Fox Valley Park District picnic shelter reservations begin Feb. 1

The Fox Valley Park District will begin accepting picnic shelter reservations on Monday, Feb. 1, on a first-come, first-served basis.

The park district features 15 picnic shelters throughout its park system in Aurora, North Aurora and Montgomery. Reservations for groups of 25 or more are available from May 1 to Oct. 28.

The reservation fee for shelters is $60 for residents and $90 for non-residents. A $100 refundable security fee is required as well. Reservations include exclusive use of the shelter, pavilion and grill areas during the reserved time. However, as public parks, open space and playground areas remain open to others.

Capacity ranges from 30 to 150 people at all of the shelters except Cool Acres, which can accommodate groups as large as 200. Cool Acres – located on the Fox River along Route 25 and Sullivan Road – is the only shelter area that allows consumption of alcohol. Additional fees and permits are required.

Jericho Lake Park and Copley I Park will not be available for shelter reservations in 2016 due to on-site construction.

Reservations are taken in-person at the Cole Center (101 W. Illinois Ave.), Prisco Center (150 W. Illinois Ave.) and Eola Center (555 S. Eola Road) during weekday hours. A concept book is also available online at www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org and at each facility, providing an aerial overview and photos from each reservable site.