Crystal Lake Park District FAQ

Q. What are the Park District office hours?
A. Check Here!

Administrative Office hours are:

Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm

Saturday, 9:30 am-Noon (April-July), beginning April 7, 2012

Sunday, Closed

Phone (815) 459-0680 or Fax (815) 477-5005. 

Program Weather Hotline: (815) 459-PARK (7275)

Find more information about a specific Park District facility in the Facilities area/Interactive Map.

Q. What are the general hours for all parks?
A. All Crystal Lake Park District parks are open everyday from 9:00 am-Dusk, unless there is a special event scheduled.

Q. I have a new address, how do I make sure the Park District has my correct contact information?
A. Write a letter to Crystal Lake Park District, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake, IL 60014; send a fax to 815-477-5005; or e-mail to mbeckstrom@crystallakeparks.org. Please put attention to Registration.  Include the person(s) name, street address and home phone number

Q. How do I know if classes are cancelled due to inclement weather?
A. Call the Crystal Lake Park District Weather Information Line at (815) 459-PARK. Information for the most up-to-date weather cancellations. If classes in School District 47 are canceled for the entire day due to inclement weather, Park District programs will be canceled until 3 pm.  Decisions on classes held between 3 and 6 pm will be made by 2 pm and decisions on classes held after 6 pm will be made by 4 pm.

Q. How do I get directions to a Park of Facility
A. The Crystal Lake Park District Program brochure includes a map with all the parks and facility locations. If you would like a printed copy of the Crystal Lake Park District Map, e-mail your request to jleech@crystallakeparks.org.

The Crystal Lake Park District website has an area where you can find all the information you’d like about a park or facility. You can view a map and photos of the facility and find out about facility amenities with our interactive map.

Q. How do I obtain a copy of the most recent program brochure?
A. The brochure is mailed to all Crystal Lake residents residing in the 60012 and 60014 zip codes, as well as any other Crystal Lake Park District residents. The brochure is also available through the link on the front page of this website. The Crystal Lake Park District produces three brochures per year:

• Summer: distributed mid-May
• Fall: distributed mid-August
• Winter/Spring: distributed late November

Q. Why does my neighbor get his/her brochure before I do?
A. Brochures are mailed via the Crystal Lake Post Office via postal route saturation. This means that rarely will every resident get his/her brochure at precisely the same time. The brochure is available online at 9 am on the first day of scheduled delivery with the post office. A range of expected delivery dates are posted on the Crystal Lake Park District Community Events sign located at the Administrative Office, as well as, at other park district facilities.

Q. How do I register for Park District programs?
A. There are 5 easy ways to register - Mail-in, Fax-in, Drop-off, Walk-in, ONLINE Registration at www.crystallakeparks.org. For more information on the registration process and to download copies of the registration form, simply click on the Registration Link at the top of the site. Remember, fax and online registrations are for credit card payments only.

Q. Can I use my credit card to register?
A. Yes, we accept Visa and MasterCard. You may also pay by debit card, personal check, or cash. Please do not send cash through the mail. You may use your credit card for fax and online registrations as well.

Q. Will I receive a confirmation of my registration?
A. For mail-in, drop-off and faxed registrations, when we have processed your registration, we will send you a confirmation card. When utilizing the online registration system, after enrolling in a class view/print your confirmation page to verify your confirmation number. Without a confirmation number you are not enrolled. Bring your confirmation sheet to all classes. You will not receive a confirmation postcard when registering online.

Q. What are your refund policies? Our Program Refund Policy is as follows:
A. The Crystal Lake Park District guarantees that you will be satisfied with the recreation programs and activities in which you participate. If you are not completely satisfied for any reason, tell us and we will quickly arrange for you to choose one of the following options:

• Repeat the class at no charge.
• Receive full credit to transfer to another current class.
• Receive a full refund.

When you are not satisfied, we want to know why so we can improve our services. We need your suggestions, comments and ideas on how to improve.

REFUND POLICY

1. The Crystal Lake Park District reserves the right to cancel any class with insufficient enrollment. When this occurs, an automatic and total refund is mailed to each participant in the program.

2. All other refund requests must be made in writing at the Park District Office and not with the program instructor.

3. Refunds are granted if notification is received before the second class meeting with a $5.00 service charge. If the second class has passed, half the registration fee (not less than $5) will be refunded. Refunds will not be issued after the third class.

4. Refund requests for one-day seminars or events must be received a minimum of three days prior to the seminar or event, and a $5.00 service charge will be assessed.

5. No overpayments or refunds of less than $5 will be issued unless the Crystal Lake Park District has cancelled the program.

6. Refunds for bus trips will only be given if your seat can be filled from the waiting list.

7. Participants may transfer money from one program to one other program within the current brochure, minus money retained for classes that may have taken place, or the participant attended. Summer Camp, Extended Time Camp, and Preschool tuition's may not be transferred to other programs.

8. All refund checks are processed within ten days of notification and will be mailed.

9. The satisfaction guarantee and refund policies do not apply to sports leagues and tournaments, races, tickets to entertainment or sports events, Racket Club court fees and lesson programs, summer camp or deposits for Extended Time or Preschool, one-day seminars or events, or merchandise purchased at Park District facilities.

**Please note that many of our popular classes fill quickly, so that there is a waiting list for people wanting to get in. If you learn that you will be dropping out of a class, please let us know as soon as possible so another person may be able to participate.

Q. How can I know if a class is age appropriate for my child?
A. Listed with every class is an age and/or grade designation that notifies interested participants the age demographics for each class or program. This designation is necessary for several reasons. First, the class or program is specifically designed for a certain age group. Second, we have found that participants enjoy and get more out of a program when interacting with peer groups of similar ages. Third, generally people feel more comfortable around people their own age and will enjoy the program in opportunities that provide this outlet. Last, concerns of safety and fair playing become issues when mixing age groups especially in youth. We thank you for your cooperation in this matter and hope you enjoy your recreational opportunities here at the Crystal Lake Park District.

Q. Do you have an after school program?
A. Extended Time (E.T.) is a before and after school program providing safe, reliable care for children. E.T. gives parents the comfort of knowing where their children are when they cannot be home.

All District #47 students in kindergarten through fifth grade, are eligible to attend. E. T. is held at Glacier Ridge, Canterbury, Coventry, Husmann, Indian Prairie, North, South, West and Woodscreek Elementary Schools, as well as our facilities at Grand Oaks Recreation Center and Spoerl Park (kindergarten only). Details about the Crystal Lake Park District Extended Time Program can be found here.

Q. If I want to suggest a class for the park district to offer, or if I want to teach a specific class, how do I go about doing this?
A. The Crystal Lake Park District is continually searching for talented individuals to instruct classes in all areas. You may either call the Park District at 815-459-0680 and ask to speak to the supervisor in charge of your area of interest, or email the supervisor. For a list of board and staff names with email addresses, as well as a general email address, please click here.

Q. Are there any current job opportunities available at the Park District?
A. The Crystal Lake Park District is the largest employer of students on a seasonal basis and during the summer in the Crystal Lake area. During the summer, the Park District needs youth sports coaches, day camp counselors, specialized recreational leaders, lifeguards, concession and park maintenance employees. Employment applications can be completed Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday from 8:30 AM to Noon at the Park District Administrative Offices. For more information, please call 815-459-0680, ext. 202.

For current job opportunities click here.

Q. Do you have rental rooms available?
A. For information about meeting room and banquet rental space, click here.

For information about room rental at other park district facilities (Rotary Building, Warming House, Administrative Building, Main Beach) contact us at (815) 459-0680, ext. 211.

Q. How do I make a donation to the Park District?
A. You may make a donation through any of our donor programs: Club Swan, Pool Banner Advertising Program, Park Bench Program, Giving Tree Program. For details on any of these programs, please click here.

Q. Who do I call concerning problems in my neighborhood park?
A. If the problem involves the maintenance of the park, please call or email Curt Foglesong at (815) 477-5007. If the problem involves safety or vandalism, the Crystal Lake Park District's full-time, year-round park police department works closely with the Crystal Lake and Village of Lakewood police to keep parks and facilities safe. We need your help in protecting these properties. If at any time you see suspicious activities, please call 459-0680. After business hours, please call the Crystal Lake Police Department, 815-455-2313, to report any problems. Our officer will receive a radio message and will handle the situation.

Q. I have a new address, how do I make sure the Park District has my correct information?
A. Please call the Park District office at (815) 459-0680 to give the staff your new information, or email mbeckstrom@crystallakeparks.org.  If you have an online account, you can also make any changes to your household by going to Registration pages and following the link to update your household profile.

Q. How do I know if classes are cancelled?
A. In the event that your class is cancelled, you will receive a phone call from the program instructor.

Q. How do I get directions to a park or facility?
A. For a map of our parks and facilities, click here (for a printable map) or here for our interactive map. If you need additional information, please call the Park District at (815) 459-0680.

Q. Are there volunteer opportunities at the Park District?
A. Volunteers play an important role in every public agency, and a park district is no exception. The park district uses volunteers for its many special events and programs. Contact the Crystal Lake Park District at (815) 459-0680, ext. 202

Q. Is there financial assistance available for individuals in need to pay for recreation activities?
A. The Crystal Lake Park District recognizes that there are families in our community who suffer economic setbacks which prevent their children from joining our programs. We offer class scholarships for Crystal Lake Park District residents to help those in need. For more information, please call Jack Sebesta, Superintendent of Recreation, 459-0680, ext. 216.

Q. Does the Park District have insurance, and what is my liability?
A. The Crystal Lake Park District does not provide insurance coverage for injuries suffered while using park facilities.

The Crystal Lake Park District is committed to conducting its recreation programs in a safe manner and holds the safety of participants in high regard. The Crystal Lake Park District continually strives to reduce such risks and insists that all participants follow safety rules and instructions that are designed to protect the participants' safety. However, participants and parents/guardians of minors registering for this program/activity must recognize that there is an inherent risk of injury when choosing to participate in recreational activities.

You are solely responsible for determining if you or your minor child/ward are physically fit and/or skilled for the activities contemplated by this agreement. It is always advisable, especially if the participant is pregnant, disabled in any way or recently suffered an illness, injury or impairment, to consult a physician before undertaking any physical activity.

Q. How do I obtain a picnic permit?
A. To obtain a picnic permit for Veteran Acres, make reservations in person at the Park District Administrative Offices at the corner of Walkup and Crystal Lake Avenues. A maintenance deposit per 50 people is required. The deposit is returned if the picnic site is left in a clean, natural condition. A user's fee is charged for shelters and picnic areas. Fees vary according to size of picnic.

Q. How do I know if I am a resident of the Crystal Lake Park District?
A. Check your tax bill, or call the Park District Office at (815) 459-0680.

Q. Does the Park District have programs for seniors?
A. Currently there are many adult programs that our seniors can participate in including trips, seminars, fitness and dance classes, art and cooking classes, and general programs. Click here for more information.

Q. Is fishing allowed at Main and West Beach?
A. The park district offers gate keys to residents who want to fish at Main or West Park beaches before the parks open at 9 AM. Keys allow for entrance through the park's special walk-in gates. The fee is $15 and you must prove residency when purchasing. (Small portable boats are NOT allowed through the walk-in gate.) A valid Illinois fishing license is required.

Q. What is a beach vehicle sticker?
Vehicles entering either Main or West Park Beach must have a current vehicle sticker attached to the windshield or a daily fee will be charged. If you reside in the City of Crystal Lake or the Village of Lakewood, you must purchase their respective municipal sticker which is honored for beach use.

To obtain a beach vehicle sticker, you must provide all the following documents in person:

• Current Illinois driver's license
• Illinois Vehicle registration card for each vehicle
• $10 fee (per household)
• This information is subject to change.

Q. I have a boat and want to take it out on Crystal Lake, is this allowed?
A. Yes, Crystal Lake Park Districts Residents only may boat on Crystal Lake. Park District resident boat owners must purchase a new key each year to use the Main or West Park launch ramps.

Fee: $60 (Seniors, 60 and older, receive half price discount.)

Park District resident boat owners must purchase a new key each year to use the Main or West Park launch ramps.

In order to purchase a key, you must provide all the following documents in person.

• Current Illinois driver's license
• Illinois boat registration card
• Application fee (see above for amount)

Q. Are garden plots available at any of your parks?
A. Residents & Non-Residents may reserve a garden plot at Hill Farm Acres. Program Fee: $30 per plot/$18 senior citizens. Resident Discount Fee: $24 per plot/$12 senior citizens

Deadline to plant is May 31

If you enjoy the outdoors, saving money and growing plants, you'll want to have one of our 40' by 20' garden plots! Flowers, vegetables, herbs or whatever you desire will grow well in our rich soil.

The growing season is from whenever the soil is able to be cultivated until October 31. Plots must be fine rototilled by each gardener after our park department cultivates the property. Water is available for hand carrying. Yard waste cannot be placed in the garden plots due to space limitations and in respect of good neighbor policies.

Q. Does the Crystal Lake Park District have a Dog Park?
A. Information about Hound Town at Lippold Park can be found here.

Q. What is an affiliate group?
A. There are 19 Crystal Lake Park District Affiliate Groups. Within the Park District, certain activities or programs can be best implemented through the development of special interest groups. We consider the following organizations, which are open to the public, as our partners in providing additional recreational outlets for Crystal Lake Park District residents. The purpose, guidelines and rules of affiliate groups must be commensurate with the philosophy and policies of the Crystal Lake Park District. Click here for a complete listing of all Park District affiliates.

Q. I have heard sirens go off at Lippold Park, what is this?
A. The Crystal Lake Park District has installed a THOR GUARD Lightning Prediction System. The base unit is on the roof of the Soccer Federation’s soccer house. Satellite units are placed at Lippold Park Family Golf Center, Main Beach, and West Beach, as these sites are within a two-mile radium of the base unit. This system predicts when conditions indicate the potential for a lightning strike; it will give a warning eight to 20 minutes in advance of a potential strike, so that everyone can take shelter.

When it senses the potential for a lightning strike-THOR GUARD will sound a 15 second siren and the strobe light on top of the unit will go off. The strobe light stays on as long as there is danger of a potential strike. Everyone must seek shelter immediately in a building or non-convertible automobile.

When the potential for lightning has passed- THOR GUARD sounds three (3) blasts of the siren and the strobe light turns off. This may be as soon as 10 minutes after the system has gone off.

When the THOR GUARD sounds the warning siren and the strobe light is on:

1. All activities will stop immediately.

2. It is recommended that park patrons seek shelter in their cars (with the windows rolled up) or in a building. Patrons should avoid areas that are higher than the surrounding landscape, they should not use a tree for shelter, and they should keep away from metal objects such as bicycles, golf clubs, fences, umbrellas, etc.

3. Even if the weather appears not to be threatening, everyone should seek shelter. People have been struck, in the past, by a bolt out of the blue. A bolt out of the blue is one that strikes when the sky is clear.

4. Remain in the shelter until the THOR GUARD sounds three blasts of the siren and the strobe light turns off, signaling the all-clear.

CAUTION:
The THOR GUARD System helps assess the conditions. Neither the signal nor the system is intended to guarantee that conditions are safe. If the weather is threatening and no warning signal is heard or seen, use good judgment and take shelter. Do not wait for the warning signal to activate, as the system can malfunction.

Q. Does the Crystal Lake Park District sell hunting and fishing licenses?
A. Yes, to meet all your sporting needs, the Crystal Lake Park District carries a variety of licenses. Illinois and Wisconsin licenses run on an April 1 to March 31 calendar season. All the following licenses are available at our office during business hours. Identification, such as a driver's license, as well as a Social Security number is required for purchase.

Exception for Illinois licenses:
Residents and non-residents under 16 are not required to buy a fishing license, migratory waterfowl stamp or federal duck stamp. To purchase a hunting license, students under age 16 are required to pass a Hunter Safety Certification course.

Illinois Hunting

• Resident License $7.50
• Resident License (65 & Older) $4.00
• Migratory Waterfowl Stamp $10.50
• Habitat Stamp $5.50
• Trapping Fur Bearing Animals $10.50
• Archery Deer Hunting $26.00

Illinois Fishing

• Resident: Sport Fishing, Annual $13.00
• Resident: Sport Fishing (65 & Older) $6.75
• Non-resident: Sport Fishing, Annual $24.50
• Non-resident: 10 Day $13.00

Resident and Non-resident

• 24 Hour Sport Fishing License $5.50
• Salmon Stamp $6.50
• Inland Trout Stamp $6.50

Illinois Hunting and Fishing

• Combination License $19.25
• Senior Combination License $10.00

Wisconsin Fishing

• Non-resident: Annual $50.00
• Non-resident: Family $65.00
• Non-resident: Family 15 Day $40.00
• Non-resident: 15 Day $28.00
• Non-resident: 4 Day $24.00
• Non-resident: 2 Day Great Lakes $14.00

*Please Note: Cash/Check only accepted for purchase of Wisconsin Fishing Licenses.

 

Q. I have a great photo from a park district program. Can you use it?

A. Yes! We would love to see it and possibly use it in upcoming publications. Contact Jenny Leech at (815) 459-0680, ext. or email at jleech@crystallakeparks.org. Submit photos of yourself, your family, or of a general activity taking place within a Crystal Lake Park District program, special event, park or facility. If your photo is selected, we will highlight the photo with a caption giving recognition to the photographer and what the photo represents.

By submitting photos to the Crystal Lake Park District, you are giving your permission for publication. Photos become the property of the Crystal Lake Park District. The Crystal Lake Park District uses pictures of participants to publicize recreation opportunities. If you do not want a picture taken, please tell our photographer. If the picture has already been taken, please contact the Park District at 815-459-0680, ext. 212.

Q. I have an idea for a program, can I tell you about it?

A. Yes! Use the Program Proposal Form to submit your idea.  The form should be submitted to the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, ATTN: Don Self, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.  Additionally, forms may be faxed to (815) 477-5005 or emailed to dself@crystallakeparks.org