Forest Preserve Closes Headquarters, Trails Remain Open

WILL COUNTY, IL — After previously closing all of its other visitor centers, the Forest Preserve District of Will County has closed its headquarters at Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet.

The preserve said staff will continue to work, and members of the public should call 815-727-8700 for assistance or fill out a Contact Us form online.

The preserve said the sale of wedding, picnicking and camporee permits will be suspended through April 30 due to state and federal health guidelines about limiting gatherings.

The closures and cancellations are being instituted to help reduce a possible spike in COVID-19 cases, similar to those seen in other countries affected by the virus, which would overwhelm health care providers and facilities, said Ralph Schultz, the Forest Preserve's chief operating officer.

Forest preserves, trails and all six dog parks remain open for the time being, the preserve said. However, members of the public are being advised to use their best judgment when considering a visit to a dog park. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging people to limit social gatherings to 10 people or less and to keep a social distance of 6 feet or more from others to prevent the spread of the disease.

During the visitor center closures, members of the public can continue to obtain camping and dog park permits online via the Camping and Dog Exercising pages.

The vestibule at the Forest Preserve's police headquarters will remain open so people can pay tickets between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. The preserve said the vestibule will be staffed most of the time during business hours. However, if there isn't a staff member present, visitors can push the call button for assistance. Ticket payments also can be mailed to: Forest Preserve Police, 22606 S. Cherry Hill Road, Joliet, IL 60434.