Park Rules

Park Shelters: There are many picnic shelters throughout our parks. All shelters are available for reservations. If a shelter has not been reserved (noted by a posting at the shelter site), it is available ona first come, first serve basis. Electricity is available only at select locations; generators are not allowed in any of our parks without the permission of the Park and Recreation Department (certificate of insurance required). There is no water available at any of the shelters. Please contact the Park and Recreation Department to reserve a shelter.

Restroom Facilities: Only certain parks have restroom facilities or portable toilets during the summer season (May -September). Paulus and Breezewald parks have indoor restroom facilities on the park property (on a locked timer opened dawn to dusk).

Alcohol: Available to Lake Zurich Residents Only. No alcoholic beverages of any kind are permitted. This prohibition may be waived ONLY IN THE EVENT of a special event or shelter rental for qualified adults who pay the non-refundable fee per event to allow them to be added to the Village of Lake Zurich's insurance policy as an additional insured or by providing a Certificate of Insurance. This Certificate must be for $2,000,000 Host Liquor Liability with the Village of Lake Zurich added as an additional insured through the homeowner's insurance. Your permit will indicate whether alcohol is allowed or not. If any underage drinking is present, beach and security staff will be required to contact the police. For more information, please visit: lakezurich.org/637/Liquor-Gaming-Licenses

Open Fires: Bonfires are not allowed in the park or on the beach.

Grilling: Charcoal is only to be used in the grills provided at the shelter. Gas and propane grills are allowed. The grills base must be at least 24 inches from the surface on which it rests; grills are not permitted on picnic tables. Coals must be thoroughly extinguished, cooled and disposed of in disposal receptacles NOT garbage cans. All fires must be carefully supervised and extinguished before the group leaves the site.

Fireworks: No fireworks allowed at any time.

Pets: Leashed dogs are welcome to use park pathways, except as posted for special events or conditions. Please care for your pet: A $250 fine will be assessed for individuals who do not clean up after their dog. A $500 fine will be assessed for dogs that are off leash. Please refrain from feeding wildlife.

Vehicles: No vehicles are allowed in any of our parks (park pathways, grass, etc.) except for the parking lots. Driving through the park is prohibited. Motor vehicles left in the parking lot after the park closes will be towed.

Clean Up: All trash and garbage must be placed in appropriate receptacles. No glass of any kind is allowed on park grounds.

Swimming: For parks near the water, swimming is only allowed in the designated beach areas when a lifeguard is on duty. Beach admission is by a pass or daily fee at Paulus Park only. (Breezewald Park is open to residents with proof of residency or pass holders). Please contact the Park & Recreation Department for further information.

Fishing: Fishing is allowed on Lake Zurich. Anyone over 15 years old requires an Illinois fishing license and must have it on their person when fishing. Fishing in the swimming area is prohibited.

Sound: Loudspeakers, public address systems, musical instruments, bands or amplified equipment are not allowed without the permission of the Park and Recreation Department (certificate of insurance required).

Special Equipment: Inflatables, rides, porta-potties, tents, etc. are not allowed in our parks without permission of the Park and Recreation Department (certificate of insurance/permits are required). The use of metal detectors, golfing, or use of hardballs is not permitted within the park areas.

Firearms or other weapons: No person shall carry, use or discharge any firearm or other weapon causing a projectile of any sort to travel through the air in any public park. Police and staff will enforce.

Catering: No caterers are allowed to stay on site in our parks without permission of the Park and Recreation Department (certificate of insurance/permits are required). We do work with a seasonal caterer at Paulus Park. Please contact the Park and Recreation Department for further information.

Boating: The Village of Lake Zurich is only permitted to sell non-motorized boat permits to Lake Zurich residents during the boating season. Watercrafts include but are not limited to: Kayaks, Canoes, Paddle Boats, Row Boats, and Long Boards. Inflatable crafts are not permitted. All crafts must stay in the No Wake area of Lake Zurich, wear a PFD, carry a whistle for emergencies, and review the rules of the lake. Daily ($5) and seasonal ($40) permits for non-power watercraft access are available for purchase at the Paulus Park Barn during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4pm, or at Paulus Park Beach during the listed hours of operation. Daily permits are required and boating violators are subject to fines.

For-profit use of the parks and amenities by any person other than the Village of Lake Zurich is not permitted unless proper permit is obtained through the Village.

To report any safety or emergency repairs, please contact the Park & Recreation Department at 847-438-5146. To report any suspicious activity, please call 9-1-1.