Preserve Reduces Capacity For Picnics, Programs To 25 People

WILL COUNTY, IL — Due to new health restrictions in Will County, the forest preserve district said it will roll back picnic shelter and program capacity. New restrictions went into effect Aug. 26, and reduced social gatherings and events from allowing 50 people to 25.

According to the preserve, picnic permits will now be capped at 25, per advice from the Illinois Department of Public Health. All public programs and field trip will be set to 25 people maximum until further notice. This is a reduction from the 50 that had been allowed under phase four of the Restore Illinois reopening plan.

The preserve said the state originally said new measures would not affect outdoor activities, however it was later clarified that outdoor picnics and weddings would fall under social event and gathering restrictions.

Existing permits will not be canceled and new permits can be booked, but all permit holders will be advised that they must abide by the state's new mitigation measures, which could change as case numbers fluctuate in Will County.

The Forest Preserve District urges everyone to abide by the restrictions, as well as the advice from health experts to: wear masks if you can't maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet from others. Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. Bring hand sanitizer with you if you can't wash your hands with soap and water. Use disinfecting wipes on surfaces that may have been touched by others. Choose to visit outdoor recreational sites that are less crowded or go at a time when there will be fewer people at the same location.

While the size of gatherings has been reduced, dog parks, preserves, trails, parking lots, latrines, water fountains and visitor centers remain open, the preserve said. Inside programs and meetings continue to be limited to 10.

Visitor centers remain open, with reduced capacity; however, all patrons who stop by are asked to wear masks for the safety of employees and other visitors.