Mission Statement – Conserving nature, supporting wellness, and inspiring leisure for all.

Affiliations
CAP – Community Alliance Project, a coalition of business and community leaders that network and coordinate positive youth development efforts in Vernon Hills and Hawthorn School Districts.
IGFOA – Illinois Government Finance Officers Association
IPRA – Illinois Park and Recreation Association
IAPD – Illinois Association of Park Districts
NRPA – National Recreation and Park Association
SRACLC – Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County

Age Qualification – The District establishes appropriate age qualifications for each of its programs. Only the program supervisor is authorized to make exceptions to these age ranges. Consideration will only be given once all age-appropriate participants have had an opportunity to register.

Americans With Disabilities – The Vernon Hills Park District will comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination in the provision of programs, services, or activities to individuals with disabilities. We invite any participant with a special need to contact our staff or our SRA staff, upon registration, so that a smooth inclusion can occur. If you have any questions regarding the Park District’s ADA policy, or believe you have been unfairly discriminated against in the provision of programs, services, or activities of the Vernon Hills Park District, please contact the District ADA Compliance Officer, Tom Ritter by mail at 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills, IL 60061 or by telephone at (847) 996-6802. For the deaf or hearing-impaired, call the Illinois Relay Center voice only operator at (800) 526-0857.

DEI Statement – The Vernon Hills Park District commits itself to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value a mutually respectful, multicultural and equitable environment that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage a variety of opinions, approaches, perspectives and abilities. We create places and experiences where all feel welcome, comfortable, and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. We are committed to putting resources and attention toward making our workforce diverse and equitable.

Discipline – A positive approach is used regarding discipline. Staff periodically reviews rules with participants during programs. If inappropriate or unacceptable behavior occurs, prompt resolution will be sought and the District Behavior Management Policy (2.39) will be used as a guideline. The Park District reserves the right to remove a participant whose actions endanger the safety of himself or others.

Fees: Resident/Non-Resident (NR) – Vernon Hills residents significantly contribute to the operating budget of the Park District by paying property taxes. Everyone who resides within the boundaries of the Park District are eligible to receive resident discounted rates. Families living within Hawthorn School District #73 are also eligible to receive resident discounted rates for programs, Lakeview Fitness memberships, and Lakeview Fitness daily passes. The only exceptions are facility rentals and daily admission to the Turtle Creek Waterpark. Non-resident fees are the second fees shown in program descriptions. These rates are not discounted and are necessary in order to ensure that non-resident participants contribute to the overall financing of the park system on an equitable basis with residents.

Food Allergy Policy – The Park District will attempt to accommodate each program participant who has a food allergy in order to provide the safest learning environment possible. A Food Allergy Action Plan will be created by the District staff and parents and will identify operational practices for parents, teachers, and children to follow. For a copy of the Food Allergy Policy, contact Tom Ritter, Superintendent of Recreation, at (847) 996-6802 or tomr@vhparkdistrict.org.

No Smoking Ordinance – In addition to the Smoke Free Illinois Act, the entire Park District which includes all facilities, buildings, parks, streets, paths, open space and all waters, is designated as tobacco free.

Notary Public Services – Notary public services are available by appointment at the Sullivan Community Center. Documents must be signed in the presence of the Notary Public. Contact Debi Minske at (847) 996-6931 or debim@vhparkdistrict.org.

NSF Policy – A $25 service charge will be assessed on all checks returned due to non-sufficient funds (NSF).

Unpaid Balances – Households with an unpaid balance will not be allowed to register for any Vernon Hills Park District programs, activities, memberships, or rentals until the balance is paid in full.

Visual Media – The District takes photographs and/or video of participants for promoting/advertising our programs, services, events, activities, and facilities in our program guides, websites, agency social media sites, and other promotional avenues. By registering for, participating in or attending District programs, events, or other activities, the participant (or parent/guardian of a minor participant) irrevocably agrees to the use and distribution by the Park District of his or her image (or of his minor child/ward) in photographs, video recordings, and any other electronic reproductions of such programs, events and activities for any purpose without inspection or approval and without compensation, rights to royalties or any other consideration now and in the future.

Senior Citizen Discount -Senior discounts (Vernon Hills residents, 62+ years) are available for daily passes and membership to Lakeview Fitness and Turtle Creek Waterpark. For all other programs , a 20% discount will be applied.

Speakers Bureau – Local groups are encouraged to invite our staff to your meetings to speak about Park District happenings. Contact Cheryl Buhmann at (847) 996-6933 or cherylb@vhparkdistrict.org.

Vandalism – Each year, vandalism costs the Park District thousands of dollars. Higher costs of maintenance, repair and clean up of park areas can be avoided only with your help. Should you see vandalism occurring, please call 911.

Vernon Hills Police – Through a cooperative agreement with the Village of Vernon Hills, all parks and park facilities are policed by the Vernon Hills Police Department. Police are radio dispatched and may be summoned by calling (847) 362-4449.