Facility Rentals

Shelter Rentals

The Parks and Recreation Department has several picnic shelters available for rent to Elgin residents. Two shelters are located at Wing Park, and Lords Park and one at Trout Park. You can check for shelter availability and reserve a picnic shelter online by following the online web link below. If you do not have an online account you will need to first setup your household account. You can also check on availability by calling the Centre of Elgin Main Courtesy Desk at 847-531-7000. Picnic shelter reservations are not taken over the phone and can also be reserved in person at the Front Courtesy Desk.

Elgin residents may reserve a shelter starting mid-January of the current calendar year, while non-residents can reserve up to two weeks in advance of the reservation date. Shelters are open from April 8 through October 7. All reservations must be made by Noon the Thursday before the reservation date. No refunds are given for unused reservation date. No refunds are given for cancellations after Noon the Thursday before the reservation date. Review picnic shelter rules and regulations.

Download Shelter Rates & Rules. 

Reserve a Shelter Here

The Centre of Elgin

Heritage Ballroom 

The Heritage Ballroom is an elegant banquet facility with a spectacular view to accommodate up to 300 people for weddings, quinceaneras, and other special events. Our banquet facility is highlighted by panoramic window views, full bar and kitchen facilities, state of the art multimedia capabilities, dance floor and a complete sound system and is conveniently located adjacent to the beautiful Walton Island. For pricing information visit The Centre of Elgin’s website, or call our banquet offices, at 847-531-7047.

Meeting Rooms

Our fully-equipped meeting rooms are ideal for smaller events such as business presentations, committee meetings, seminars, club functions, birthday parties, and wedding or baby showers. Catering and multimedia capabilities are also available in our meeting rooms. Please call our Banquet Office at 847-531-7047 for availability and prices. For more information checkout The Centre of Elgin website.

Hawthorne Hill Nature Center

Hawthorne Hill Nature Center offers a spacious meeting room and kitchenette. This rental space comes with tables and chairs and has a view of the pond with a patio area. To rent this facility for your next event, contact us at 847-531-7000, or stop by the main courtesy desk at The Centre of Elgin. 

HHNC Rental Agreement


Hemmens Cultural Center 

Rental space is available at the Hemmens Cultural Center for performances, meetings, and gatherings. The Hemmens Theatre, which Harry Belafonte has described as a jewel is an acoustical gem with no seat farther from the stage than 87 ft. The Hemmens also has an 11,340 Sq. ft. exhibition hall, a full-equipped banquet kitchen, an art gallery, and meeting space.

With convenient free parking and easy access from major routes, the Hemmens Cultural Center is ideal for your event. Call 847-697-3616 for rental information.

The Pavilion at Lords Park

Have your next gathering at the beautiful Lords Park Pavilion. Available for use by groups of up to 300 people, prices vary according to size and rental terms. To request more information, a rental packet, or to reserve your special date, please call 847-531-7047 or email us at banquets@cityofelgin.org.

The Pavilion at Lords Park Use Agreement is also available here.

Pool Rentals

Have your own private pool party! Private rentals are perfect for any occasion including birthday parties, group outings, and end of the school year parties. Reservations and payments must be made at The Centre of Elgin at 100 Symphony Way during normal business hours. Reservations need to be secured at least 72 hours in advance. 

Athletic Facility Rentals

The City of Elgin’s athletic facilities are available to all area individuals, team, businesses, and organizations wishing to rent them. Wing Park and the Sports Complex fields, as well as tennis courts and soccer fields are available for use March through October. Availability is limited.

For more information on rates and availability, contact the Parks and Recreation Office at 847-531-7009 or email.

Eastside Recreation Center 

ERC is temporarily closed due to COVID-19 

Room Rentals: Celebrate that special occasion or hold your next meeting in the ERC’s multi-purpose room (capacity 100). Tables and chairs are included.

Indoor Soccer Field: Reserve the 90’ x 35’ indoor soccer field for training and practicing small sided games year round.

Indoor Batting Tunnels: The tunnels accommodate both softball and baseball practices. Two 14’ x 70’ retractable tunnels allow for individual and team batting or pitching practice. When renting a pitching machine, softballs or baseballs are provided.

Photo Policy

City of Elgin Staff will periodically take photos of program participants and park visitors. These photos may be used in our publications, including seasonal program guides, facility brochures, advertisements, and our website. If you wish not to have your photo taken, please notify the photographer at that time.