The following policies and procedures apply to all Chicago Park District programs.
Non-Chicago Resident Fees
Anyone can register for a park program; however, fees are doubled for non-Chicago residents.
Family Discount
When patrons register for two or more family members in programs with the teen, youth, or early childhood age group labels on the same receipt, the most expensive program is full price and the additional programs are discounted by 10%. Discount is available for online and in-person orders, but cannot be combined with other discount programs (Financial Assistance, military, senior, or CHA). All family members should be included in the same family account in the registration system to qualify.
Military Discount
Active-duty military personnel qualify for a full discount of all Chicago Park District programs and memberships, and dependents/immediate family members qualify for a 10% discount. Proof of active-duty status is required when registering. Acceptable proof includes the CAC card (Common Access Card) for active-duty and reserves, and the DD Form 1173 for dependents. Since proof of status is required, this discount is only available for in-person registration (it is not available for online orders), and it cannot be combined with other discount programs (family, senior, CHA). All family members should be entered into one account on the registration system.
Senior Discount
For seniors (age 60 and over) classes are free or half price. Programs that are for seniors only are free. Adult programs (for age 18+) are half price. This discount will be applied automatically when registering online. The discount will also be applied when registering in-person at the parks.
Exact Change
Exact change is required when registering for a program, membership or event in-person at the parks.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
A 15% service charge will be deducted from all cancellations. This includes duplicate and accidental registrations. All refund requests must be made in-person at the park where the program is being held, at least two weeks before the program’s scheduled start date. No refund requests will be accepted after the two-week point. Please allow up to six weeks for your refund to be processed.
Note for Summer 2020: No refunds will be issued for cancellations, rather accounts will be credited with the 15% service charge deducted.
Financial Assistance Program
The Chicago Park District has limited funds available to provide financial assistance for families who wish to enroll in the summer day camp program. Learn more.
Facilities Users Code of Conduct
All participants are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior at all times while participating, spectating, or attending any program or activity sponsored by the Chicago Park District. This code of conduct has been developed to make park district programs safe and enjoyable for all participants. Review the Facilities Users Code of Conduct.
Health & Wellness Policy
The purpose of this policy is to encourage the pursuit and education of health and wellness development for every Chicago Park District park user throughout the city of Chicago.
Soccer Goal Safety Policy
This policy addresses the safety issues associated with movable soccer goals. Review the Soccer Goal Safety Policy.
Medical Related Policies
The Park District is committed to recreational opportunities for all children in the City of Chicago. In the interest of participation and enjoyment for Chicago youth, the Chicago Park District provides the following medical related policies:
For additional information about accessibility needs, visit: the Disability Policy Office page
Keeping Children Safe
At the Chicago Park District, we take the safety of every child very seriously. That is why we are the first Park District in the country to train all of our staff in “Keeping Children Safe”. We have partnered with the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center to help staff prevent, recognize and respond to sexual abuse. The Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center has also published a workbook for parents and caregivers. We encourage all parents and caregivers to read through this workbook as we all work together in “Keeping Children Safe”.