Facility Rentals

Policies and Procedures

Field Use Policy

The Kenilworth Park District is committed to providing safe, high-quality athletic fields while maximizing availability for community use. This Field Use Policy establishes procedures for scheduling, renting, and maintaining athletic fields to ensure they remain in excellent playing condition for all users.

Field Rentals

A Rental Agreement is required for all organized games, practices, tournaments, camps, or other scheduled athletic activities, except for programs operated directly by the Kenilworth Park District.

Rental Application Process

To request a field rental:

• Reservations may be made up to (3) months in advance.
• Kenilworth Park District-sponsored athletic programs receive priority for field use.
• Non-sponsored leagues primarily composed of Kenilworth Park District residents may receive seasonal scheduling priority to establish league schedules.The Park District reserves the right to cancel or modify any standing rental agreement when it is determined to be in the District’s best interest.

Seasonal application dates:

• Spring – February 28th
• Summer – May 15th
• Fall – August 1st
• Winter – September 15th

Practice Rentals

Practice locations and times are assigned by the Park District based on field availability and team needs. If a standing rental agreement must be canceled, the Park District will make every reasonable effort to provide an alternate time or location.

Fees

Field use fees apply to all permitted reservations and help offset the costs of field maintenance, labor, and materials.

Reservation Requirements

• Minimum reservation: 2 hours
• Additional time may be reserved in 30-minute increments after the initial two-hour minimum.

Site or Maintenance Supervisor

• For larger events or rentals, the Park District may require one or more site supervisors.
• $20 per hour per required supervisor
• Supervisor fee includes:
  • On-site supervision
  • Basic Maintenance

Rules & Regulations

All renters are responsible for ensuring safe and appropriate use of Park District facilities.

Field Safety

• Inspect the playing area before every game or practice.
• If soccer goals are used, verify they are secure and stable before play.
• If unsafe conditions exist, do not use the field and immediately contact the Kenilworth Park District at (847) 251-1691.

Field Modifications

• Altering or modifying any playing surface is prohibited.
• Installing soccer goals on Park District or Village property without approval from the Executive Director is prohibited.

Conduct

Renters are responsible for the behavior of all players, coaches, spectators, and guests before, during, and after the event.

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all Park District and Village property.

Sales & Concessions

The sale of food, beverages, merchandise, or other items is prohibited without prior written approval from the Kenilworth Park District.

Weather & Field Closures

• The Park District reserves the right to close athletic fields whenever weather or field conditions make play unsafe or could damage the playing surface.
• Whenever possible, users will receive advance notice of field closures.
• Although the Park District works to prepare fields for safe play, renters are expected to evaluate conditions before each scheduled use and cancel activities when:
  • Player safety may be compromised
  • Field conditions could cause excessive damage
  • Continued use would impact future field availability
  • If there is any disagreement regarding field conditions, the Executive Director or their designee will make the final decision.

Field Damage

• Damage resulting from:
  • Playing on saturated fields
  • Damage to fencing or park facilities
  • Excessive litter
• Misuse of Park District property may result in:
  • Immediate revocation of field rental agreement
  • Assessment of repair costs

Please help preserve our facilities for everyone.

Lightning & Severe Weather Policy

If any of the following occur:

• Lightning is visible
• Thunder is heard
• The Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System activates with a 15-second horn blast

All games and practices must stop immediately, and participants must leave the field.

Seek shelter in:

• A permanent building (The Village House, Joseph Sears School or the Police Department)
• A fully enclosed vehicle
• A covered shelter (Townley Playground)

Resuming Play

Locations with Thor Guard

• Wait for the all-clear signal (three short horn blasts) before returning to the field.
• If no all-clear signal is given within 30 minutes, activities must be canceled.

Locations without Thor Guard

• Play may resume only after:
• 30 minutes have passed since the last lightning strike was observed or thunder was heard.
• If severe weather continues for 30 minutes or longer, the event must be canceled.

Thor Guard Monitoring

At locations equipped with Thor Guard, coaches should monitor the yellow strobe light located on the system antenna.

If the light is flashing:

• Lightning conditions exist.
• Fields must remain closed.
• Everyone must seek safe shelter immediately.

Conditions That May Close Fields

Fields may be closed when any of the following conditions exist:

• Standing water on playing surfaces
• Saturated or unstable soil
• Turf releases water when walked on
• Walking creates deep footprints or ruts
• One inch or more of rainfall within 48 hours combined with ongoing rain
• Extreme drought conditions where approximately 50% of a field has turned brown
• Lightning or audible thunder
• Insufficient visibility due to darkness or weather

Coaches, officials, and permit holders are responsible for ensuring safe playing conditions at all times.

Checking Field Conditions

Before traveling to the field following rain or severe weather, users should verify field availability by:

• Visiting the Kenilworth Park District website
• Calling (847) 251-1691

Field conditions and closures are updated as needed to help ensure participant safety and protect athletic facilities.