Frequently Asked Questions | Oakbrook Terrace Park District

Do I need a fishing license?

All persons 16 years and older must have in their possession a current Illinois fishing license with the following exceptions:

Parents monitoring children but not fishing themselves
Persons possessing valid Illinois or Veterans disability cards

Illinois fishing licenses may be purchased at many sporting goods stores, or directly from the Department of Natural Resources.

How can I volunteer?

Volunteers are needed for many Park District events. For more information on recreation event volunteer opportunities contact Recreation Supervisor, Mary Swade, at RecreationSupervisor@obtpd.org. A background check is required of all volunteers.

I found an injured animal. Can I bring it to the Lake View Nature Center?

The Lake View Nature Center does not have permits to accept injured animals. We suggest you contact the Willowbrook Wildlife Center at 630-942-6200 if you have found a wild animal in need of care.

Where can I park if the Nature Center lot is full?

When the parking lot is full, please park in the neighborhood. Street parking is not allowed on Hodges Road, but additional parking is available around the corner on Monterey Ave. Be sure to keep your tires on the pavement as the police will ticket if they are touching the grass. Please respect our business neighbors. We do not have permission to park in their lots. For weekend events, parking is available in the lower level of the 1 Parkview Plaza building near the Oakbrook Terrace Park District Fitness Center. The entrance is on 22nd street (same light as REI). Turn right and make a hairpin curve to go down the ramp. Access to Terrace View Park and the Nature Center is through the Fitness Center or a door near the baseball field.

Heritage Center
When the parking lot is full, please park in the neighborhood. Pay attention to permit only spaces.

What is the program refund policy?

If a class minimum is not met, the class will be cancelled and registration fees will be returned.
No refunds will be given after the registration deadline has passed unless physician’s documentation is presented.
No refunds will be made after a ticket for a trip, stage show or special event has been purchased.
Refunds given prior to the start of a program will be charged a $5 service fee. Please allow two weeks to process refunds.

How many parks and facilities are within the Oakbrook Terrace Park District?

We have three parks; Heritage Park, Terrace View Park and Dorothy Drennon Park. We also have three facilities; Heritage Center, Fitness Center and Lake View Nature Center. In addition to these parks and facilites, we also have the William Cizek Bike Path.

How old does my child have to be to enter the 3's and 4's Little Learners Preschool?

September 1st is the cut off date. For the 3's and 4's Little Learners Preschool, the child must be 3 by September 1st. If your child misses the cut-off date, we suggest enrolling in the 2's and 3's Just for Me Preschool.

Is the Heritage Center available to rent during non-business hours?

Yes, we are happy to try to accommodate your rental. Once a facility rental application is submitted, we will work on getting staff for your rental. In the event that we are unable coordinate staff, you will be notified immediately and your rental can be rescheduled or cancelled.

Does Park District staff operate the sound and light booth for theater rentals?

No, we do not provide staff to operate the sound and light booth. Directions on how to use the equipment are available in the booth.

Can food be brought in for my rental?

All third party vendors including but not limited to catering companies, tent rental companies, table and chair rental companies, inflatable companies, DJ's, bands, etc. must be pre-arranged with Park District staff. A Certificate of Insurance listing the Oakbrook Terrace Park District as an additional insured must also be provided from each individual vendor.

Can I come early to set up for my rental?

We do allow 15 minutes before and after your rental time for set up and clean up. If a renter needs more time to set up and clean up, that time must be factored in to the rental time.