-45 days prior to the event.
• Special Use Items: If your event features Special Use Items, the Special Use Items Request Form and related documentation must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the event.
• Insurance: A Certificate of Liability Insurance with the endorsement attached, naming the Forest Preserves of Cook County as an additional insured in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence. All documentation must be submitted and approved at least 10 business days prior to the event.
• Large Events: Events with 400+ attendees must take place in designated large event areas.
• Clean-up Plan: Due to the impact of large and special events, additional maintenance requirements may apply—including portable bathroom and dumpster rental and a detailed plan for post-event clean-up.
• Safety Plan: To ensure the safety of our patrons and the participants of your event, a Safety Plan may be needed. Required documents may include: event layout, first aid station, on-site security, route, signage, transportation/parking plan, emergency response plan.

Field Rental Permits are required for organized outdoor athletic activities that involve structured play among teams or individuals:

• Any organized group or association of teams or individuals that compete, practice, or train according to a structured schedule and set of rules
• Activities may include practices, games, tournaments, clinics, or instructional sessions
• All league activities must take place on designated Forest Preserves athletic fields and require an approved permit
• Examples: Soccer leagues, youth baseball programs, adult softball leagues, organized fitness or training clubs

Fees

Fees, requirements and deadlines vary depending on the details of your event. Requests received within two weeks of event date are subject to denial or a $30 late fee.

Application Deadlines

• 25 – 399 attendees: 30 days prior to event
• 400 – 999 attendees: 45 days prior to event
• 1,000+ attendees: 60 days prior to event
• Permit changes: 14 days prior to event
  • Change requests received within two weeks of event date are subject to denial or a $30 late fee.

Additional Requirements

Upon receipt of your application, a Permit Administrator is assigned. The Permit Administrator will evaluate your application, reserve the space requested and provide you with more specific requirements/fees for your event.

All required documentation is due at least two weeks prior to the event date. Requirements that are not fulfilled before the two-week deadline may result in cancellation of your permit, or a late fee.

Additional requirements may include:

• Insurance: A Certificate of Liability Insurance with the endorsement attached, naming the Forest Preserves of Cook County as an additional insured in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence. All documentation must be submitted and approved at least 10 business days prior to the event.
• Special Use Items: If your event features Special Use Items, the Special Use Items Request Form and related documentation must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the event. A portable restroom is required to be placed during the event.

Fitness Class Permits are required for organized, fee-based group exercise and wellness programs held within the Forest Preserves:

• Any fitness or wellness class with more than five (5) participants that charges a fee, donation, or membership
• Activities include yoga, boot camps, running or walking groups, dance/movement classes, strength training, circuit training, and similar structured programs
• A Monthly Fitness Class Permit is required for all qualifying recurring sessions
• Use of a picnic grove (sheltered or unsheltered) or the surrounding green space also requires the applicable daily grove rental fee per scheduled day

Fees

• Fees, requirements and deadlines vary depending on the details of your event. Requests received within two weeks of event date are subject to denial or a $30 late fee.

Additional Requirements

Upon receipt of your application, a Permit Administrator is assigned. The Permit Administrator will evaluate your application, reserve the space requested and provide you with more specific requirements/fees for your event.

All required documentation is due at least two weeks prior to the event date. Requirements that are not fulfilled before the two-week deadline may result in cancellation of your permit, or a late fee.

Additional requirements may include:

Insurance: A Certificate of Liability Insurance with the endorsement attached, naming the Forest Preserves of Cook County as an additional insured in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence. All documentation must be submitted and approved at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Special Use Items: If your event features Special Use Items, the Special Use Items Request Form and related documentation must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the event. A portable restroom is required to be placed during the event.