Picnic In Elmhurst

The spacious parks of the Elmhurst Park District offer individuals and groups ideal sites for picnicking.  Picnickers will enjoy the natural beauty of the parks as well as the conveniences and facilities provided in various picnic areas by the Park District. For additional information and picnic maps you may view/download our picnic brochure in Adobe PDF format here.

Individual Sites

Many parks in the Elmhurst Park District have areas designated for small group picnics. These individual picnic areas can accommodate a family or group of up to eight people. Usually, these picnic areas feature one permanent picnic table on a concrete pad and a nearby grill. Reservations are not taken for these picnic areas - they are available on a first-come, first served basis.

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Large Group Picnics

Large group picnic areas are available at Berens Park, Butterfield Park, Berens Park, East End Park, Salt Creek Park and Wilder Park. Large groups can be guaranteed exclusive use of designated picnic areas by obtaining a group picnic permit from The Wagner Community Center, 615 West Ave. (630) 993-8901.

It may not be possible to place every group in the area of their choice because of scheduling conflicts between picnickers, park users and neighboring residents. The District staff will work with your group to find a suitable area.

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Special Use Permits

Special use permits are required for picnic groups with over 100 attendees, large-scale events (i.e. craft fair, parade, run/walk, concerts, overnight camping, events with tents/structures, etc.). Applications must be approved by the executive director. A non-refundable usage fee will be charged per priority use as well as a refundable security deposit. You may pick up an application at the Wilder Park Administrative Office, or at the Wagner Community Center, but the application must be returned to the Wilder Park Administrative Office, 225 Prospect Ave. Call (630) 993-8900 for detailed information. You can also download our Special Use Permit in Adobe PDF format here.

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Reservations And Fees

Permit fees are charged for reserved picnics on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Non-resident groups are charged the regular fee throughout the week and non-resident school groups will be charged $10 for each picnic site. There is no charge for resident picnics (under 100 attendees) held during the week but it is advisable to get a permit to guarantee a location.

To receive the resident rate for the permit, the person applying for the permit must be an EPD resident and must be present at the picnic site. (A Park District resident is one who pays Park District taxes. This does not include those families residing in Yorkfield, Bensenville, Pick Subdivision, Oak Brook, Addison, or unincorporated Elmhurst who pay School District #205 taxes. If you are unsure, please check your tax bill). Non-resident groups are charged a slightly higher fee. A separate fee will be charged for the picnic shelter at Butterfield and Salt Creek Parks. Refunds will not be issued for cancellation, inclement weather, etc.

If your group is using a temporary structure (i.e. tents larger then 10’ x 10’ with tent stakes, stages, bleachers, etc.), providing special activities and/or entertainment (i.e. pony rides, dunk tanks, etc.), or having caterers serve in the park, a certificate of insurance naming the Park District as additional insured must be on file before a permit is issued.

For a downloadable and printable Picnic Guide including maps and general information, click on this link: Picnic Guide 2008

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Park Ambassador

The park ambassador will be on duty from April through October to assist residents within the parks, monitor park policies and oversee activity at the picnic areas. You may spot a park ambassador in uniform with their bright red Park District shirts. For information about the program or to speak to a park ambassador regarding park issues, call (630) 675-4491 or e-mail parkambassador@epd.org

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For More Information

To receive a picnic permit, stop by:

Wagner Community Center, 615 West Ave. (630) 993-8901.
Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed on Sunday and National Holidays.

For a downloadable and printable Picnic Guide including maps and general information, click on this link: Picnic Guide 2008

Picnic Area Capacity

The Park District has established a picnic area carrying capacity for each group picnic area. This carrying capacity (see chart) is the approximate maximum number of picnickers which an area is able to accommodate and the appropriate number of tables, grills, and barrels that are placed in each picnic area. Each large group picnic site is located within walking distance to water and restrooms.

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Picnic Area Regulations

All rules and regulations must be observed and the directions of the Park District ambassador or his/her representative must be followed. Permit holders are responsible for planning and supervising the event in accordance with District ordinances. Failure to do so may result in withholding future permits, arrest or fines. For rules and regulations for the Parks in general, click here: Park Rules and Regulations

1. Group picnicking is allowed only in designated group picnic areas.A special use permit is required for picnics with over 100 attendees.

2. Picnic tables are color-coded for customer convenience and belong in the designated area of the same color. Do not remove tables from designated areas.

3. Permit holders have priority over groups without a permit. If a group is using a permitted designated area, the permit holder should show the party the permit and politely ask that they vacate the area. If a problem occurs, contact the Park Ambassadorx at (630) 675-4491 or the Elmhurst Police at 911.

4.Parking and driving are permitted only on designated Roadways and Parking Lots. DO NOT DRIVE ONTO PARK GROUNDS.

5. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all District parks and facilities.

6. Charcoal fires are permitted only in the grills provided in each group picnic area or in portable gas grills provided by the user. Wood fires, campfires and fire pits are prohibited on District Property and portable grills cannot be placed on picnic tables. Extinguish fires before leaving and dispose of coals in the charcoal rings provided.

7. Litter should be collected and placed in litter barrels before leaving. The permit holder is responsible for leaving the picnic area in a clean and orderly condition. You may not be the last picnic of the day. Please be considerate of the next group.

8. Electronically amplified sound is prohibited in District parks.

9. A temporary structure (tents larger than 10' by 10' with tent stakes, stage, bleachers, etc.), providing special activities (moonwalks,dunk tanks, animal rides, etc.), or having caterers prepare and serve food in the park is prohibited unless a Special Use Permit is obtained from the District.

10. The use of all tobacco products is prohibited inside District buildings, within 20 feet of playgrounds, and within 20 feet of participants in or spectators of organized District or affiliate group programs and events.

11.Photos and videos are periodically taken of people participating in Park District programs and activities. All persons registering for Park District programs/activities, or using Park District property thereby agrees that any photograph or videotape taken by the Park District may be used by the Park District for promotional purposes including its promotional videotapes, brochures, flyers and other publications without additional, prior notice or permission and without compensation to the participant.

12. Parks close at dusk.

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