General Information

Built in 1974, the Central Park Building is the home of the Oak Forest Park District.  The building hosts many activities and events every year for Oak Forest residents and non-residents.  The facilities in the building include two multi-purpose rooms, four pre-school rooms, a gymnasium, a dance room and a health and fitness center.

ACTIVITY GUIDE
Activity Guides are made twice a year. The Spring/Summer Activity Guide covers programs starting in March and goes through August. The Fall/Winter Activity Guide covers activities in the months of September through February.  The season’s Activity Guide is available on our website about one week prior to the season’s start. In an effort to go green, our activity guide will be online with limited copies available for pick up at our Main Desk. Make sure you check our website regularly for new activities and events coming up!
REGISTRATION
Patrons can register online (click on link on the homepage), via fax (if paying by credit card with proof with residency), mail, drop box (during building hours) or walk in during office hours.  The Oak Forest Park District accepts cash, checks, Visa or MasterCard.  However, to ensure your spot in an activity, walk-in registration is always encouraged! Please see below for Registration Policies.
RESIDENCY
Residency is based upon your tax bill.  Check your latest tax statement, and if your park district taxes come to the Oak Forest Park District, you are considered a resident and should receive the resident rate.

REGISTRATION POLICY

    • Registration can be completed in person at our administrative offices located at  15601 S. Central, M-F 9:00am-5:00pm, or online. All new households must come in to set up a household account for online registration.
    • Proof of residency must be provided with registration. Any questions of boundaries will be decided by the park district and this decision will be final.
    • Resident rates will apply to those whose taxes are paid to the Oak Forest Park District. Additional fees may apply to those whose taxes are paid to another park district.
    • Activity registration is on a first come first serve basis.
    • Incomplete registration forms may delay registration.
    • Phone numbers and emails are required when registering. We will use the provided number/email to contact you about activity changes and in case of emergencies.
    • Fees will not be prorated on late registration.
    • Registrants will not be contacted to confirm registration. Please make note of the programs for which you register.
    • The building is open for dropbox registration M-F 7:00am-8:00pm and Sat. 8:00am-1:00pm. The park district is not responsible for cash put in the dropbox.
    • Main in registration will be accepted by check payable to Oak Forest Park District. The park district is not responsible for lost or late mail.
    • Payment plans may be available for select activities. This must be approved by activity supervisor. A credit card must be on file for pay plans.
    • Activity information is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
PARK DISTRICT CANCELLATION POLICY
  • All activities have a min/max enrollment. If the minimum enrollment has not been reached, the Recreation Department reserves the right to cancel, postpone or consolidate the activity with another. You will be notified if an alternative choice is available. If an activity is cancelled, a full refund will be issued without penalty.

NON-SUFFICIENT FUNDS POLICY

All returned checks due to non-sufficient funds (NSF), or declined credit/debit cards, a $35.00 fee will be assessed. In order to continue enrollment in park activities, the returned check/declined card payment must be paid for in cash within 10 days.

PHOTO USE

Oak Forest Park District reserves the right to photograph or videotape participants in its activities and/or at its facilities. These photos/videos are for the Oak Forest Park District use and may be used in Oak Forest Park District publications, flyers, brochures, videos, advertisements, newspapers and on Oak Forest Park District social media outlets.

PROGRAM REFUND POLICY

  • A full refund will be issued without penalty for any activity, special event or trip canceled by Oak Forest Park District. If the refund amount is less than $10.00, the amount will be applied as a household credit. No refunds will be issued for special events, one-day activity, trips or a class with a fee of $10.00 or less if the participant chooses to cancel.
  • An $10.00 administrative charge will be assessed to all activities ($200.00 for Fun Time Preschool)
  • Refunds are issued as follows:
    • 100% before the start of 1st class
    • 75% before the start of 2nd class
    • 50% before the start of 3rd class
    • No refunds after 3 classes attended or unattended. The only exception is a medical reason, requiring a doctor’s note or relocation out of the area.
    • *These refunds may not apply to contractual activities*
  • Contractual activity refunds: Contractual activities are offered by a variety of different companies and refunds vary from contractor to contractor. Please contact the park district recreation supervisor directly regarding refunds for these classes.
  • Activities which include tickets for entertainment/sporting events, adult sports leagues, and trips require that vacancy to be filled by another participant in order for a refund to be given.
  • All refunds must be applied for in person at the Central Park Building, 15601 S. Central Ave.
  • Please allow up to 8 weeks for processing.
  • All refunds are subject to supervisor approval.

SPORT REFUND POLICY

  • Refunds turned into the Central Park Building prior to one (1) month of the activity start date will be issued in their entirety and in accordance to the refund policy.
  • Refunds made between one (1) month prior to the official start date and up to seven (7) days after the official start date of the sport will receive a 50% refund on the registration fees. If a uniform fee is paid separately, and the uniform was ordered, you will be given the uniform. If the uniform has NOT been ordered, the full fee for the uniform will be returned.
  • Filling out this form does not guarantee a refund as ALL refunds are subject to Supervisor approval
  • No refunds will be approved when turned in seven (7) days after the official start date of the program (see above dates).
  • If money is paid for a fundraiser, it is non-refundable.
  • The volunteer fee will be refunded at any point.
  • A signed refund request form must be completed, in person, at the Central Park Building before a refund can be considered, except for classes cancelled by the Park District.
  • If there is a balance due on your household at the time the refund is processed, the refund will first be applied to the balance due on the household account. Any remaining credit will then be refunded according to policy.
  • An $8.00 processing fee will be applied to the refund.
  • Refunds with a medical condition must have a doctor’s note turned in with refund request form prior to the end of the program, and refund will be prorated calculated on weeks.
  • Please allow 6-8 weeks for a refund check to be processed and sent by mail.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Participants are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior at all times.  The following guidelines have been developed to help make Park District activities safe and enjoyable for all participants.  Additional rules may be developed for particular activities and athletic leagues as deemed necessary by staff. Participants shall:

  1. Show respect to all participants and staff, as well as take direction from staff.
  2. Refrain from using abusive or foul language.
  3. Refrain from causing bodily harm to self, or to other participants or staff.
  4. Show respect to equipment, supplies, and facilities. No vandalism to anything will be tolerated.
  5. Do not bring food, gum, or beverage into gymnasium.
  6. No hindering employees.
  7. No resisting or interfering with an officer.

DISCIPLINE

A positive approach will be used regarding discipline.  Staff will periodically review rules with participants during the session.  If inappropriate behavior occurs, prompt resolution will be sought, specific to each individual situation.  The Park District reserves the right to dismiss a participant whose behavior endangers the safety of himself or others.

OAK FOREST POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Oak Forest Police Department does a great job of keeping an eye on your parks. We can use your help as well. If you see vandalism occurring or any other criminal activity, please help us by reporting what you see. The non-emergency number to the Oak Forest Police Department is 708-687-1376, or in case of emergency, dial 911.

THREATS OF VIOLENCE

The Oak Forest Park District is committed to the safety and well-being of our staff and patrons. All acts or threats of violence by activity participants will be taken seriously and the Oak Forest Park District will promptly respond to any incident or suggestion of violence. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or denial of participation, at the discretion of the Oak Forest Park District.

ARSON TIPSTER AWARD-STOP SENSELESS DAMAGE

In an effort to reduce and eliminate senseless damage caused by arson, the Oak Forest Park District encourages you to report any information you have about individuals causing fire damage to park district property.

REWARD: If the information you provide leads to the arrest of the arson perpetrator or conspirator, you may be eligible for a reward up to $500.00

Confidential Communication: All communications between the Arson Tipster and the Oak Forest Park District are strictly confidential. The Oak Forest Park District will not release or disclose any information furnished by the Arson Tipster with out the Tipster’s consent and approval. To provide a tip or get more information, contact the Oak Forest Police Department at 708-687-1376.