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Parks and Recreation

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1. Where can I get a Parks and Recreation Program Brochure?

You can find the program brochure online, or you can pick up a copy at the following locations, during business hours.

60124 zipcode:

Gail Borden Library – Rakow Branch, 2751 West Bowes Road

Bowes Creek Country Club, 1250 Bowes Creek Boulevard

60123 zip code: 

Elgin Township Office, 729 S. McLean Boulevard

Wing Park Golf Clubhouse (during golf season), 1000 Wing Street

The Highlands Golf Course Pro Shop, 875 Sports Way 

Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive

60120 zip code: 

Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue

Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Boulevard

City Hall, 150 Dexter Court

The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way 

Eastside Recreation Center, 1080 E. Chicago Street

Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way

2. How do I register for programs?

The easiest way to register is through our online registration site. To register online, click on the Register Online button on our Parks and Recreation Main page. Here you can log in or create a new account. If you already have an account in our system but don't remember your password, click on Recover Password or Claim Existing Account. Walk in: to The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin IL 60120, Mon - Fri 9am - 6 pm, or Sat 9 am - 1 pm. Fax to: 847-531-7020, Mon - Fri, 8 am - 2 pm (Must have credit card information on form) Mail to: The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL 60120

Register Online

3. If I have an Elgin address, why am I charged non-resident rates?

To receive resident rates, you must reside within the corporate boundaries of the City of Elgin, which means you pay taxes to the City of Elgin. Those who have an Elgin address but are outside of the city limits pay taxes to Elgin Township. Two determining factors of residency are: 1. Do you pay a city water bill? If yes, you live in the City of Elgin and are considered a resident. 2. Do you have a fire lane number in your address? If yes, you live in Elgin Township, and are considered a non-resident. Owning a business, or rental property, in which you do not reside, does not qualify for resident rates.

4. What are the hours of operation for the outdoor pools?

The City of Elgin operates two outdoor aquatic centers which are typically open from the first Saturday after Memorial Day through the middle of August.

Hours of Operation:

Wing Park - 1030 Wing St; 847-289-2542

Monday - Thursday - 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Friday - Saturday - 12:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Sunday - 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Lords Park - 325 Hiawatha Dr; 847-931-6196

Monday - Thursday - 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Friday - 1:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Saturday - 12:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Sunday - 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Pool closing policy:

The Pools will be closed when one of the following conditions exist:
1. Thunder or lightning is present.
2. Air temperature falls below 68 degrees.
3. Low attendance numbers.
4. As deemed necessary by the aquatic management staff.

5. Can I rent the pool for a private party?

Yes, both the Lords and Wing Park Family Aquatic Centers are available for rental on a first come, first served basis. Private rentals are perfect for any occasion including birthday parties, group outings, and end of the school year parties. Available times vary depending on the day of your rental. If desired, the concession stand can be open for business for a fee. Concession fees includes attendant and 3 pitchers of pop; additional food can be purchased throughout the two hour rental. Reservations and payments must be made at The Centre of Elgin at 100 Symphony Way during normal business hours. Reservations will need to be secured at least 72 hours in advance. For more information on availability and hours, contact The Centre of Elgin at 847-531-7000.

1 - 50 people - $300 resident; $390 non-resident
Concessions - $33 resident, $40 non-resident
Not for Profit - $250
(Rates reflect a 2 hour reservation time)

6. Where can I find information on parks in Elgin?

The City of Elgin is proud to have 74 different parks, ranging in size from over 200 acres to less than a quarter acre. These parks include many amenities such as, athletic fields, picnic shelters, playgrounds, aquatic parks, skating parks, a band shell, basketball and tennis courts, a BMX track, a zoo, fishing areas, and natural areas. The city's park system also boasts a number of specialty parks including three quality golf courses, a sports complex, a nature center, an island in the Fox River, and nature preserves.

The major parks in Elgin are:
Lords Park, 325 Hiawatha Drive; Lords Park Pavilion, 100 Oakwood Blvd.
Trout Park, 580 Trout Park Blvd.
Wing Park, 1020 Wing Street

For more information on these or any other Elgin parks please visit the City of Elgin parks website or call 847-931-6123. Elgin Parks website

7. How do I rent a picnic shelter?

The Parks and Recreation Department has several picnic shelters available for rent. Two shelters are located at Wing Park, and Lords Park. There is one shelter at Trout Park and one at Grolich Park. To check for available shelters call 847-531-7000.  To reserve a shelter stop in at The Centre of Elgin's Main Courtesy Desk.

8. When are the parks open?

The closing time for all parks is sunset. The opening time for all parks is sunrise. With the exception of on duty city employees, no person shall be present in any park after sunset and prior to the following sunrise, unless participating in an activity authorized or scheduled by the city of Elgin, or for which written permission has been granted by the director of parks and recreation. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to lighted tennis courts, lighted baseball fields or lighted golf course facilities in a park or to individuals traveling to or from such lighted facilities. The closing times for such lighted tennis courts, lighted baseball fields or lighted golf course facilities shall be as determined by the director of parks and recreation and shall be posted at such lighted facilities. With the exception of on duty city employees, no person shall be present at any such lighted facility after the posted closing time.

9. When is Hawthorne Hill Nature Center open?

Thanks to committed volunteers, Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive, is open for drop-in visits every Friday and Saturday, 10 am - 4pm. Of course, you are free to walk the trails any time between dawn and dusk.

10. How do I get information about the Lords Park Pavilion and rental availability?

Call the Parks & Recreation office at 847-931-6123. Lords Park Pavilion webpage

11. How do I reserve the bridge area at Lords Park for pictures, etc.

Call the Parks & Recreation office at 847-931-6123.

12. How do I get information about renting the gazebo on Walton Island?

Call The Centre banquet offices at 847-531-7047.

13. How do I get information about reserving the bandshell at Wing Park?

Call the main courtesy desk at the Centre at 847-531-7000.

14. How do I sign my child up for Little League?

There are two Little League divisions that service the Elgin Area.

1. Elgin National Little League serves the residents and those attending schools North of Rt. 20; south of I-90; East of the Fox River, and West of Rt. 59. Register at Elgin National Little League website.

2. Elgin Classic Little League serves the residents and those attending schools on the west side of Elgin, Gilberts south of I-90 and parts of school Districts 300 and 301. Register at Elgin Classic Little League website.

15. Which number do I call for information regarding softball rainouts for the teams that play at the Elgin Sports Complex thru the Parks & Recreation department?

Call the softball hotline at 847-931-6145.

16. Who do I talk to regarding a tree that is on City property?

Dial 311 (847-931-6001) between the hours of 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday for general information and non-emergency city services like graffiti or a downed tree branch. Or send a request via email 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to elgin311@cityofelgin.org

17. Who do I contact regarding getting a sound permit?

The City does not give sound permits. The guidelines are that sound amplifying equipment shall only occur Sundays through Thursdays between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00am to 11:00 pm. Sound cannot be amplified more than 75 feet from the sound amplification device. For complete guidelines, call the Parks & Recreation office at 847-931-6123.