Boat Launch Key and Pavilion/Room Rental Changes Take Effect January 2025

Friday, December 20th, 2024

Press Release: Boat Launch Key and Pavilion/Room Rental Changes Take Effect January 2025

Effective January 1^st, 2025, the Wildwood Park District will be implementing board-approved changes regarding boat launch keys and pavilion and room rentals.

Boat Launch Keys

Annual boat ramp keys for 2025 will go on sale beginning on or after January 2^nd, 2025, versus April 1^st in which Wildwood residents are accustomed. Moving forward, new boat launch keys will continue to be valid for a one-year period, now from January 1^st through December 31^st. New padlocks are anticipated to be installed on launch gates on January 2^nd or 3^rd. New keys will open the boat launches at Pebble Beach Park and Sunset Park once the new padlocks are installed. Current 2024 boat launch keys will not work on the new padlocks after that time. If desired, 2024 boat launch keys can be turned into the Wildwood Park District office for disposal.

Boat launch key fees will not increase and remain available for purchase to Wildwood residents only for a fee of $100, or $75 for seniors 65+ and current or former military personnel with valid ID. To purchase a boat ramp key, you must present a current DNR registration for each boat/watercraft that are listed in the resident’s name and Wildwood address. Along with your boat ramp key, you will receive one boat decal. You may purchase additional decals for $10.00 each. You will need a decal for each motorized boat/watercraft.

Residents have two options for purchasing boat keys/decals.

1. In Person: come into the office (33325 N. Sears Boulevard) to obtain your new boat key and decal. You must present your current boat/watercraft DNR registration so the Park District can make a copy.
2. Email: Download, fill out, and submit a completed Boat Launch Key Application along with a scanned copy of your current boat/watercraft DNR registration to info@wildwoodparkdistrict.com. If residents feel more comfortable calling their payment information over the phone once the form has been submitted, please call our office at 847.223.7275.  Your key and decal for the season will then be mailed to you.

These newly adopted changes will help support our staff by offsetting office personnel’s workload, and assist residents by reducing processing and wait times as the previous April 1^st date coincided with the beginning of our summer program and event season, our busiest time of year.

For all boating information, please visit our website here.

Pavilion and Room Rentals

Wildwood Park District pavilion and room rentals are available to Wildwood residents only. The following changes will take effect January 1, 2025:

Rental Fee Changes

• Sunset Pavilion
  • $75 non-refundable rental fee per day (credit/debit card, check, or cash).
  • $75 refundable damage deposit fee per day (check or cash only).
• Willow Point Pavilion
  • $100 non-refundable rental fee per day (credit/debit card, check, or cash).
  • $100 refundable damage deposit fee (check or cash only).
• Oak Room
  • $40 per hour rental fee (credit/debit card, check, or cash).
  • $50 refundable damage deposit will remain the same (check or cash only).

Booking Timeline Changes

The Wildwood Park District office will begin accepting pavilion reservations on March 1^st, 2025 versus April 1^st in which residents are accustomed. Rentals will still be held from April 1^st through October 31^st.

The modest rental fee increases will go towards staff wages and maintaining park district facilities and amenities. The new booking timeline will help residents by allowing more time for party planning and sending save the dates and invitations.

Interested in booking or want to learn more? Please visit our website here.

Questions or concerns regarding the above changes can be directed to the Wildwood Park District at 847.223.7275 or info@wildwoodparkdistrict.com.  

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday!