To enhance the convenience, enjoyment and recreational experience of visitors while supporting the mission of the Forest Preserves, the Permits, Rentals & Concessions Department is seeking quality vending and service offerings. As part of the concessions program, a concession permit and a variety of contract opportunities are available.
On this page:
Concession Permits
Apply for a Permit
Concessionaires can apply for a daily ($250) or annual ($500) concession permit to sell food, beverages, goods and services from traditional stationary concession stands, push carts and food trucks within designated areas in the Forest Preserves, including at playfields.
Applications can be submitted via email (fpd.concessions@cookcountyil.gov), fax (708-771-1071), or dropped off in person at the Forest Preserves General Headquarters, 536 N Harlem Ave in River Forest, and are approved on a first come, first served basis. Please allow up to 15 business days for applications to be reviewed and/or approved.
Complete concession permit rules, regulations and restrictions can be found in the application. For questions, contact jean.sheerin@cookcountyil.gov or lenora.dailey@cookcountyil.gov.
General Opportunities
The Forest Preserves of Cook County protects and preserves nearly 70,000 acres of natural, open spaces and welcomes an estimated 62 million visits each year to our sites and amenities such as picnic groves, athletic fields, trails and boathouses. Patrons can also enjoy cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, special events and more.
The Forest Preserves recognizes concessions opportunities will increase visitor engagement by providing the public with access to variety of foods, goods, recreational activities and services at reasonable prices. Whether you’re selling fully loaded hot dogs or delicious ice cream, offering on-the-spot bike repair services, or anything in between, there are concessions opportunities supporting outdoor events of all sizes.
Applicants can apply for a concession permit across the Forest Preserves’ nearly 300 picnic groves and designated sites. Additional information is available on our picnic grove maps as well as on our interactive web map. For a full list of Forest Preserves locations, visit our Locations List Page.
Playfields
Some of the most popular sites for concessionaires are playfields. The multiple sports opportunities at Forest Preserves playfields make these popular places for families and youth. Playfields are ideal locations for a friendly game of soccer, baseball or rugby, a relaxing picnic, and even a leisurely walk. Each location is open from dawn to dusk, unless otherwise posted.
The Forest Preserves is accepting concession applications from qualified vendors to conduct concession cart and/or food truck sales at select playfields beginning March through December.
Playfield concessions opportunities are available at the following locations where no other food and/or beverage service is currently offered:
- Busse Woods: Available starting March through May with some dates in October on the following days during the week: Sat-Sun
- Harms Woods: Available starting April through June on the following days during the week: Wed-Fri
- Robinson Woods-South: Available starting May through September on the following days during the week: Tue/Thu, Sat-Sun
- Schiller Playfield: Available starting March through September on the following days during the week: Sat-Sun
- Schiller Woods-South: Available starting April through September with some sporadic dates in October and November on the following days during the week: Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun
- Thatcher Woods: Available starting April through September with some sporadic dates in October on the following days during the week: Mon-Thu
Approved Concessionaires
Contract Opportunities
We encourage you to learn more about the Forest Preserves’ concessions program and how to conduct business with us by participating in the following contract opportunities:
Pilot Concession Contracts
A Pilot Concession Contract is a two-year, non-bid opportunity that will generate less than $25,000 per year while operating in the Forest Preserves. Please submit a business proposal and financial plan for your concession/business.
The Permits, Rentals & Concessions Department is seeking unique and interesting collaborations that enhance and promote the Forest Preserves with businesses that share commitment to health and wellness, sustainability and strong communities. Opportunities vary, with some sites appropriate for carts, food trucks and other self-contained businesses. Most locations do not have storage or electricity available. Small businesses and Women and/or Minority-owned Businesses (W/MBE) are encouraged to submit proposals.
Before submitting your proposal and financial plan, please review the FAQ, site descriptions and visit the preserve location.
Small Concession Contracts
Concessionaires must submit a competitive bid or a Request for Proposal to the Forest Preserves of Cook County for opportunities that generate no more than $25,000 per year while operating in the Forest Preserves for up to three years. Interested parties are encouraged to register as a vendor on our Doing Business & Partnerships Page.
The Forest Preserves’ Board of Commissioners reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities.
Large Concession Contracts
Concessionaires must submit a competitive bid or a Request for Proposal to the Forest Preserves of Cook County for opportunities generating more than $25,000 per year while operating in the Forest Preserves for five years or more. Interested parties are encouraged to register as a vendor on our Doing Business & Partnerships Page.
The Forest Preserves’ Board of Commissioners reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities.
Class/Tour Contracts
Classes/Tour Contracts are non-bid concessions opportunities and generate less than $25,000 per year while operating in the Forest Preserves. This contract runs five years or less.
This contract allows a concessionaire to conduct fitness/athletic classes or tours within the Forest Preserves; the Forest Preserves receives 20% of registration fees.