Picnic shelter permits

Oct. 15 is the first day to purchase a picnic shelter permit for event dates in 2013 for any of 31 Lake County Forest Preserve picnic shelters. Plan-ahead picnickers can apply for permits in person from 8 a.m. to noon at the forest district’s general offices at 1899 West Winchester Road, Libertyville. After noon, permits will be available for purchase online at lcfpd.org and by phone at (847) 367-6640. Most picnic shelters offer electricity, water, toilets and at least one permanent grill. Many have playgrounds, sports fields and trails nearby. For exclusive use of a picnic shelter, regardless of group size, a permit is required. Permit fees are based on group size and event date, and begin at $50 for Lake County residents and $100 for nonresidents. Accommodations for groups of 700 or more are arranged on an individual basis.