Get Your First Pick for Picnics in the Cook County Forest Preserves

River Forest, IL - The Forest Preserves of Cook County will begin permit sales for 2016 at 8 a.m. Jan. 4, both online and in person at Forest Preserves General Headquarters, 536 N. Harlem in River Forest.

In 2015, almost 10 percent of picnic and special event permits were sold on opening day, according to the forest preserves. More than 8,600 total permits were sold for the year.

The sites in highest demand include Dan Ryan, Busse Woods and Schiller Woods, the preserves report. Permit applications will be processed on a first-come first-served basis.

The preserves offer 283 picnic groves, many with shelters, and rentals for indoor facilities and athletic fields. Groups of 25 or more are required to have picnic permits.

Doors at headquarters will open at 7 a.m. Jan. 4, and in-person applicants need to have a valid state I.D. or driver’s license. Cash, check and Visa and MasterCard credit cards will be accepted. Applicants should begin the permit application as soon as they arrive at the headquarters, and they’re advised to have a few back-up choices in mind.

Events that include a walking or running route must submit the proposed route with the application.

Applications for events with 1,000 or more people expected can be submitted beginning Dec. 14, sent by email to fpdcc.rvp@cookcountyil.gov, by USPS mail or in person, according to the forest preserves.

Indoor room rental reservations for 2016 will also be accepted beginning Dec. 14., submitted by email only to pavilion.rentals@cookcountyil.gov.

Athletic filed reservations will be accepted beginning at 8 a.m. Feb. 1, in person only at the Forest Preserves General Headquarters. More information will be available at a later date.

Permit buying and site availability information will available at fpdcc.com/permits, along with grove maps and fee information.

For more information and help with online permit buying, contact the permits staff at 800-870-3666, option No. 2, or visit fpdcc.com.

Photo via Maryam E. on Yelp.