Fox Valley Parks accepting picnic reservations beginning Feb. 2

The Fox Valley Park District will be accepting picnic shelter reservations for the 2015 season starting Monday, Feb. 2, on a first-come, first-served basis.

The park district features 16 picnic shelters throughout its park system in Aurora, North Aurora and Montgomery. Reservations are available from May 1 to Oct. 25 for groups of 25 or more.

The reservation fee for shelters is $60 for residents and $90 for nonresidents. A $100 refundable security fee is required as well. Reservations include exclusive use of the shelter, pavilion and grill areas during the reserved time. However, as public parks, the open space, trails and playground areas remain open to others.

Capacity ranges from 30 to 150 people at all of the shelters except Cool Acres, which can accommodate groups as large as 200. Cool Acres, on the Fox River along Route 25 and Sullivan Road, is the only shelter area that allows consumption of alcohol. Additional fees and permits are required.

Jericho Lake Park will not be available for shelter reservations during the 2015 season due to a major renovation project, while Copley I and Austin Park will have limited availability to accommodate renovations and improvement projects.

Reservations are taken in-person at the Cole Center, 101 W. Illinois Ave.; Prisco Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave.; and Eola Center, 555 S. Eola Road during weekday hours. A concept book is available online and at each facility, providing an aerial overview and numerous photos from each reservable park.