Frequently Asked Questions

How can I reach the Park District?
Park District of Oak Park
218 W. Madison Street
Oak Park, IL 60301
(708) 383-0002
Fax: (708) 383-5702
Email: info@oakparkparks.com

To contact specific facilities, please go to parks and facilities for details.

Are there official rules/regulations for use of the parks in Oak Park?
Yes, there is an official document! To view a PDF version of the Park Use Rules, click here.

How do I report vandalism, graffiti, or other problems in a park?
To report any problems in a park, please call the Buildings & Grounds Department at (708) 725-2050.

Who do I contact to rent a facility?
With 3 historic properties and 7 community centers, the Park District of Oak Park has a variety of venues to choose from to stage your special occasion. Go to our facility rental link for more details.

How can I apply for a job?
Did you know the Park District of Oak Park is the largest employer of youth in Oak Park. Numerous jobs, especially seasonal jobs, are available. Check out the job opportunities link for details.

How do I make a donation to the Park District?
Through the Memorial Trust Fund you can honor a special person or recognize a special occasion by adopting a tree or donating a bench, walkway or other park equipment to the Park District. Click here for more information regarding the Memorial Trust Fund.

Does the Park District provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities?
The Park District of Oak Park provides year round recreation programs for individuals of all ages with disabilities through the West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA). You can reach WSSRA at (847) 455-2100.

How do I register?
There are many ways to register at the Park District of Oak Park. Online, in-person, mail-in, fax and automated attendant registrations are all welcome. Please read carefully the directions on the registration information page. If you have a question about a specific program, please give us a call at (708) 383-0002.

How do I prove residency?
In order to register for a program at a resident rate you must proof of residency. The Park District accepts a driver’s license, state ID, telephone bill (cell phone bills will not be accepted), voters registration card, vehicle registration card or Village of Oak Park vehicle sticker receipt as proof of residency.

How do I file a compliment or complaint?
The Park District of Oak Park always welcomes feedback from its residents and patrons. You can email any staff member through the staff listing under Contact Us.

Additionally, there are two forms available on this web site to provide feedback to Park District staff. To evaluate a particular program, go to Program Evaluation Form.

To submit feedback regarding any facility, staff member, service or program of the District, go to Compliment/Complaint Form.

When do pool passes go on sale?
New in 2008, pool passes go on sale March 1, (instead of January 1) with the Polar Bear Pool Pass Season Sale. If you purchase your pass between March 1 and May 3, you will receive a considerable price discount. Pool passes are sold at the John L. Hedges Administration Office, 218 W. Madison or at Ridgeland Common, 415 W. Lake Street (Pool Pass Registration Process). Hint: Get your photo taken early for your pool pass and avoid waiting in long lines at the beginning of the summer.

Can I walk my dog in the park?
Yes, as long as at all times your dog is on a leash no longer than 8' in length . Dogs are not allowed in playground areas.
In January 2006, the Park District of Oak Park opened the Dog Park/Dog Park Plus facility for Oak Park residents who want to run their dogs off-leash. This facility is located at Ridgeland Common Park, 415 Lake Street at Ridgeland Avenue.

Why are there 3 prices for some programs listed in the brochure?
The Park District of Oak Park offers a special membership for individuals ages 55 and up. Membership, available for any senior from any town, entitles the holder to discounted rates for trips, classes, and inclusion in many Park District drop-in programs. Most of these programs and classes are held at the Dole Center, 255 Augusta. Members pay the first fee for any program with three fees listed when a membership card is shown. Members also receive the “Dole Center Newsletter”, mailed six times a year. Membership is good for one calendar year. Call Dole Center at (708) 848-7050 for more information.

Can I try out a class and see if I like it before I register?
You are welcome to try-out any fitness class or mind & body class offered through the Dole Center including Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates and much more. For more details please call the Dole Center at (708) 848-7050.

Where can my kids and I go on a cold or rainy day?
The Oak Park Conservatory is a wonderful place to visit during any time of the year. The Conservatory features monthly floral displays and offers many classes and special events. Call the Conservatory (708) 386-4700 for hours.

Preschool Playtime takes place at the Gymnastics Center from November through April. A favorite with preschoolers, Preschool Playtime is an open gym for children ages 1 to 5. Playtimes are Wednesdays 10-11:30am and Fridays 1 – 2:30pm. The cost is $5 or punch cards are available. Call the Gymnastics Center for more details at (708) 383-0218.

Children ages 8 months to 5 years will enjoy interacting and playing with other children in the indoor playground located at Ridgeland Common. The Playground is open from October through April, Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. The fee is $2 per child for all ages or a playground pass can be purchased. Call Ridgeland Common at (708) 848-9661 for more details.

Ridgeland Common Ice Arena is open October through March with a variety of public skate hours available. Noon Skate, Family Skate, and School’s Out Skate, and Adult Skate are also offered at Ridgeland as well as a special Winter Recess Skating Schedule during the Holiday School Break. Call Ridgeland Common for more details at (708) 848-9661.

And don’t forget, on hot, sunny days the Park District operates two swimming pools for the enjoyment and refreshment of our residents and patrons. Rehm Pool is located at 515 Garfield Avenue and Ridgeland Common Pool is located at 415 W. Lake Street. Information on both pools is available at (708) 848-9661.