General Information

Mission Statement

The Wildwood Park District serves our community by providing enriching and affordable recreational programs, events, and facilities that promote community building, and health and wellness. The Wildwood Park District also protects our natural resources, parks, and lakes through conservation and preservation initiatives. The safety of our residents, visitors, employees, parks, and facilities is our top priority, and the Wildwood Park District minimizes risks through our Park Safety Staff, comprehensive safety efforts, and partnerships with local law enforcement agencies.

Vision Statement

The Wildwood Park District is committed to continuous improvement and aspires to exceed the needs of our community through a collaborative, innovative, and sustainable approach. We strive to maintain and preserve the beauty and functionality of our parks, lakes and shorelines, amenities, and facilities for current and future generations to enjoy.

Core Values

Family-Centric: Our top priority is to welcome children and families into our parks, programs, and events and provide a fun, safe, and family-friendly environment for all to enjoy.

Equal Opportunity: Our goal is to provide excellent recreation opportunities for the entire community. We ensure that every individual is treated fairly and has the opportunity to participate in Wildwood Park District offerings regardless of individual disability or hardship. Therefore, we provide limited and budgeted financial assistance through our Scholarship Program to Wildwood Residents who are interested in participating in select recreation programs but are unable to do so due to financial difficulties. We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in our program structures along with our current and future park and greenspace planning. We partner with Warren Special Recreation Association (WSRA) to help provide ALL individuals the resources to participate in Park District programming to their full abilities.

Sustainability: We use our capital to renew and maintain infrastructure of current facilities and park equipment, and for the conservation and preservation of our natural resources, parks, and lakes. The Wildwood Park District utilizes our in-house maintenance team for most on-going improvements and upkeep of parks and facilities but will outsource and/or collaborate with district affiliates and outside organizations when needed.

Communication: We are committed to staying connected with our community. We do this through raising public awareness of Park District programs, events, and initiatives. Additionally, we prioritize internal communication best practices to ensure effective information sharing and collaboration between Park District employees and their departments.

Transparency: Transparency with our community is something the Wildwood Park District is passionate about. We comply with mandated transparency laws and ensure Park District matters, information, and initiatives are well communicated and readily available, with an emphasis on accountability, openness, ethics, and fiscal responsibility.

Park Safety

If while enjoying the parks you notice any suspicious behavior, please call the Lake County Sheriff at 847.549.5200.  Please also notify Park District Park Safety staff at 847.309.1478  (call or text) or parksecurity@wildwoodparkdistrict.com.

Minimum & Maximum

In order to secure supplies, all programs require a minimum number of participants to have registered seven days before the class begins. A maximum number is also listed to ensure quality instruction. Wildwood Park District reserves the right to adjust the min/max numbers on programs/events when deemed necessary. Classes may be combined and times modified to facilitate better programs.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Wildwood Park District welcomes the participation of all individuals in our programs, including those with disabilities. We are fully committed to complying with the ADA and providing reasonable accommodations to facilitate participation in our programs. If you have questions or concerns, call 847.223.7275, or e-mail info@wildwoodparkdistrict.com.

Photo & Video Policy

Photos and video footage are periodically taken of people participating in Wildwood Park District programs, activities, events, and properties for promotional or advertising use by the Park District. All persons registering for, attending, or utilizing park district programs, activities, events, or park district property thereby irrevocably agree that any photograph, image, or video recording taken of you or your child(ren) by the park district may be used in park district publications, advertising, marketing materials, seasonal program guides, event flyers, social media, the park district’s website, or any other park district promotional or advertising purpose without additional prior notice or permission, without inspection and approval, and without any compensation, rights to royalties, or any other consideration to you, whether now and in the future. All photos and videos are property of the park district. The park district is not responsible for images shared by others through social media or other channels.

Photos and video footage of individuals add significantly to the communication value of park district publications, video productions, social media, and websites. It is the park district’s desire to share the positive experience, impact, and quality of our offerings with the community. This effort can be aided by the use of photos or video footage showing individuals, including children, involved in programs, events, and other park district activities.

Parents, guardians and individuals may request photographs and video footage of themselves and/or their children not be used by the Park District in its publications, advertising, marketing materials, seasonal program guides, event flyers, social media, the park district’s website, or any other park district promotional or advertising purpose by completing the below form and returning it to the Wildwood Park District office. When a completed Photo and Video Opt-Out Form is on file, the park district will make every effort to honor that individual’s Opt-Out status, even in public spaces or at public events. Individuals who submit a completed Photo and Video Opt-Out Form are also responsible for removing themselves from areas in which photography or recording is taking place or notifying the camera operator of their opt-out status. Failure to do so may result in that individual’s inclusion in a photograph or recording and will be treated as consent for the park district to utilize that photograph or recording accordingly. The Photo and Video Opt-Out Form applies only to the use of images by the park district itself and does not apply to persons not associated with the park district who may take photo or video images while on park district property. The park district cannot and does not make any representation or guarantee that any person not associated with the park district may take photo or video images of parents, guardians, or individuals who have completed the Photo and Video Opt-Out Form.

Download Photo & Video Opt-Out Form

Refund Policy

General program fee refunds, less a service charge of 20% (not to exceed $10), will be made if a request is received at least seven days before the start of the program. After that time, refunds can only be given for medical reasons. Note: Refunds cannot be given for programs or trips that require advance admission or entrance fees. If Wildwood Park District needs to reschedule or cancel programs due to insufficient registration, full refunds will be provided.

Scholarship Program

Our goal is to provide excellent recreation opportunities for the entire community. Therefore, we provide financial assistance to residents who are interested in participating in a program, but are unable to due to financial difficulties. Please submit your completed application to info@wildwoodparkdistrict.com or drop off at our office (front desk during regular business hours, or mail slot after hours).

Download Scholarship Program Policy and Guidelines

Download Scholarship Application

Monthly Newsletters

Stay up-to-date on all things Wildwood with our once-a-month e-newsletter! Our e-newsletters include information on upcoming special events and programs, latest news and announcements, Wildwood improvements, and current Administrative, Recreation, Maintenance, Marketing, and Park Safety projects and planning. Subscribe to our e-newsletter here.

Behavior Code of Conduct

The following behavior code of conduct will be used as a guideline for Wildwood Park District program participants.

Participants will:

• Show respect to all other participants, staff, and volunteers.
• Follow direction from staff and volunteers.
• Show respect to equipment, supplies, and facilities.
• Not use inappropriate, abusive, or foul language.
• Not show any aggressive behavior (hitting, punching, slapping, kicking, biting, etc.)
• Not show continuous disruptive behavior.
• Obey all Wildwood Park District rules and regulations for specific programs.

Employment Opportunities

Please visit our Employment Opportunities page to learn about and/or apply for open positions.