Show All Answers

1. How do I register for a program?

There are 4 ways to register for a Recreation program. You may register online, mail in the registration form with a check or credit card number to 1500 Walker, Western Springs, IL 60558; fax in the form with a credit card number to (708) 246-1309, or come into the office at 1500 Walker, Western Springs, IL. Phone registration is not accepted.

Registration Form

2. What are the office hours for the Recreation Department?

The Recreation Office is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Any registrations submitted after hours will be processed on the next business day and a receipt will be sent via email. You may contact our Evening/Weekend Supervisor at 708-514-1923.

3. How do I rent a gym or classroom?

First call our office at (708) 246-9070 to check availability. Generally, our gyms and classrooms are available for private rental when not being used by Recreation programs. Once a Rental Request Form and Disclaimer are submitted, along with full payment, your reservation will be entered into our computer. Thereafter, if you cancel your reservation, you will be charged a $10 cancellation fee. For general fee information, please call the Recreation office or see the Rental Request Form.

4. Does the Recreation Department have open gym times?

The Recreation Center gym is available for open gym during regular business hours if not being used by the Recreation Dept. or rented out.  The gym schedule is posted by the gym doors and online in real-time on our website.  You may also call the Recreation Dept. for open gym times (708-246-9070 x424).  Participants must be 10 years or older and sign in at the front desk.  Western Springs youth residents (8th grade or younger) are free.  High school age and older, residents and non-residents, must show a valid I.D., sign in at the front desk, and pay $5.00 per visit.  Discounted Punch Cards are available for $20.00 for 10 uses.  There may be a one hour time limit if others are waiting.

5. How do I reserve a park for a picnic or other gathering?

In Western Springs, the Recreation Department and the Park District are two separate organizations. For permit information, park maintenance issues and other related matters, contact the Park District at (708) 246-4225 or visit www.wsparks.org.

6. What happens if my child is waitlisted for a class?

Your child will be put on a waitlist if a class is full; you are not charged for the class. If a spot becomes available, you will receive a phone call asking if you are still interested in the class; if yes, then your child will be enrolled in the class and payment must be made at that time.

7. What is your class cancellation/refund policy?

A $5 service fee will be charged per family member for class cancellations beginning the first day of registration until 4 p.m. the Friday before the start of a session. After that Friday, a prorated percent of the class fee, less a $5 service fee and any direct program material costs, will be refunded thereafter. The $5 service fee will be waived if a physician’s excuse is presented. Programs that only meet 1, 2 or 3 times require two business days’ notification. In order to avoid a proration charge, a cancellation for a weekend class must be made before 4:30 p.m. the Friday before the class meets. Refunds are credited back to the original payment method (credit card or check). Customers can also request a household credit. No refunds can be given for missed classes. In the case of special trips, no refunds can be made after the published trip deadline.

8. I signed up for a class but did not receive a confirmation. How do I know if I am in the class?

The Recreation Department sends an email receipt for all registrations. If we do not have an email address on file, we will mail your receipt. If you do not receive an email receipt from us, check your email spam folder or call the Recreation office, 708-246-9070, to verify your registration and your correct email address. You may also check your past registrations by signing in to your online account and clicking “My History.”

9. Does the Recreation Department keep my credit card on file?

No. Numbers written on forms are cut off and shredded after use.

10. If my child is already signed up for Session 1 of a class, will they be automatically enrolled in Session 2 of the same class?

No, you must sign up for each session of a class individually.

11. Can I sign up for more than one session of class at a time?

Yes, you can sign up for any class that is listed in the current brochure.

12. Can I cancel a class once it starts?

The details of our cancellation policy are listed at the beginning of each brochure.  In general, a $5.00 cancellation fee will be charged for classes cancelled before the session starts.  Once the session starts a prorated percent of the class fee, less a $5.00 cancellation fee and any direct program material costs, will be refunded.  No refunds will be issued after the 3rd week of the session or halfway through the class, whichever comes first.  If you cancel a class on the day the class starts or meets, you will be charged the prorated fee for that day, in addition to the $5.00 cancellation fee.  No refunds for missed classes.

13. After signing up for a new account online, when will I receive my username and password?

 If you are a resident of Western Springs, you must submit proof of residency in order for your account to be activated. Once you provide that, you will receive two emails from the Recreation Department - one with your user name, and one with your password.  There will be a link in those emails that takes you directly to the registration site.

If you are a non-resident, your information will be reviewed within 2-3 business days and you will receive two emails from the Recreation Department - one with your user name, and one with your password.  There will be a link in those emails that takes you directly to the registration site.

14. Can I add another child to my account when I am logged in, or fill in a missing birth date?

No you cannot; that information can only be changed by Recreation Department staff.  The only information you can change online is household contact information, i.e. phone numbers, emails.

15. What does it mean when a class says “unavailable” online?

This can either mean that online registration has not yet begun; or that the deadline to sign up for a class online has passed (48 hours before a class begins).  If you would like to sign up for class that is beginning in less than 48 hours, call the Recreation Department office (708-246-9070) to see if the class is still available, and then submit a registration form (in person, by fax, or by email).  We do not accept registration by phone.