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Parks and Recreation

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1. Where can I get a Parks and Recreation Activity Guide?

Our Activity Guide can be found online at www.centreofelgin.org or by clicking this link.

2. How do I register for programs?

The easiest way to register is through our online registration site. To register online, click on the Register Online button on our Parks and Recreation Main page or on The Centre of Elgin Website. Here you can log in or create a new account. If you already have an account in our system but don’t know/remember your password, click on Forgot or Reset Password and enter your email address to receive a link to reset your password.

Register Online

3. If I have an Elgin address, why am I charged non-resident rates?

To receive resident rates, you must reside within the corporate boundaries of the City of Elgin, which means you pay taxes to the City of Elgin. Those who have an Elgin address but are outside of the city limits pay taxes to Elgin Township. Two determining factors of residency are: 1. Do you pay a city water bill? If yes, you live in the City of Elgin and are considered a resident. 2. Do you have a fire lane number in your address? If yes, you live in Elgin Township, and are considered a non-resident. Owning a business, or rental property, in which you do not reside, does not qualify for resident rates.

4. What are the hours of operation for the outdoor pools?

Due to ongoing negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, service level reductions remain in place, including the closure of Lord's Park Family Aquatic Center for the 2022 outdoor pool season. Patrons are encouraged to utilize Wing Park Family Aquatic Center or Adventure Island at the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin.

The City of Elgin operates two outdoor aquatic centers which are typically open from the first Saturday after Memorial Day through the middle of August. 

Hours of Operation: Wing Park - 1030 Wing St; 847-289-2542 

• Sunday - Thursday:  Noon - 6:00pm 
• Friday - Saturday:  Noon - 7:30pm 

Pool closing policy: 

The Pools will be closed when one of the following conditions exist: 

1. Thunder or lightning is present. 
2. Air temperature falls below 68 degrees. 
3. Low attendance numbers. 
4. As deemed necessary by the aquatic management staff.

5. Can I rent the pool for a private party?

Due to ongoing negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, service level reductions remain in place, including the closure of Lord's Park Family Aquatic Center for the 2021 outdoor pool season. Patrons are encouraged to utilize Wing Park Family Aquatic Center or Adventure Island at the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin.

Yes, Wing Park Family Aquatic Center is available for rental on a first come, first served basis. Private rentals are perfect for any occasion including birthday parties, group outings, and end of the school year parties. Available times vary depending on the day of your rental. Reservations and payments must be made at The Centre of Elgin at 100 Symphony Way during normal business hours. Reservations will need to be secured at least 72 hours in advance. For more information on availability and hours, contact The Centre of Elgin at 847-531-7030. 

6. Where can I find information on parks in Elgin?

The City of Elgin is proud to have 74 different parks, ranging in size from over 200 acres to less than a quarter acre. These parks include many amenities such as, athletic fields, picnic shelters, playgrounds, aquatic parks, skating parks, a band shell, basketball and tennis courts, a BMX track, a zoo, fishing areas, and natural areas. The city's park system also boasts a number of specialty parks including three quality golf courses, a sports complex, a nature center, an island in the Fox River, and nature preserves.

The major parks in Elgin are:
Lords Park, 325 Hiawatha Drive; Lords Park Pavilion, 100 Oakwood Blvd.
Trout Park, 580 Trout Park Blvd.
Wing Park, 1020 Wing Street

For more information on these or any other Elgin parks please visit the City of Elgin parks website or call 847-931-6123. Elgin Parks website

7. How do I rent a picnic shelter?

The Parks and Recreation Department has several picnic shelters available for rent. There are three picnic shelters located at Wing Park, and three picnic shelters Lords Park. There is also one picnic shelter at Trout Park. To check for available shelters call 847-531-7000.  To reserve a shelter stop in at The Centre of Elgin’s Main Courtesy Desk, or make a reservation online.

8. When are the parks open?

The closing time for all parks is sunset. The opening time for all parks is sunrise. With the exception of on duty city employees, no person shall be present in any park after sunset and prior to the following sunrise, unless participating in an activity authorized or scheduled by the city of Elgin, or for which written permission has been granted by the director of parks and recreation. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to lighted tennis courts, lighted baseball fields or lighted golf course facilities in a park or to individuals traveling to or from such lighted facilities. The closing times for such lighted tennis courts, lighted baseball fields or lighted golf course facilities shall be as determined by the director of parks and recreation and shall be posted at such lighted facilities. With the exception of on duty city employees, no person shall be present at any such lighted facility after the posted closing time.

9. When is Hawthorne Hill Nature Center open?

Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive, open hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-3pm.  The Nature Center is open for all ages. Our open hours at the Nature Center are for visitors to enjoy the hands-on learning centers, displays and meeting room. Our walking trails and nature play area are open dawn till dusk.

10. How do I get information about the Lords Park Pavilion and rental availability?

Call the Banquet office at 847-531-7047 or email banquets@cityofelgin.org..

Lords Park Pavilion webpage

11. How do I reserve the bridge area at Lords Park for pictures, etc.

Call the Parks & Recreation office at 847-931-6123.

12. How do I get information about renting the gazebo on Walton Island?

Call The Centre banquet offices at 847-531-7047.

13. How do I get information about reserving the bandshell at Wing Park?

For more information on bandshell rentals, contact Selena Tapia by email at tapia_s@cityofelgin.org, or call 847-931-6770.

14. How do I sign my child up for Little League?

There are two Little League divisions that service the Elgin Area.

1. Elgin National Little League serves the residents and those attending schools North of Rt. 20; south of I-90; East of the Fox River, and West of Rt. 59. Register at Elgin National Little League website.

2. Elgin Classic Little League serves the residents and those attending schools on the west side of Elgin, Gilberts south of I-90 and parts of school Districts 300 and 301. Register at Elgin Classic Little League website.

15. Which number do I call for information regarding softball rainouts for the teams that play at the Elgin Sports Complex thru the Parks & Recreation department?

Call the softball hotline at 847-931-6145.

16. Who do I talk to regarding a tree that is on City property?

Dial 311 (847-931-6001) between the hours of 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday for general information and non-emergency city services like graffiti or a downed tree branch. Or send a request via email 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to elgin311@cityofelgin.org

17. Who do I contact regarding getting a sound permit?

The City does not give sound permits. The guidelines are that sound amplifying equipment shall only occur Sundays through Thursdays between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00am to 11:00 pm. Sound cannot be amplified more than 75 feet from the sound amplification device. For complete guidelines, call the Parks & Recreation office at 847-931-6770.