Frequently Asked Questions

General

Splash Pad Information:
Tolentine Park features a Splash Pad that is fun for all ages. Tolentine Splash pad is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 12pm-5pm 7 days a week, weather permitting.
Resident Daily Fee

$2 per admission

Non-Resident Daily Fee

$5 per admission

Daily entry fee can be paid at the Splash Pad by cash only.

Private Splash Pad Party Rentals Available
School, Day Camp, Daycare rentals are available at a discounted rate:

$150 per 1½ hour
$100 security deposit

10:00am-11:30 rental times only. If you wish to enter the Splash Pad outside of that time, each individual must pay the daily admission fee.

Does Olympia Fields Park District have a Disc Golf Course?
Yes, Olympia Fields Park District has a 20-hole course at Sgt. Means Park.

Does the Park District have a recreation center and club membership?
No

Does the Park District have a swimming pool?
No

Is the Park District affiliated with any other park districts in the area for special rates for their programs and recreational services?
Not at this time.

When is the Park District open?
All parks are open from dawn to dusk.
The Park District office is open:
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday 9:00am – 12:00pm (some services are not available, please call ahead M-F to see if we can accommodate you)
There are often classes, programs, events, and trips that run outside of these hours as well. However, the office in not available outside of standard office hours.

Does the Olympia Fields Park District have accommodations for a participant with disabilities?
Yes, OFPD complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and works with South Suburban Special Recreation Association to provide necessary accommodations.

Does Olympia Fields Park District have a community garden?
Yes, Tolentine Park features our community garden with 90 plots available for seasonal rental. The Community Garden is open April through October. Please contact our office to find out how you can reserve your plot.

What is Irons Oaks?
Irons Oaks is a 37-acre nature preserve featuring environmental and adventure education opportunities. Irons Oaks is a joint agency of the Olympia Fields and Homewood-Flossmoor Park Districts. For more information, please contact Iron Oaks directly at (708) 481-2330 or visit the website: www.ironsoaks.com

Does Olympia Fields Park District provide any senior transportation?
No, however Rich Township offers rides each way ($3.00) for seniors Monday – Friday 8:00am - 2:00pm within the boundaries of Rich Township (North-South 183rd Street to Steger Road and East-West Western Avenue to Harlem Avenue). Appointments need to be made more than two days prior to travel. Call (708) 748-6727 for additional information and other pricing.

When are your Board Meetings?
Board Meetings are held in the Recreation Room of the Bradford Barn at Sgt. Means Park on the third Tuesday of every month at 6:00pm. If that day happens to be a holiday, the board meeting is held on the next business day. For a complete schedule, visit the Park Board page of our website.

Who are the Park Board Commissioners?
Neil Pierce, President
Trinette Britt-Johnson, Commissioner
Lori Carlton-Jordan, Commissioner
Steven Hurley, Commissioner
Deborah Robinson, Commissioner
Eric Anderson, Attorney

Can anyone attend Board Meetings?
The Park Board Meetings are open to the public. The park district strongly suggests that you contact Jesus Vargas, Executive Director, if you wish to be on the agenda for a particular meeting. Director Vargas can be reached at (708) 481-1713 ext.226 or emailed at jesus@ofparks.org.

How do I submit a FOIA request?
You may call, email, fax, or mail your request to the Freedom of Information Act Officer:
Jesus Vargas, Executive Director, (708) 481-1713 ext.226 or email at jesus@ofparks.org

How do I acquire a copy of the Park District budget?
Our budget may be viewed on our website.
If you have further questions, please contact Jesus Vargas, Executive Director, to make a FOIA request to receive a copy of the Park District Budget.

Are there any volunteer opportunities at the Park District?
Please contact Jesus Vargas, Executive Director at (708) 481-1713 ext.226 or email at jesus@ofparks.org

I have a suggestion for a new class, and/or I would like to teach a class at the Park District.
Please contact Christina Denton, Facilities and Recreation Supervisor at our main office number (708) 481-7313 or email at christina@ofparks.org

I have a Park Maintenance question/suggestion/complaint.
Please contact Jesus Vargas, Executive Director at (708) 481-1713 ext.226 or email at jesus@ofparks.org

I am interested in sponsoring an event.
Please Contact Jesus Vargas, Executive Director at (708) 481-1713 ext.226 or email at jesus@ofparks.org

I am interested in purchasing advertisement space in the brochure.
Please contact Jesus Vargas, Executive Director at (708) 481-1713 ext.226 or email at jesus@ofparks.org

Program Registration

How can I register for a program?
Olympia Fields Park District is dedicated to making registration an easy, breezy experience for our patrons. For your convenience, we provide two ways to register for most programs:

Online at www.ofparks.org
In person at the Park District office

What forms of payment do you accept?
Olympia Fields Park District accepts cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, or money orders for registrations. Only Visa or Mastercard Credit Card payments online or over the phone.

Who is considered an Olympia Fields Resident?
An individual, family, or business that resides within the boundaries of the park district and pays taxes to Olympia Fields Park District is considered a resident and receives a discounted resident rate for most programs and rentals. A complete map is available for viewing in our seasonal brochures or at the office. Residents within the Graymoor subdivision do not pay park district taxes to Olympia Fields and do not receive the resident discount.

What forms of identification do I need to prove residency?
A government issued picture ID (driver’s license or state ID) and utility bill within the last 30days (either a gas, electric, or water) or a current property tax bill.

Can I register for programs if I’m not a resident?
Yes! All are welcome to participate. For most programs and memberships however, residents may receive a discounted price over non-residents.

Can I register for my nieces and nephews and/or grandchildren?
The park district requires that a legal guardian must sign the registration forms.

What if I need to withdraw from a program?
You may withdraw from a program before the second class, however there will be a $5 cancellation fee unless there is a medical reason.

Can I register the day of for a program?
Nearly all our programs require that you register at least 3 business days prior to a program start date. This will ensure that there are enough patrons enrolled in a program to have it run, and to ensure your space is saved. If the program requires more or less times, it will be specified in the brochure next to the program.

I want to register for a program that has already started, will the program be prorated?
No, unfortunately we do not prorate a program.

Online Registration

Can I register for classes online?
Most of the programs offered by Olympia Fields Park District are available online through our website here: Registration

How do I register online?
Online registration can be accessed through our website: www.ofparks.org. First, you will need to complete household information online. After that information is processed, typically within 1 business day, then you will receive your online ID and password via the submitted email address, enabling you to register online. For residents of Olympia Fields Park District to receive their discounted rates, proof of residency must be submitted in person at the office prior to your first online registration.

If I register online, will I know if I get into a program immediately?
Yes, the registrations are immediate, and you will receive confirmation of the registration once you complete the process. Your receipt will be emailed to your account on file, where you may open, save, or print the receipt. If a program is closed, showing no availability for registration, please call the office at (708) 481-7313 and we will gladly add you to a waitlist or see if we can expand the class for you.

Can I rent a facility or park online?
No. It takes a lot of information to make sure the rental of the facility or park will be just right for your event. In order to make sure your rental goes smoothly; we do require that facility and park rentals are completed in person at our office: The Bradford Barn – 201712 Western Avenue.

What if I have already taken a program and have forgotten my password?
From the Registration webpage, you can click on “What is my Username and Password?” or you can call our office and we will gladly email your information to the email address we have on file.

If I have trouble registering online, what should I do?
Please call the office during business hours and our staff will gladly assist you with the process. Please make sure to log out properly before calling the office, or else we will not be able to access your information in our system.

Facility Rentals

How do I rent a Park or Indoor Facility?

All rentals are processed at our office. If a reservation is made 30 days or more in advance, a deposit with a signed agreement is required to book the facility or park. The remaining balance is due no later than sixty (60) days before the event date. If a reservation is made less than 30 days prior to the event, the total amount must be paid in full at the time of the event. We do not accept checks as a form of payment if it is less than 30 days from the rental.

How can I cancel my rental reservation?

To cancel a rental reservation, please contact our office as soon as possible. In the case of a cancellation, the full security deposit is never fully refundable. If the rental is cancelled more than 60 days before the event, ½ of the deposit may be refunded. If the event is cancelled less than 60 days before the event, none of the deposit will be refunded.

What is the square footage of the Barn Room and seating capacity?

The Main Barn Meeting Room is 3,241 square feet and is capable of hosting 125 people seated at tables, or 150 people in lecture seating or standing only.

What is the square footage of the Silo Room and seating capacity?

The Silo Room has a diameter of 27’ equaling 527 square feet of floor space, capable of hosting up to 40 people seated, lecture style, or standing.

Can I reserve a space over the phone?

Unfortunately, no. We require that we receive the contract through email or in person and the deposit fee before we finalize a rental.

My rental was held this past weekend, when should I expect my refund check for the security deposit?

All refunds will be available within 30 days after the event. The refund is given back via check and will be held at the office until the renter signs out for it.

I would like to rent the facility for a teen party, do you have any restrictions?

Yes, we do have certain restrictions for teen parties (ages 13-19). If you rent the barn, we require security to be hired for the event to ensure the safety of the youth. There must be a ratio of 1 adult (chaperone) for every 10 teens. The number of teens at the event must not exceed 60. We also require a list of every teen at the party, including their name and emergency contact information, provided at least 2 business days before the event.

Can I have alcohol at my party?

Yes, we allow rentals both indoor and outdoor to have alcohol. The Renter must purchase an Alcohol Permit and Liability from the OFPD for $225. If you have a caterer who will be providing alcohol, they may already have their own.

Do indoor rentals include set-up time?

No, you must account for the set-up and clean-up in your rental time. Our staff sets up the tables and chairs prior to the rental start time, but any time the renter plans to be in the facility, they must rent for that time (i.e. to decorate, have the caterer or DJ set-up, etc.).

Parks

What are the hours of your parks?

All parks are open from dawn to dusk.

What parks have rentable fields and/or picnic areas?

Bicentennial Park has rentable fields and picnic area. Tolentine Park has a picnic shelter. Please call our main office for information regarding renting Sgt. Means Park.

Can I have a family picnic at a park picnic area?

We require all large gatherings (10+ people) to fill out a permit to receive permission from the Olympia Fields Park District. You may not host large events at Olympia Fields Parks without prior written approval. Please contact our office about renting a picnic shelter: 708-481-7313

Can I grill or barbecue at the parks?

The park district allows grilling and barbecuing for park rentals at Bicentennial Park. No grilling is allowed at any other park at any time.

Can I reserve an athletic field for our team practice?

The park district does reserve field space for organized team practices and games. When not reserved for games, the fields are available on a first come, first served basis. Please contact our office to reserve games on the fields: 708-481-7313

Are dogs allowed in the park?

Dogs are allowed in Olympia Fields Park District parks with the following restrictions:

All dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and under the owner’s control with the exception of District sponsored programs and events where it is specifically allowed by the District that dogs be unleashed. No leash shall be longer than 8 feet, and retractable leashes shall not be extended more than 8 feet. Unless otherwise specified, animals are not allowed at Park District programs, events, or in Park District buildings.
The Director, in his/her sole discretion, may designate District property or District events as no dog areas or events, respectively, in cases where no owner or person having control of any dog shall cause or permit such dog to be in such area or present at such events.
Dogs are not allowed within playground boarders, athletic fields/courts, spectator areas or areas as otherwise marked. Dogs shall not be tied or connected to any structure, tree or other object found on park property.
The dog owner or person having control of any dog shall remove and dispose of, off District property, and excreta deposited by their dog anywhere on Park property. Safety is our primary goal at Olympia Fields Park District.
District policy prohibits dogs in the park, unless they are a service dog in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service dogs are allowed anywhere in our parks.

Where can I find a Dog Park?

Homewood-Flossmoor has a Dog Park. You will need to register your dog with the Village of Homewood before you are allowed to use it.

Can I play music at the parks?

Olympia Fields does not allow amplified music to be played at our parks. DJs, Bands, and other Amplified speakers are prohibited. Bluetooth speakers and other device speakers are acceptable, but guests must be considerate of our parks’ neighbors and keep volume at a reasonable level.

The parking lot is full, can we park in the grass?

We do not allow guests to park in the grass at any of our parks at any time. There is overflow parking available in the streets adjacent to Bicentennial Park and Sgt. Means Park.

Can I have alcohol at the parks?

Alcohol is only allowed with a permit during rentals at Bicentennial Park and Sgt. Means Park. Alcohol is not permitted at Tolentine Park under any circumstances.

What should I do if I see a problem at one of the parks?

Please report emergencies and infractions of rules to the Olympia Fields Police Department at (708) 503-8100, or 911 in case of an emergency. Please report maintenance needs to Jesus Vargas, Executive Director at (708) 481-1713 ext.226 or email at jesus@ofparks.org

SGT. Means Park

Who is Sgt. Means Park named after?
This park was named in tribute to Olympia Fields Police Sgt. Chester Means, who died December 15, 1967, of injuries sustained while on duty.

What is the history of the buildings and Sgt. Means Park?
A detailed history about Sgt. Means Park, the Bradford Barn, Silo, and Cull House is available on the History page of our website: www.ofparks.org

What is the distance of the walking path at Sgt. Means Park?
The path at Sgt. Means Park is ½ mile long.

How many parking spaces are there at Sgt. Means Park?
There are 71 parking spaces at Sgt. Means Park, including 3 handicapped spaces.

Bicentennial Park

What is the distance of the walking path at Bicentennial Park?
There are two circles to the path at Bicentennial Park. The first circle is 1 mile, and the other is 0.9 miles.

How many parking spaces are at Bicentennial Park?
There are 58 parking spaces at Bicentennial Park, including three handicapped spaces.

Tolentine Park

Where did the name ‘Tolentine Park’ originate?
Tolentine Park takes its name from the neighboring property to the north, which was named after the Augustinian Friar, St. Nicholas of Tolentine (1245-1305).

Who designated the new Tolentine Park?
Brusseau Design Group in 2012.

What is the distance of the walking path at Tolentine Park?
Two laps around the walking path at Tolentine Park is almost ¾ of a mile (about 80ft short).

How many parking spaces are at Tolentine Park?
There are 65 parking spaces at Tolentine Park, including 4 handicapped spaces.

Can an individual rent the Splash Pad?
We do not allow private party rentals for the Splash Pad. Individuals may rent out the Tolentine Picnic Shelter, but they will still have to pay the daily admission fees for each guest.

Can a school or other summer camp programs rent the splash pad?
Yes, please call the office for rates and availability.

Can you rent Tolentine Park?
Tolentine Park is designated as a community park, and it is not possible to rent the entire park. However, you can reserve the picnic shelter pavilion from dawn to dusk.