Don’t see an answer to your question? You can contact us at 800-870-3666 or fpd.permits@cookcountyil.gov.
- When can we start and end our picnic or event?
- Will we have access to restrooms?
- Are picnic tables provided?
- Are grills provided? Can we bring our own?
- Will we have access to electricity?
- Can we bring alcohol?
- Will there be water available?
- What parking is available?
- Can we have a bonfire?
- Who can we contact with any concerns about the condition of our picnic grove?
- Who can we contact to settle picnic grove disputes?
- What if there is bad weather on the day of my event?
Frequently Asked Questions
When can we start and end our picnic or event?
Picnic groves are open sunrise to sunset, but you should check your permit for approved start and end times. The Forest Preserves requires that a representative of your group be present at the grove with the permit between 9 am and 11 am. Permits must be available for inspection upon request by Forest Preserves personnel (including, but not limited to, Forest Preserves Police) at the site on the day of the event.
Will we have access to restrooms?
Restrooms provided by the Forest Preserves are for the use of all patrons, not exclusively for your event. The type of restroom (comfort station, public portable bathroom, etc.) will vary depending on your grove location.
You may rent private portable bathrooms through a vendor of your choice or through the Forest Preserves. Use of private portable bathroom requires adding a Special Use Item to your permit. The Special Use Items request form and related documentation must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the event.
Are picnic tables provided?
Approximately 8-10 tables are offered, but not guaranteed. You may bring your own tables and chairs.
Are grills provided? Can I bring our own?
The Forest Preserves does not provide grills, but you may bring your own grill. Grills larger than five feet wide require adding a Special Use Item to your permit. The Special Use Items request form and related documentation must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the event.
Do not dump charcoal on trees or grass areas. Hot coals can damage or kill Forest Preserves trees. You must extinguish all grill fires and dump your charcoal in the used hot charcoal disposal containers provided near your grove.
Will we have access to electricity?
Electrical outlets are not available at any Forest Preserves picnic groves. You may rent generators through a vendor of your choice. Generator usage requires adding a Special Use Item to your permit. The Special Use Items request form and related documentation must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the event.
Can we bring alcohol?
All alcohol must be consumed at least 50 feet from any parking lot. No glass is allowed.
Will there be water available?
The Forest Preserves cannot guarantee the availability of potable water. You are encouraged to bring your own water supply.
What parking is available?
Parking is available near all picnic groves, but you should check your permit to confirm parking lot capacity. Parking lots provided by the Forest Preserves are for the use of all patrons, not exclusively for your event. There is no parking allowed outside of designated parking spaces.
Can we have a bonfire?
No open fires are allowed.
Who can we contact with any concerns about the condition of our picnic grove?
Contact the maintenance department at the number noted on your permit.
Who can we contact to settle picnic grove disputes?
Contact Forest Preserves Police at 708-771-1001 to settle disputes. Always dial 9-1-1 for emergencies.
What if there is bad weather on the day of my event?
The Forest Preserves reserves the right to cancel or relocate an event at any time if bad weather and/or ground conditions may cause excessive damage to Forest Preserves property. Rain dates or refunds will not be issued.