Special Use Facilities
Special Use Facilities: Frequently Asked Questions
If I am interested in hosting an event at one of the Chicago Park District's Special Use Facilities, what is the process of booking a venue for my event? First, choose which facilities you are interested in. You can begin finding information by visiting our Special Use Facilities homepage and clicking on the name of the facility, or contact our office (312) 742-4847 and we can mail you a Special Use Facility brochure. Once you have decided which spaces you are interested in, you can call the appropriate contact for pricing and availability. To secure a date and location, you will need to submit a Reservation Deposit of 25% of the appropriate rental fee or $250, whichever is greater. Once we have more detailed information regarding the nature of the event, you will be required to sign a contract. The contract, a separate Security Deposit to cover any damage, any remaining payments, the certificate of insurance, and all necessary documentation must be provided to the Park District designee 60 days prior to the event. You will be required to provide the Chicago Park District designee with the final guest count at least 14 days prior.
Wedding Ceremonies
I have seen couples getting married in the park. How can I have my Wedding Ceremony at one of the Park District locations?
Our most popular locations for wedding ceremonies are: the Lincoln Park Conservatory Gardens, the Grant Park Rose Gardens (North or South), and the Cancer Survivor's Garden in Grant Park. Anyone interested in having a wedding ceremony at any of our other Special Use Facilities - such as Promontory Point - will be required to pay the full rental rate for the given facility. Applications for wedding ceremonies at any other locations along the Lakefront will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in having a wedding ceremony, you will need to download the Special Event Permit Application, complete it, and submit it to our office. Once you receive your permit, you will be permitted two hours for ceremonies, and may bring in chairs for seating and a Trellis or Chuppah for decoration. We do not allow tenting for Wedding Ceremonies, and this is a rain or shine policy.
Caterers
For my event, can I choose any caterer I want, or do you have a list I must choose from?
We have an exclusive vendor list for you to choose from for your event. For more information, please visit our Caterers, Rental Firms, Security Firms, Linen Providers, and Insurance Requirements page. You should feel free to contact any of them individually with any questions you may have.
Tenting
What are your requirements for tenting, and how do I go about finding a tent provider?
In most cases, if you are interesting in having tent or canopies set-up at a Special Use Facility or the surrounding area, the Park District will need to perform a "locate" to identify any and all underground electrical and plumbing lines. Therefore, we will need to know the exact location and dimensions of each tent. Please note that any tent or canopy over 240 square feet will require a building permit from the City of Chicago Department of Construction and Permits (DCAP): (312) 744 - 3449. We have three different rental companies on our exclusive vendor list to choose from who can accommodate your tenting needs. For more information, please visit our Caterers, Rental Firms, Security Firms, Linen Providers, and Insurance Requirements page. The rental companies should be able to answer any questions you may have regarding the process for securing any required building permits.
Alcohol
Am I permitted to serve alcohol at my event?
There are ten different Special Use Facilities where alcohol service is allowed. As the host of the event, you will NOT be permitted to provide the alcohol. Alcohol must be purchased through and served by one of the caterers on our exclusive list. If your event is a fundraiser in nature, and your alcohol will be donated, you will be required to provide documentation that validates your organization's non-profit 501(c)3 status and provide a copy of a Special Event Liquor License from the City of Chicago. For more information on these policies, please contact our office: (312) 742-4847.
Insurance
What are your insurance requirements and how can I obtain the necessary certificate?
When renting one of our facilities, we require that you obtain a Certificate of General Liability Insurance naming the Chicago Park District as "additional insured." If you intend on serving alcohol, you must have Host Liquor Liability as well. We require that each of the certificates carry a minimum of $1,000,000 coverage. For more information regarding insurance, you can call Rolei Financial at (312) 654 - 8200, or call our office: (312) 742-5369.
Deposits
Do you require a Security Deposit, and if so how much will it be? When can I expect to receive my deposit back?
We require that you pay a Security Deposit to cover any possible damage. The Security Deposit is due no later than 60 days prior to the event and can range from $500-$2,000 depending on the size, nature, and location of the event. The Security Deposit may take up to 30 days to be returned. Please note that the Reservation Deposit (to secure the space) and the Security Deposit (to cover any possible damages) are not the same.
Security
How can I ensure that my event remains private? Do I need to hire a security guard?
We require each event to hire security to ensure privacy and safety. Our offices will determine the number of security guards you will need based on the size, nature, and location of the event. The Chicago Park District is able to provide security for your event at an hourly rate of $25. If additional security is desired, outside vendors may be used as long as they are licensed and bonded.
Park Hours
What time does my event have to end? Is there an additional fee to remain in the park later than 11:00pm?
All Chicago Park District property closes at 11:00pm every day. It is a requirement that every event conclude at this time.
Park Access
If I have equipment or certain materials that need to be dropped off for the event, how will I be able to access the park?
Parking or driving vehicles on grass or athletic fields is strictly prohibited. If event staff and supply vehicles need to be driven to the site to unload equipment or supplies, the Park District may consider granting a Park District Vehicle Pass so that vehicles may access service roads, subject to Park District approval. If you feel this privilege is necessary for your event, please contact the event facilitator. The Park District will need prior notice of the number and type of vehicles you request permission to operate on Park District Property.