Visitor Centers, Will County Forest Preserve Amenities To Reopen

JOLIET, IL – The Forest Preserve of Will County announced this week that it will open its visitor centers and more amenities beginning Friday as the state enters Phase 4 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Restore Illinois Plan.

On Friday, the Forest Preserve District will begin to reopen latrines on a rolling basis as crews make their way in the morning hours. Latrines will be cleaned twice a week, which will make it necessary for individuals to protect themselves from the spread of the coronavirus. Since latrines do not include running water or soap, forest preserve visitors are encouraged to bring wipes or hand sanitizer with them.

Online picnic and camping permits will be available starting Friday for groups of 50 people or less, which adheres to the state guidelines for gatherings. Reservations will be able to be made in person at visitor centers once they reopen next week.

Visitor centers, which have been closed since mid-March will open beginning Monday with the Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. The Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon and other Will County visitor centers in Romeoville and Crete Township will reopen on Tuesday.

The Forest Preserve also announced this week that water fountains and hand pumps will reopen in the coming weeks and so visitors are encouraged to bring water from home. Officials also announced that that boat and equipment rentals at the Monee Reservoir will begin on June 30. Boats along with fishing equipment and personal floatation devices will be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

Members of the public can contact the Forest Preserve by calling (815) 727-8700 or by filling out a Contact Us form.