Centennial Recreation Complex CLOSED August 9 Due to Water Main Break. Pools, Ice, Tennis and Facility closed. Check back for status updates.
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WAYS TO PLAY
Picnic Areas
Location
800 Gillson Park Drive
North Entrance
Lake Ave & Michigan Ave
South Entrance
Sheridan Rd & Michigan Ave
POINT OF CONTACT
Emin Jakupovic
Lakefront Beach Supervisor
PHONE NO.
POINT OF CONTACT
Conor McCormick
Lakefront Park Supervisor
PHONE NO.
POINT OF CONTACT
Megan White
Lakefront General Manager
PHONE NO.
Picnic Area Reservations are Required Between May 1 and September 30.
Gillson Park hosts several open-air picnic areas throughout the park and one covered picnic pavilion adjacent to the swimming beach.
- Picnic areas are located in four larger spaces of the park. These spaces have multiple picnic areas which each include one grill and two picnic tables.
- Please note when making a reservation, the picnic area letters are not specific to a set of tables and grill. You may choose your area upon arrival for your picnic.
- Some picnic areas are grouped together and multiple can be reserved to accommodate larger gatherings.
- Picnic area reservations have set time-blocks (10am-1pm, 1pm-4pm, or 4pm-7pm)
- The Picnic Pavilion has one large grill and can hold approximately 70 people.
- Picnic tables cannot be moved and must remain where they are placed.
- Picnic rentals do not include parking, limited parking is available on upper drive and residential streets for vehicles without season decals.
- Please adhere to all parking restrictions as they are enforced with ticketing and towing.
- No refunds on picnic reservations once booked.
The following items are not permitted in Gillson Park:
- Alcohol
- Personal grills
- Propane or generators
- Tents/canopies
- Blowups such as bounce houses or slides
- Food trucks or outside caterers who remain on site
- Shuttles unless approved by Wilmette Park District
Picnic Area Reservations
- RESIDENTS may reserve picnic areas for the season starting on January 15. Reservations are made using our online system.
- NON-RESIDENTS may reserve picnic areas at most 2 weeks out from the day of your picnic. Reservations are made using our online system.
- MAKE A RESERVATION by logging in or create an account, then select the picnic area and date/time and complete the payment and reservation process.
Non-Resident Picnic Reservation Fees
| Non-Resident Reservations | Fee |
|---|---|
| Picnic Area | $25 |
| Shelter/Pavilion | $90 |
Same-Day Use
If you are coming onto the property and want to use a picnic area the same day, without prior reservation, you will need to go to the beach house starting Memorial Day weekend to see what is available and reserve.
- 101 Lake Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091
- Beach House Hours: 7 days a week 10 am-6 pm
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