Where is the
Willowbrook Park District?
Our park system operates as a department of the
Village of Willowbrook rather than as a separate taxing body which has an
elected park board and separate taxing authority. While most of the area
park agencies are park districts, other park and/or recreation departments
in the Chicago area operate in Hinsdale, Countryside, Orland Park, Palos
Hills, Romeoville, Villa Park, Glendale Heights, Berwyn, Western Springs,
Palos Heights, etc.
What is the Willowbrook Parks and Recreation Commission and how does it
differ from a park district board?
The Commission is the
advisory body of nine members that makes recommendations to the Village
Board in matters of capital improvements, programs and policies relating to
Willowbrook’s park system. While there is an attempt to have representation
on the Commission from all areas of the Village, Commissioners primarily
focus on improving the entire park system. Each member of Willowbrook Parks
and Recreation Commission is appointed for a two-year term by the Village
Board. As Willowbrook’s elected officials, the Village Board, serves in
making the final decisions in policy and budgeting for the Parks and
Recreation Department and all the other Village departments.
Where are all of
Willowbrook parks and what amenities are in each?
The Parks and Recreation
Department maintains over 56 acres on 10 park sites that are owned by the
Village. Their locations and amenities are detailed in the seasonal Fun
Guides that are mailed to Willowbrook residents three times a year.
Do I need a permit
for my group to use a park?
Generally, permits are
necessary for organized athletic groups and large gatherings. See the
permit policy section in the Parks and Recreation link on this website for
more details. In other cases, permits are not necessary but securing a
permit insures the area that you wish to use will be reserved for you.
How can I suggest
adding a new amenity in one of our parks?
Send your ideas to the Willowbrook Parks and
Recreation Department, 7760 Quincy Street, Willowbrook IL 60527. The Parks
and Recreation Commission regularly reviews ideas for park improvements and
programs. If such suggestions are larger in scope, the Commission must first
prioritize them along with its own plans before making recommendations to
the Village Board. The Commission has developed a Five Year Plan for
capital improvements that is updated annually. The plan is then forwarded
to the Village Board, which attempts to work those projects into the overall
Village budget.
How do I register
for a park activity?
You can register any one
of four ways:
- In person at the
Village Hall Monday through Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.
- Fax the
registration form and credit card information to the Village of
Willowbrook at (630) 323-0787.
- Mail the
registration form and credit card information to the Village of
Willowbrook at 7760 Quincy Street, Willowbrook IL 60527.
- FAST TRACK
REGISTRATION – By coming into the Village Hall one time and signing the
waiver into our computer system, you can simply call in your
registration and pay with a credit card. See the Fun Guide for more
details.
How do I know if I
got into the class?
If you do not hear from
us, you can assume that you are in the class and the class will take place
as advertised. If the class has been filled, you will be notified by phone
and advised that you have been placed on a waiting list. You will again be
called if an additional space becomes available. We make every effort to
make additional spaces available but early registration is your best
insurance for getting into a class.
If the class has been
cancelled due to a low enrollment, all those registered will be notified by
phone several days before the start of the class. We make every attempt to
conduct our activities. Refunds for cancelled classes are automatically
processed in full.
What is the refund
policy?
Requests for a refund
before the class starts are honored with “no questions asked” if the request
comes before the first class meeting. Refunds for medical reasons can be
granted as well. Requests for a refund are also granted under our Program
Assurance Policy (see below). Refunds are subject to a $4.00
check-processing fee. Please allow at least two weeks for the refund check
due to the timing of the Village Board meetings where check requests are
presented.
What’s the Program
Assurance Policy?
The Parks and Recreation
Department is very confident that the recreational service we offer will
meet your expectations. In the event it does not, we offer this policy for
most of the recreation activities we administer. Excluded from this policy
are trips and adult sports leagues. If you are not satisfied with an
activity, you can:
- Repeat the activity
at no charge.
- Receive credit for
another activity
- Receive a full
refund subject to the check processing fee
Please note that any
request must be made within five days after the second meeting. You will
be asked to state your concern in writing so that we have a clear
understanding of the situation. This will enable us to take the
appropriate steps. Concerns about a cooperative activity that is
administered by another park agency should first be addressed with that
agency. If you are not satisfied with the results, please do not hesitate
to call our office.
How do I forward
an idea for a new activity that I’d like to see offered?
Some of our most
successful activities have evolved from ideas by our residents. Please send
your suggestions to Wally Righton, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation,
Village of Willowbrook, 7760 Quincy Street, Willowbrook IL 60527 or call him
at (630) 920-2251.
