Fox Valley Park District provides outdoor venues ideal for a variety of special events. The Waubonsie Lake Trail and Gilman Trail serve as scenic routes for hosting 5K runs, walk-a-thons, bike races, and more. Groups are welcome to reserve any of our parks for gatherings of all sizes. Special event inquiries may be completed online using the Special Event Interest Form below or at the Cole Center Administration Office, (101 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A formal application will be required, provided the initial inquiry is approved.

Virgil Gilman Trail

Run/walk events are permitted on the non-certified portion of the Fox Valley Park District Virgil Gilman Trail system on a first-come, first-served basis for use from 4:30 to 10:30 a.m. April to November with post-race festivities concluding no later than 11:30 a.m. The site includes use of the parking facilities at Blackberry Farm for event staging along with use of the non-certified course as outlined in the Gilman course map. The District limits the number of events scheduled at this location to no more than two per month in consideration of the general population using this site for recreational purposes.

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Waubonsie Lake Trail

Run/walk events are permitted on a first-come, first-served basis for use from 4:30 to 10:30 a.m. April to November. The site includes use of the parking and restroom facilities located at Charles E. Horscheit Park or Waubonsie Lake Park along with use of the certified course outlined in the Waubonsie Lake Trail map (certification code = IL-08075 JW). All activities on or near the Waubonsie Lake Trail must be concluded by 11 a.m. The District limits the number of these events scheduled at this location to no more than two per month in consideration of the general population using this site for recreational purposes.

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  • Reservation Permit Information
  • Schedule of Fees
  • Special Event Interest Form
    • Reservation Permit Information

    Permits are issued from April to November, seasonally. Inquiries may be submitted year-round, up to one year in advance:

    • Using the Special Event Interest Form on this website
    • Cole Center Administration Office, 101 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    Proof of insurance including the Fox Valley Park District as additionally insured is required for the event.

    All Fox Valley Park District rules and regulations must be adhered to during the event. Any special requests with regard to signage, advertisements, vendors, sponsors, etc., should be directed to the Cole Center Administration Office. Please note that additional services may be required for an event at the discretion of Fox Valley Park District Management.

    Schedule of Fees
    Waubonsie Lake Trail Run/Walk Basic Fees*
    Group Type Resident Non-Resident Refundable Deposit**
    Individual/Organization $170 $350 $500
    Public Agency/School/Non-Profit Agency $140 $275 $500
    Gilman and Fox River Trail Run/Walk Basic Fees
      Resident Non-Resident Refundable Deposit**
    Individual/Organization $120 $300 $500
    Public Agency/School/Non-Profit Agency $90 $225 $500

    Portable restroom units placed on FVPD property by an authorized vendor. Call Cole Center for current vendor information (630) 897-0516

    *Includes Pre-and post-race event area at Waubonsie Lake Park Shelter

    **The deposit refund may be withheld in the event of:

      • Reservations rescheduled/canceled with less than a 14-day notice
      • Any non-adherence to the terms in the reservation contract
      • Any behavior that results in an ordinance violation
    Special Event Interest Form

    Fox Valley Park District – Special Event Interest Form

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