Winter Outdoor Recreation

Wed January 10, 2024

GET YOUR WINTER WEATHER UPDATES ON RAINOUTLINE

Ice skating, sled hill and snowshoeing conditions are updated daily on our weather status page where you can also enroll in email and text alerts with Rainout Line.

CLICK HERE

SLED HILLS

Sledding is available at Gilbert Park, O'Brien Park, Concord Park and Ebersold Park from 8:30 am to 10 pm daily. Sled at your own risk! The Downers Grove Park District reminds people that they are responsible for safety while sledding on Downers Grove Park District grounds. Parents are encouraged to make sure supervision is provided before letting children play on the hills. Please check to make sure the hills are safe for sledding.

ICE SKATING

Weather Permitting

This winter Downers Grove Park District will maintain unsupervised ice skating at Prince Pond. Hours are 8:30 am to 10 pm daily from approximately mid-December through February. It takes several days of single-digit and low-teen temperatures for sufficient ice to form. Ice maintenance will occur after staff has completed snow plowing duties for the day.

Ice Skating Conditions

• Please locate the flag pole at Prince Pond for current skating conditions before stepping on the ice. Staff monitors thickness and requires 8 inches of ice to open for skating.
• Green flags: Indicate ice rink conditions are safe at cleared spots only.
• Red flags: Indicate dangerous skating conditions; rink is closed.
• If you witness an emergency, please dial 911 immediately.

SNOWSHOEING

Rent a pair of snowshoes at Lyman Woods and get out there to enjoy the winter woods! When there are at least four inches of snow on the trails, both adult and children's snowshoes will be available for use at Lyman Woods. Snowshoes are available during regular Interpretive Center hours on a first-come, first-served basis. The rental fee for each pair is $10 for a 3-hour rental. Credit cards, checks, and cash are accepted. Click here for snowshoeing status. Guided snow shoe hikes and extended hours for snow shoeing at Lyman Woods will be added throughout the winter when there's enough snow. Call 630.963.9388.

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SNOW REMOVAL

The District asks for your patience as our crews will work quickly to remove snow at our parks and facilities. Snow removal is prioritized in the following order:

1. District facility parking lots (most to least utilized)
2. Sled hill parking lots (Gilbert Park, O'Brien Park, Concord Park and Ebersold Park)
3. Park parking lots
4. Village-owned sidewalks
5. Prince Pond ice rink (if frozen)
6. Park walking paths

Please note that the District does not use salt on any pathways; use at your own risk.