E-News Signup

I Want To

Parks and Facilities Maintenance FAQ's

Maintenance Matters – Reporting a Parks Maintenance Issue

What is Maintenance Matters and what types of reports can I make using this system?

At the Naperville Park District, we're proud to care for the places where you play, gather, and relax. That's why we've created Maintenance Matters - your convenient and direct line for reporting maintenance related issues within our parks and facilities. Residents can report park and facility maintenance issues, such as graffiti or vandalism, damaged playground equipment, damaged or downed tree branches, overgrown vegetation, debris removal, and more.

How quickly can I expect my issue to be resolved after reporting it on Maintenance Matters?

Response times may vary depending on the nature and urgency of the maintenance issue reported. However, Maintenance Matters provides real-time updates so residents can stay informed about the status of requests.

What if I can't find what I'm looking for on Maintenance Matters?

For questions and information not related to park and facility maintenance issues, please visit our “I Want To…” section on our website: https://napervilleparks.org/contact#iwant

For non-maintenance related concerns, please call the Park District's main number at 630-848-5000 or send an email to info@napervilleparks.org. For non-emergency enforcement issues, please call the Park Police Officer On Duty at 630-601-0925. For emergencies, always call 9-1-1.

Snow & Ice Removal

When it snows, which areas, courts, and parking lots are cleared or plowed?

While we cannot clear all of the sidewalks or park and facility parking lots when there is snow or ice accumulation, we do have winter maintenance standards that help improve residents' and patrons' access to parks and facilities that are open for use during the winter. Click here for more information on our Winter Maintenance Scope.

Why are certain athletic spaces closed during the winter?

When snow or ice are present, enclosed areas including synthetic turf fields, tennis/pickleball courts, and inline skate rinks may be closed to promote patron safety and prevent unnecessary damage. Once the snow and/or ice has melted, these amenities could be reopened for use.

What kind of salt is used?

We use a combination of rock salt and calcium chloride depending on weather conditions. Rock salt is less effective at melting ice when temperatures drop below zero, while calcium chloride is effective at melting ice down to -25 F.

Does the District offer snow removal services for private property?

No, the Park District does not offer snow removal services on private property or any property that is not owned or leased by the Park District.

Park District property is defined in Naperville Park District Ordinance #641 under Section 1.02 - Definitions; Item number 14:

" 14. "District Property" is all of the property, real and personal, of every kind and description located within the jurisdiction of, or owned, administered, leased or licensed by, or otherwise in the possession or under the control of the District including without limitation every building, shelter, street, sidewalk, trail, path, beach, park, wilderness or open space, or other public place or facility and all District Waters located on or adjacent to or flowing over property located within the jurisdiction of, or owned, administered, leased or licensed by, or otherwise in the possession or under the control of the District."

Park Amenities, Restrooms, & Seasonal Services

When is sledding allowed?

To get more information on our sled areas, please visit our website under the Winter Sports Facilities section.

When are the ice rinks available for use?

Skating areas are typically open on or after December 15; however, they can open only after a period of extreme cold. Weather and conditions permitting, the skating season continues through February 15. To check the status of skating areas, click here.

The Park District posts red flags or green flags at its ice-skating rinks to indicate whether they are closed or open, providing a user-friendly and visible signal to people at park locations. The District also updates the status of ice rinks here, allowing residents the ability to check on the status of rinks prior to leaving their home. Skaters should not use ice rinks when they are posted as closed on the website or when a red flag is flying at the rink.

What are park restroom hours of operation?

Information on park restroom availability can be found here.

When are restrooms and drinking fountains opened and cleaned?

Information on restroom availability and hours of operation can be found here.

How late can field lights be on, and what should we do if bulbs are out?

Depending on the location, sports lights can be on until either 10pm or 11pm.

To report an issue with sports lighting, please submit a ticket though our Maintenance Matters Portal.

When are nets put up for volleyball, tennis, and pickleball? When are wind screens installed?

Currently, tennis and pickleball nets stay up all year.

Volleyball and Windscreen installation is weather dependent. Staff will typically install in the spring and take down in the fall.

When are port-o-lets delivered and serviced?

Port-o-let deliveries coincide with our park programming at certain park locations. Port-o-lets are typically delivered between mid-March to early April and picked up by the end of October. Again, this is dependent on our Recreation Department's need at the park locations. Once placed the unit(s) are serviced one-time a week.

If there is vandalism or a cleanliness issue to a unit please submit a ticket though our Maintenance Matters Portal.

A port-o-let was placed in different area; can it be moved?

While we make every attempt to place port-o-let units in locations not obvious from the street or resident homes within our parks, sometimes the turf, weather conditions, and park programming effect where a unit can be placed. If there is wet weather and the turf is too wet to drive on for our vendor, the unit must be placed closer to the street or where the vendor will have access to service it. Unfortunately, this may mean it is closer to the street or resident homes.

Once the turf is dry enough for the service truck to drive on with no damage to the turf, we make every effort with our vendor to move the unit to its proper location within the park. We thank you for your patience and understanding while the unit is in a temporary location.

When do the splash pads open?

Splash pads are open daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

What is the yellow substance on playground mulch?

The substance you’ve noticed is likely slime mold, a naturally occurring organism that will occasionally appear in mulch, especially in warm and damp conditions. While it may look unpleasant, it is not harmful to people, pets, or plants.

It is frequently managed by removing the affected mulch area or simply raking it into the mulch to help it dry out and dissipate. Staff does monitor these areas and will take appropriate steps as needed.

Pests & Wildlife

What should I do if there is a dead or injured animal on Park District property?

For wildlife concerns, please contact Naperville Animal Control at 630-420-6178.

Staff will remove animal remains located on park property. If you see a deceased animal on park property, you can submit a ticket though our Maintenance Matters Portal.

What does the Park District do about insects/bees (including ground bees/sand wasps), especially during peak season?

Park District staff will selectively tend to stinging insects and do their best to remove the hazard in high traffic areas.

The Naperville Park District does not conduct widespread treatments for insects such as mosquitos or ticks.

You can submit a ticket though our Maintenance Matters Portal and staff will assess the location.

How does the District manage coyotes and geese (including nests and aggressive birds)?

Park District staff do not manage wildlife in the parks. For wildlife concerns, please contact Naperville Animal Control at 630-420-6178. Staff will remove animal remains located on park property. Additional information about wildlife can be found here.

If you see a deceased animal on park property, you can submit a ticket through our Maintenance Matters Portal.

General Operations & Public Info

How are visitors notified about closures or construction at bathrooms/playgrounds/parks?

Information about planned park and facility improvements that may involve closures can be found here. When an amenity must be closed or disabled for maintenance, staff does their best to ensure signage is posted and locked/barricaded/caution-taped to ensure the safety of park patrons.

How often are park structures replaced?

The Capital Budget is a work plan consisting of projects to be implemented. This plan may be modified due to unforeseen conditions and the reallocation of resources. Each year, projects are re-evaluated and adjusted as conditions and demands change. The Park Board approves the plan on an annual basis.

It's also important to note that the Naperville Park District's mission, vision and core values all guide the operations and decision-making of the District particularly when it comes to determining and prioritizing improvement projects.

For more information about Park and Facility Improvement Projects, please visit our website: https://napervilleparks.org/parkandfacilityimprovements

Who do I contact to suggest new amenities for parks?

For suggestions or questions please contact our Director of Planning. You can find contact information on our "About" Tab on the District website.

Landscaping, Maintenance, & Vegetation Control

What locations/parks will be part of the prescribed burns for the season?

The Park District has a maintenance plan for its parks and specifically a maintenance schedule for each park and natural area across the District. This schedule includes intervals of prescribed burns along with other maintenance initiatives. Click here for more information and the list of our planned prescribed burns for the season.

What is the Park District doing to control poison ivy, weeds, mushrooms, and invasive plants?

Parks staff do their best to cycle through the parks for weed control. Staff have a small window of time to complete turf restoration, fertilization, and weed control in the springtime and have to work around rain, wind, or other weather conditions. Our priorities start with sports complexes and other high-profile areas and then work their way through the neighborhood parks as they are able. We appreciate your patience and understanding!

You can submit a ticket though our Maintenance Matters Portal if you notice an issue at your park.

How often are specific areas mowed, and how is mowing prioritized?

Rotations are developed to mow each park at least once per week. This schedule can occasionally be affected by factors such as inclement weather, equipment malfunctions, or shifting priorities due to special events or safety concerns. These circumstances may cause brief delays in our mowing intervals, though every effort will be made to minimize impacts of service delays.

Who do I contact to request removal or trimming of trees or shrubs on Park District land?

Parks staff do their best to cycle through the parks to identify landscape maintenance needs. Our priorities start with sports complexes and other high-profile areas and then work their way through the neighborhood parks as they are able. We appreciate your patience and understanding!

You can submit a ticket though our Maintenance Matters Portal if you notice an issue at your park and staff will assess the tree or shrub.

Who do I call if a tree is growing/overhanging private property?

Under Illinois law, tree ownership is determined by the location of the trunk. If a tree trunk straddles the property line, it is considered a boundary tree and is jointly owned by both property owners. Removing the tree requires consent from both parties. Residents are allowed to cut, trim, or prune branches and roots that encroach onto their property, but only up to the property line. Trespassing onto a neighbor’s property to perform this work is not permitted. It is advisable to consult an arborist before taking any action to avoid damaging the tree, as improper pruning or resulting damage may lead to financial liability.

If the tree is on Park District property, you can submit a ticket through our Maintenance Matters Portal and a staff member will assess the tree.

Can I maintain or plant trees, flowers, or bushes on Park District property behind my house?

Plantings on Park District property is addressed in Naperville Park District Ordinance #641 under Section 2.16; Letters (b) and (e): Unlawful Construction, Maintenance or Encroachment.

"No Person shall upon or in connection with any property owned and/or managed by the District:"

"(b) Perform, cause or authorize any mowing, trimming, cutting, or grooming of District property, or perform any similar grounds maintenance for any purpose, or in any like manner encroach onto District property from privately or publicly owned lands."

"(e) Plant vegetation of any kind on District Property without written authorization of the District."

Does the District offer weed removal for private property?

No, the Park District does not offer weed removal on private property or any property that is not owned or leased by the Park District.

Park District property is defined in Naperville Park District Ordinance #641 under Section 1.02 - Definitions; Item number 14:

Can I buy plants from the Park District?

No, plants are not available for purchase through the Park District.

Can the Park District maintain HOA property?

No, the Park District cannot maintain HOA property or any property that is not owned or leased by the Park District.

Park District property is defined in Naperville Park District Ordinance #641 under Section 1.02 - Definitions; Item number 14:

Park Use & Requests

Where are the rules and regulations of using parks and facilities?

Ordinance 641 is the Park District governance of our parks and property and various usage issues of our parks and facilities. Click here for more information or to read Ordinance 641.

Do you allow dogs off leash?

Proper pet handling is addressed in Naperville Park District Ordinance #641 under Section 2.05: Animals and Pets.

"Except as authorized by the Americans with Disabilities Act, no owner or agent of the owner having control of any domesticated dog, cat, or any other domesticated animal shall cause or permit such animal to be on District Property unless the pet is on a leash which shall not exceed ten (10) feet in length and such Person has in their immediate possession a device for removal, and a depository for the transportation of, animal excrement from such Property."

Additionally, keeping dogs leashed when outdoors is part of the City of Naperville's ordinance, which can be found here.

Can I post promotional signs for an event/business in a park?

Information about posting signs can be found in Naperville Park District Ordinance #641 under Section 2.27, 2.28, and 2.29 - Posting Printed or Written Material in Designated Area, Posting Printed or Written Material on Public Places and Objects, and Selling or Distributing Printed or Written Material.

Can I golf in the parks?

Golf practice is addressed in Naperville Park District Ordinance #641 under Section 2.13; Letter h: Disorderly Conduct.

"Golf play or golf practice is not allowed in parks. Golf play or practice is limited to areas designated as golf driving ranges, golf practice areas and golf courses, subject at all times to payment of any applicable fees or charges relating to same."

For more information about the District's Golf Courses, please visit: https://golfnaperville.org/

Can I use the park fire rings or grills without a permit?

Use of fire rings and grills are addressed in Naperville Park District Ordinance #641 under Section 2.18: Fires.

"Use of park district designated fire rings (e.g., Seager Park, Knoch Knolls Park) requires permits from the City of Naperville and the District.

Grills -No Person, without a permit shall build a fire (including but not limited to gas or charcoal grills, stoves or pits) anywhere for any purpose except in District owned and furnished charcoal grill appliances or where authorized by permit."

Is metal detecting permitted?

Metal detecting is addressed in Naperville Park District Ordinance #641 under Section 2.43: Metal Detectors.

"No Person shall upon or in connection with any property of the District: bring into or use any device or instrument used to detect metallic objects without prior written permission of the Executive Director."

To contact the Executive Director please visit our "About" Tab on the District website.

Are drones allowed at the parks?

Use of drones is addressed in Naperville Park District Ordinance #641 under Section 2.01: Aviation/Drones.

Is hunting allowed on Park District land?

Hunting is addressed in Naperville Park District Ordinance #641 under Section 2.20: Hunting or Trapping.

"No Person shall hunt nor trap, nor bring any device for hunting or trapping into or onto District Property or District Waters. No Person legally hunting on adjacent private property, shall firearm hunt within 300 yards or bow hunt within 100 yards of an occupied District structure. No Person legally hunting or trapping off of District Property shall retrieve crippled wildlife unless they obtain permission from the Chief of Police or a Park Police Officer to enter upon District Property for such purpose. This section does not apply to Person(s) acting under authority of the Executive Director who remove, replace, eradicate or cull domestic animals or wildlife on District lands or properties."

Ponds, River, Camping, & Fishing

What does the District do to maintain the ponds?

More information about pond maintenance can be found here. Additionally, Park District staff conduct monthly formal inspections of each site and treat aquatic vegetation once minimum thresholds are met.

Why is there more plant growth and algae in the ponds?

Stormwater runoff also carries nutrients from fertilizers, animal waste and other sources into the pond. An increase in available nutrients, along with summer heat, sunshine and a lack of rainfall allows algae to flourish. Additionally, shallow ponds warm up more quickly, which supports algae growth. Abundant algae impacts aquatic life by blocking sunlight and decreasing oxygen levels in the water.

More information about pond maintenance can be found here.

When is pond aeration turned on? Who should I contact if they’re not working?

Subsurface pond aerators are left on at select ponds throughout the year, however most are turned off for the winter. Surface pond aerators are generally installed in April and removed in October.

If an aerator is observed to not be working, please submit a ticket though our Maintenance Matters Portal.

When are decorative fountains (like the dandelion or horse) turned on?

Staff typically try to get decorative fountains installed and turned on by Mother's Day, but this is weather dependent.

Does the District offer any canoe/kayak launch sites in its parks?

Yes, the District has (4) launch locations. Dorothea Weigland Riverfront Park, Knoch Knolls Nature Center, Knoch Knolls Park, and Pioneer Park. To get exact locations and addresses, please visit our website: https://napervilleparks.org/locations and filter by Boat Canoe Launch Amenity.

For rules and regulations related to watercrafts on Park District property please visit the Naperville Park District Ordinance #641 under Section 2.08 - Boating/Watercraft

We do not allow for motorized vessels of any kind on our water ways.
We do not allow boating on any ponds located in parks. There must be a designated launch site.
The Naperville Park District has jurisdiction over park properties/shoreline adjacent to the river. The primary responsibility for the overall jurisdiction of the river is Illinois Department of Natural Resources, however, Naperville Police and Park Police can enforce laws and regulations on the river.
The park district does not issue permits for activities to occur on the river. We can only issue permits for access to the river through park district property or events/activities that take place on park property adjacent to the river.
Boaters should be familiar with Illinois Boat Registration and Safety Act, 625 ILCS 45/1-1 et seq. This is the Illinois requirements, and the registration/permits needed from the state based on the type of watercraft they own. We state “as required” in Ordinance 641 to identify that these are only needed if required by the state.
Whalon Lake falls under the judication of the Forest Preserve District of Will County.

Information on boating within the forest preserves can be found at the links below:

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Forest Preserve District of Will County