St. Charles Park District: Picnics are perfection at park district pavilions

One can almost imagine seeing this request on a message board:

In search of a unique outdoor venue for family party. Open area with lots to do a must. Picnic tables, electricity helpful.

If the St. Charles Park District were the one answering that online “in search of” ad, it would have tons of suggestions: Pottawatomie Park, Ferson Creek Park, Mount St. Mary, Hickory Knolls. The list goes on to include nearly a dozen iconic – and little known – locations boasting pavilions of various sizes and shapes, all ideal for family reunions and casual get-togethers, corporate retreats and civic celebrations, neighborhood potlucks, and even weddings.

“Each park has its own unique atmosphere and vibe,” said KC Hyer, administrative assistant to park operations. “We have a location that could fit the needs of almost any type of group and function.”

From intimate pergolas to quaint gazebos, Park District pavilions provide partygoers and party-givers a destination like no other. From the picturesque bank of the Fox River for sites such as Pottawatomie, Mount St. Mary and Ferson Creek parks to the natural woodlands and prairies at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center to the step back in time ambiance of Primrose Farm park, Park District pavilions not only provide a unique setting, they also take advantage of the surrounding grounds to give participants more ways to have fun.

“Wide-open spaces in areas like River Bend Community park let people set up lawn games while partygoers at Ferson Creek Park could even launch kayaks or canoes from the riverbank,” Hyer said.

Partying in the park is a great way for all kinds of groups to get together. Corporations often use outdoor locations to facilitate the kind of team-building skills that result in co-workers uniting by putting together a potluck dinner or organizing lawn games and sports. Family reunions flourish in a communal setting, and the neighborhood backdrop of Delnor Woods or old-fashioned atmosphere of Primrose Farm are ideal locations for such functions. Nature lovers naturally will be drawn to picnics at Hickory Knolls, where the hustle and bustle of nearby suburban life just drifts away once visitors settle in among the park’s abundant trees and fields.

Even brides can have their special day in a special setting. The open air pergola at Mount St. Mary Park is a storybook fantasy set along the banks of the Fox River, while the Victorian-style gazebo at Lincoln Park hark back to the city’s historic beginnings.

“So many brides are looking for a more personal, cozy setting for their weddings,” Hyer said. “They really find a familiar closeness with the smaller pavilions we have to offer.”

It's easy to book a Park District pavilion. Rental forms can be found on the Park District's website at www.stcparks.org, along with a full list of FAQs about amenities and requirements. The largest pavilion, at Pottawatomie Park, seats up to 200 people, and groups of up to 100 can be accommodated at Pottawatomie's small pavilion, River Bend Community Park, Hickory Knolls Natural Area, and at James O. Breen Community Park. Groups of 75 can fit nicely at the pavilions at Mt. St. Mary, Ferson Creek and Delnor Woods parks, while smaller groups of 40 might find Primrose Farm, East Side Sports Complex and Timber Trails more to their liking.

“We’re happy to help party planners with any questions about our facilities, their amenities and regulations,” Hyer said. “And our buildings, grounds and security staff are always on hand to help groups on the day of their event.”

For information about pavilion rentals at the St. Charles Park District, contact KC Hyer at 630-584-1885 or kchyer@stcparks.org.