The Village of Park Forest Recreation, Parks, and Community Health Department will hold its annual Resident-Only Park Permit three-day sale beginning Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, giving Village residents priority access to reserve picnic pavilions for the upcoming season.
Residents may book permits in person at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, during presale hours: Monday, Feb. 2, from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Tuesday through Wednesday, Feb. 3–4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To verify residency, participants must bring a valid state driver’s license or ID. Full payment is required at the time of reservation, and permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Phone orders will not be accepted.
“This resident-only pre-sale gives Park Forest residents the first opportunity to secure pavilion dates before permits open to the general public,” said Recreation Manager Adina McCollough. “It helps ensure our residents have fair access to some of our most popular park spaces.”
McCollough said the pre-sale allows residents to reserve pavilion space at Central Park, Somonauk Nature Adventure Park, and Logan Park, all of which offer amenities suited for family gatherings, celebrations, and community events.
“Our park pavilions are in high demand, especially during the warmer months,” McCollough said. “The pre-sale allows residents to plan ahead and reserve the park and date that best fits their needs.”
Central Park, located on Lakewood Boulevard, features two pavilions, each equipped with eight picnic tables and electrical outlets. The east pavilion includes a kitchen with a sink, stove, and refrigerator, while restrooms are located between both shelters. Small grills are available nearby.
At Somonauk Nature Adventure Park, residents can reserve a pavilion with eight picnic tables, grills, electrical outlets, and access to restrooms, surrounded by walking paths and a pond in the Village’s southern neighborhood.
Logan Park offers a smaller pavilion with four picnic tables, a grill, electrical outlets, and nearby restrooms, accommodating gatherings of approximately 40 people near the Old Plank Road Trail.
“Park Forest’s parks are designed to bring people together,” McCollough said. “Whether it’s a large family reunion or a smaller neighborhood gathering, our pavilions offer residents welcoming spaces to enjoy the outdoors.”
Each resident is limited to one picnic date during the pre-sale. For additional information, contact the Recreation, Parks, and Community Health Department at 708-748-2005.