Lightning Prediction System

The ThorGuard Lightning Prediction System is installed in five zones, at 19 sites throughout the Park District. Each zone has a base unit with sensors that set off warning sirens at the base unit and its’ satellite stations in surrounding parks. The lightning prediction sensor at each of the five zones operates independently of the other. Therefore, it is possible that conditions and alert signals can vary from one end of the community to the other (zone to zone). The Doerhoefer Park zone includes Whitlock Park. The Lincoln Center zone includes Constitution, Ebersold, Gilbert, Hummer, Memorial, Patriots, Randall and Washington Parks. The McCollum zone includes Concord Square, Mar-Duke Farm, O’Brien, Powers and 63^rd & Brookbank Parks. The Golf Course zone includes Walnut Park and Lyman Woods operates on its own zone. Fishel Park has a seperate WeatherBug lightning detection system.

The system is active from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm beginning in March; except at Lyman Woods, Lincoln Center, Hummer, Gilbert, Memorial, McCollum and Doerhoefer parks where the system will remain active until approximately 11:00 pm in conjunction with lighted activities and athletic fields.

When the ThorGuard system predicts lightning in the area, an eight-second warning horn will sound and a warning strobe-light will activate at the base and each satellite park in the zone. Anyone who hears the horn or sees the strobe-light should seek shelter immediately. All activities at the park should stop. The strobe-light will continue to flash until the all clear signal is received. After the danger is reduced, an "all clear" signal of two (three at the golf course) short horn blasts will sound and the strobe light will turn off. The Park District urges you to use common sense when recreating outdoors in inclement weather.

Photos and video footage are periodically taken of people participating in Downers Grove Park District programs, events and activities, attending a class or event, or using District facilities or property. Please be aware that by registering for a program or class, participating in an activity, attending an event, or using District facilities or property, you authorize the District to use these photos and video footage for promotional purposes in District publications, advertising, marketing materials, brochures, event flyers, social media (including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media sites operated by the District), and the District’s website without additional prior notice or permission and without any compensation to you. All photos and videos are property of the District.

Reserve a park site by completing and submitting a Park Permit Request form available at the Recreation Center, 4500 Belmont Road, Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Avenue, or download the permit form here. Outdoor facility permits are required for groups of 20 or more one week in advance of the permit date. Any permit request of 100 or more attendees requires a special event permit. Groups with an approved permit shall have priority use of the park site. Resident groups may submit requests for park pavilions beginning the first business day in Feb. Non-resident groups may submit requests for park pavilions beginning the first business day in March. There is a fee for picnic site and park facility usage. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in any park district facility. Restrooms are available from mid-April through late October.

For field rentals, please call the Recreation Center at 630.960.7250.

While we encourage you to enjoy our park wildlife, we also ask that you let them find their own food sources. Because food supplied by people is easy for birds to obtain, ducks and geese lose their natural migratory instincts. This eventually leads to overpopulation and makes these creatures more susceptible to disease and predators.

Prevent Senseless Damage

In an effort to reduce and eliminate senseless damage caused by vandalism, Downers Grove Park District encourages you to report any information you have about individuals causing damage to District property. CALL 630-929-3136

$ Reward $

If the information you provide leads to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator or conspirator, you may be eligible for a reward of $5,000 for vandalism in excess of $2,500.

Confidential Communication

All communications between the Vandalism Tipster and Downers Grove Park District are strictly confidential. CALL 630.960-7255.

Canoes, kayaks, rowboats and other non-motorized watercraft are allowed on Barth Pond at Patriots Park, 55th Street and Grand Avenue. Please follow all posted boating rules.

Learn more

Our program guides are published three times a year.

• Winter/Spring Guide: Delivered mid-November
• Summer/Summer Camp Guide: Delivered mid-February
• Fall Guide: Delivered mid-June

Open Gym schedules for basketball, vollyeball, pickleball and batting cages are posted on our website each month. 

View the calendar

4500 Fitness has a variety of membership options for residents, non-residents and businesses.

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