Fox Valley Park District Shelter Reservations Open Feb. 1

Press release from the Fox Valley Park District:

AURORA – Planning an outdoor family reunion, birthday party, baby shower or other special event this summer?

Shelter reservations at the Fox Valley Park District open at 8 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 1.

District officials encourage residents to reserve their choice of 17 shelters online, including the popular Cool Acres layout. Located on Rte. 25, a quarter-mile north of Indian Trail in Aurora, Cool Acres is reservable online for the first time in 2021.

“Given the circumstances of the past year, we’re anticipating that residents will have the urge to get outside and enjoy activities in larger groups this summer,” said Jennifer Paprocki, the FVPD’s director of finance. “Traditionally, Cool Acres fills up first. I’d say by mid-March, if even that long, Cool Acres is usually booked.”

Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for the season, which runs from May 1 to Oct. 17, weather permitting. Shelters must be reserved for groups of 25 or more, up to 50, and the District will “continue to follow state-mandated guidelines with gathering restrictions,” Paprocki said, noting that reservations are subject to change and full refunds will be issued if an event is canceled due to state restrictions.

For those not able to reserve shelters online, they can do so in person – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday – at the Cole Center Administrative Office, 101 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora.

For more information and/or to reserve a shelter beginning Feb. 1, visit the FVPD’s Shelter Reservations page at foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/reservations/shelter-reservations.

This press release was produced by the Fox Valley Park District. The views expressed are the author's own.