Winter Outdoor Recreation
Check RainoutLine or Facebook for updates on the status of ice rinks and other winter outdoor recreation.
Update (12/9/20):
- The outdoor ice rinks require sustained temperatures at or below 40 degrees.
- Central Athletic Complex ice rink access will require advance reservations and tickets this season due to the State of Illinois Resurgence Mitigations.
- Pond skating is prohibited. Based on the previous several winters and the higher-than-normal daily temperatures we’ve been experiencing, the establishment of safe ice on natural ponds is unlikely.
- Visit the weather hotline for details and outdoor activity availability. We will communicate updates with the public as they become available.
Cross-Country Skiing
Travel the snow-touched slopes of Arrowhead Golf Club this winter with cross-country skiing!
This low-impact sport offers the benefits of aerobic exercise, burns calories, and builds muscles. Arrowhead Golf Club (26W151 Butterfield Rd.) maintains groomed trails and provides equipment rentals. Skiers are encouraged to stay on the groomed trails which have been provided, skiing is allowed throughout the course as weather permits. A base of 6 inches of snow is required for cross-country skiing to be permitted.
Trail access is provided free of charge. Rental equipment does require a fee. All rentals are by reservation only by calling 630.653.5800. Rental equipment can then be paid for and picked up from the ProShop.
Check for updates on cross-country skiing conditions on our Status Updates page.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is only permitted at Elliot Lake and is undertaken at the visitor’s risk.
- Remember, green flags mean “GO”, red flags mean “NO.”
- Ice skating is prohibited at Elliot Lake.
Ice Skating & Hockey
Wheaton Park District operates two ice rinks at Central Athletic Complex
- The outdoor ice rinks require sustained temperatures at or below 40 degrees.
- Central Athletic Complex ice rink access will require advance reservations and tickets this season due to the State of Illinois Resurgence Mitigations.
Pond skating is prohibited at all Wheaton Park District parks.
Based on the previous several winters and the higher than normal daily temperatures that we’ve been experiencing, the establishment of ice on natural ponds is unlikely. We often see cold weather followed by a warm up or precipitation that damages the surface leading to very few days, if any, of open safe skating.
All posted rules are to be SELF-ENFORCED.
The Wheaton Park District strongly encourages community members to take the necessary measures to follow the posted rules which comply with State of Illinois Tier 3 Mitigations and the All Sports Policy. While we have confidence in our community members to make the right decision, we cannot guarantee compliance with the posted rules. These rules and guidelines have been created in response to rising COVID cases, for the safety of yourself and others.
Staff are onsite EXCLUSIVELY to manage reservations, monitor ice conditions, and administer first aid when necessary.
Ice Hockey Rink Rules
Per the Illinois Department of Public Health, hockey is considered a HIGH-RISK ACTIVITY.
- Games & Scrimmages Prohibited
- No-contact practice. Skills and drills only.
- No organized practices allowed.
- Social distance of at least 6 ft. should be maintained between non-household individuals.
- Participants must wear masks or face coverings over their nose and mouth at all times.
- No slap shots or lifting of the puck.
- No checking/hitting, roughhousing/play fighting, pushing, slashing, hooking, high-sticking or stick-lifting.
- Participants must have helmet, gloves and sticks of their own.
- Children 12 and under should be actively supervised by a guardian (16 yrs+)
Open Skate Rink Rules
No Sticks, Pucks, Shooting Devices or Hockey Allowed.
- Social distance of at least 6 ft. should be maintained between non-household individuals.
- Participants must wear masks or face coverings over their nose and mouth at all times.
- Wheelchairs are permitted on the ice, if accompanied by a person wearing skates or ice cleats.
- Participants must keep moving.
- Rough-housing, excessive speeding or weaving through other skaters is forbidden.
- Tag and other games are prohibited.
- No jumps, spins, figure or backward skating.
- On-site skate rental is not available; skates are required to be on the ice.
- Children 12 and under should be actively supervised by a guardian (16 yrs+)
Northside Park Warming Shelter
The Northside Park Warming Shelter will be closed for the 2020/2021 winter outdoor activity season.
Sledding
Hop on a sled, toboggan, or inner tube!
We maintain a sledding hill at Northside Park (1300 N. West St.) for everyone who wants to go riding in a one-horse open sleigh but doesn’t have the horse or the sleigh.
- Outdoor winter recreation is subject to weather conditions. If conditions are unsafe, we will close the sled hill until they become safe again.
- Sledding can be a hazardous activity with substantial risk. Use is at the visitor’s risk.
- Use of snowboards and skis is strictly prohibited.
- The building of moguls, ramps, jumps, bumps, and hills is strictly prohibited.
- Pets are strictly prohibited from the sledding hill.
Snowshoeing
Go snowshoeing and find the unpacked snow in our parks and Lincoln Marsh!
Rentals are $7 per hour and available in child and adult sizes. Snowshoeing requires at least three inches of snow. All participants must sign a Rental Agreement & Waiver (PDF). Minors under 18 must have waivers signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Participants are liable for any damages to the equipment up to $100. A state ID, driver’s license, credit card, or car keys will be held as a deposit until the equipment is returned.
Details:
- Advance reservations required, please email or call 630-871-2810 for availability.
- Snowshoes may not leave Lincoln Marsh (1001 W. Lincoln Ave) and must be returned to the Lincoln Marsh office during business hours (9A-3P).
- Any equipment returned after rental hours will incur a $5 fee for every 10 minutes late.
