Rock Island County, IL Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

01(C) of the Forest Preserve District subchapter splits reservable park use into three permit categories, each requiring a written application to the District before the fee, set by the District's Board, is accepted. A picnic needs no permit for casual use, but reserving a specific area to the exclusion of other visitors, or bringing in sound amplification, special vehicle access, or animal rides, triggers a one-day picnic permit. Overnight camping always needs a permit, which reserves the designated site to the exclusion of others and lets the holder stay past the park's normal closing hour.

Everything else covered by division (C)(1)(a): contests, shows, exhibits, dramatic performances, motion picture shoots, acrobatic feats, bazaars, sporting or musical events, ceremonies, children's day camps, and public meetings or assemblies, is a special event permit. Applications for any of the three categories must be filed at least 24 hours before the event, permits cannot be transferred to someone else, and fees already paid are not refunded if the event is cancelled. The District will make minor changes to an approved permit at no extra charge, but only with written District approval and only if the forest preserve, the event date, and the number of reserved areas all stay the same, and the change request itself is submitted at least 24 hours before the event.