FAQ

Answers to frequently asked questions about facility reservations:

1. Possession or use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all Metro Parks areas. Smoking is prohibited in the buildings.
2. There are no overnight accommodations or camping facilities.
3. Visitors are prohibited from bringing their own firewood into the park district. If requested in advance, Metro Parks can provide firewood for those with facility reservations.
4. Building keys are not issued; exact entry/exit times are required when making reservations.
5. Special-use permits (SUP) may be required in addition to the reservation permit. Activities requiring an SUP include weddings, dunking machines, inflatable "moon walks" and slides, and the use of out-of-the-ordinary barbeque grills and in-ground barbeque pits. When in doubt, please ask.
6. Decorations must be free standing.
7. You must be 21 or older to make a reservation. At least one adult must be present during the entire reservation period. For groups whose individuals are younger than 18, there must be one adult present at all times for every 20 minors.
8. Building capacity is determined by fire code. Exceeding the capacity of a building will result in the closure of the reserved building.
9. At least two weeks prior to the reservation, any changes in entry/exit times and setup must be reported with a phone call to Metro Parks.
10. There are no refunds. If notice of cancellation is given at least two weeks prior to the reservation date, one reuse will be granted within the following twelve months, pending availability. Metro Parks is not responsible for inclement weather conditions.

Helicopters
Sugar maple seeds, which can be seen falling like helicopters beginning in September, are called double samaras.

The War of 1812
A high ridge above the Wadsworth Area in Sand Run Metro Park was a lookout point for General Elijah Wadsworth, who made his camp near the present-day Old Portage Area during the War of 1812.