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1. When are the program brochures available?

The Recreation Department publishes three program brochures per year:  Winter/Spring (January-May programs), Summer (June-August programs) and Fall (September-December programs).  The Winter/Spring brochure is mailed around the second week in November, with registration beginning in December.  The Summer brochure is mailed around the second week in March, with registration beginning in April.  The Fall brochure is mailed around the last week in July, with registration beginning in August.  All brochures are generally available for viewing online about a week before mailing.  Check the actual brochures for exact registration dates.  Western Springs residents have priority registration, with non-residents registering 10 days later.

2. 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 (call to confirm receipt of fax), or come into the office at 1500 Walker, Western Springs, IL.  Phone registrations are not accepted.

3. 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.  We have supervisory staff on site after 5:00 pm and on the weekends.  You may contact our Evening/Weekend Supervisor at 708-514-1923.

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 privately rented.  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 (under 10 must be accompanied by an adult).  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. 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.

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. What is the class cancellation/refund policy? Can I cancel a class once it starts?

The details of our cancellation and class transfer policy are listed at the beginning of each brochure.  In general, a $5.00 service fee will be charged per family member for class cancellations beginning the first day of registration until 4:00 p.m. the Friday before the start of a session. After that Friday, a prorated percent of the class fee, less a $5.00 service fee and any direct program material costs, will be refunded thereafter. The $5.00 service fee will be waived if a physician’s excuse is submitted. Programs that only meet 1 or 2 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). No refunds can be given for missed classes, after registration or trip deadlines or for unused punch cards. 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, as well as the fees for any previous days, in addition to the $5.00 cancellation fee.

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.  Types of proof of residency accepted are utility bills, tax bills or drivers license.  You may submit proof of residency in person, by email or by fax.  Once we receive your proof of residency, 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.  Please call the Recreation Department to add a family member, add a birth date, or to add a grade.

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 registrations by phone.