FAQs
GENERAL FAQs
Where is the Tinley Park-Park District located?
The Tinley Park-Park District is located in Tinley Park, IL – a southwest suburb of Chicago. Its main offices are located in the Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center, 8125 W. 171st St, Tinley Park.
I live in Tinley Park, but not within the Tinley Park-Park District boundaries. Why is that?
The Village of Tinley Park and the Tinley Park-Park District are two, separate governing bodies. This means each entity has their own district boundaries from which property taxes are allocated. While most of the Village and Park District boundaries overlap in Tinley Park, there is a small section near the Brookside Glen subdivision that is part of the Village of Tinley Park but not the Park District, and a small portion of southwest Oak Forest that is part of the Tinley Park-Park District, but not the Village of Tinley Park. If you are confused as to which districts you reside in, check your most recent property tax bill.
How do I prove residency in the Tinley Park-Park District boundaries?
Visit the Bettenhausen Recreation Center, 8125 W. 171st Street, and present the following:
Proof of residency is required by showing a valid Drivers License or State ID and one item listed below:
ADULTS
- Current itemized tax bill
- Current month’s utility bill
- Voter’s registration card
- Vehicle registration
- Current Bank Statement
- Current Lease/Mortgage statement
YOUTH
- Birth certificate
Does a checkbook prove residency?
No. See proof of residency above.
Does an expired license count as a valid proof of identification?
No.
Is online registration available?
Yes, online registration is available.
You have a user ID and password if you have participated in any of our activities or memberships. Forgot your user ID or password? Click here!
New accounts created online default to Non-Resident status. You will be contacted by Park District personnel to provide the additional requirements shown below. See the requirements shown above.
You can not purchase memberships and/or secure a room or pavilion rental online.
You can obtain membership information by clicking the specific facility shown under Pass and Facility Information below.
You can check available dates for rooms and/or pavilions under Rentals. Additional information is available on the Rental or Park Pavilion Permit pages.
If you or your dependents require special accommodations for our programs, call us at 708-342-4200.
How do I cancel an activity I signed up for or request a refund?
You must request the activity cancelation/refund at the Recreation Center front desk, by calling 708-342-4200, or by emailing info@tinleyparkdistrict.org. Please see the brochure for the refund policy. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing.
I want to sign up for a special event, but I am not sure if I will be able to make it. How much notice do I need to give to receive a refund?
Refund requests must be submitted at least one week before the event. Please see the brochure for the refund policy.
Do I need a permit to have a picnic?
A permit is required for group picnics involving fifteen or more persons and to reserve the shelter for exclusive use. Picnics may be held at any picnic shelter on district property not specifically set aside for other recreational activities. Groups of less than 15 do not need a permit unless exclusive use of the shelter is desired. A picnic permit is required if you are planning to have a bounce house, food truck, DJ, or other vendors at a picnic and TPPD must have a certificate of liability insurance from the vendor on file at least two weeks prior to the event.
When is security on duty?
May 1 through October 31: two security officers are scheduled for each shift outside from 5:30 pm until 11:30 pm on weekdays and 9:30 am until 11:30 pm on weekends.
November 1 through April 30: one security guard is scheduled with an additional guard as needed. One security guard is also on duty from 9:30 am until 10:30 pm on weekends.
FIELDS AND PARKS
When do the outdoor basketball lights get turned on?
The first week of April
Do I need a permit to access the outdoor fields?
Freedom is the only field for which a permit is required. If someone has a permit for one of our other fields, their permit will take precedence over anyone else. contact the athletic supervisor Ron Woodworth with any questions.
Can anyone turn the lights on at the fields?
The fields are all set on automatic timers; however, we can call security to see if it is possible for the lights can be turned on earlier. Security can turn on lights for all the fields except Community, Freedom, Memorial and McCarthy. Please contact the athletic supervisor Ron Woodworth with other questions.
When is the skate park open?
The skate park is open year-round, unless there is snow. The skate park closes at sundown.
When is the ice rink open?
Weather permitting, but typically the end of December until early March.
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
Can I watch open gym basketball for free?
No. Anyone in the gym for open gym must pay or be a member. Parents are welcome to watch their children during open gym for free. If a parent is going to be on the actual basketball court (even if they are not going to play) they must pay. Leagues can be watched for free.
My child is very young do they have to pay?
Freedom is the only field for which a permit is required. If someone has a permit for one of our other fields, their permit will take precedence over anyone else. contact the athletic supervisor Ron Woodworth with any questions.
Is food or drink allowed in the gym?
The fields are all set on automatic timers; however, we can call security to see if it is possible for the lights can be turned on earlier. Security can turn on lights for all the fields except Community, Freedom, Memorial and McCarthy. Please contact the athletic supervisor Ron Woodworth with other questions.
If I pay for the day and leave, can I come back without paying?
The skate park is open year-round, unless there is snow. The skate park closes at sundown.
Are service animals allowed?
Weather permitting, but typically the end of December until early March.
Who is allowed in the teen room?
Weather permitting, but typically the end of December until early March.
If I work in Tinley can I sign up my son who does not live in Tinley for a rec center membership?
Weather permitting, but typically the end of December until early March.
If I am a non-resident do I still have to bring a drivers license?
Weather permitting, but typically the end of December until early March.
I am a 13-year-old non-resident and I want to play open gym, can I?
Weather permitting, but typically the end of December until early March.
What is allowed in the batting cage?
Weather permitting, but typically the end of December until early March.
Do you have basic information on your batting cages?
The Bettenhausen Recreation Center has one indoor batting cage for baseball and t-ball only. The speed ranges from about 45-80 mph. The Junction has five outdoor batting cages; one cage soft-pitch high-arc, one fast-pitch low-arc; three for baseball. Softball speeds are set close to 45, 55, 65 mph. Cages at The Tinley Junction are available to rent or to drop in and pay. Contact Meghan Fenlon for rental details.
fields and parks
When do the outdoor basketball lights get turned on?
The first week of April
Do I need a permit to access the outdoor fields?
Freedom is the only field for which a permit is required. If someone has a permit for one of our other fields, their permit will take precedence over anyone else. contact the athletic supervisor Ron Woodworth with any questions.
Can anyone turn the lights on at the fields?
The fields are all set on automatic timers; however, we can call security to see if it is possible for the lights can be turned on earlier. Security can turn on lights for all the fields except Community, Freedom, Memorial and McCarthy. Please contact the athletic supervisor Ron Woodworth with other questions.
When is the skate park open?
When is the ice rink open?
Weather permitting, but typically the end of December until early March.
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
Can I watch open gym basketball for free?
No. Anyone in the gym for open gym must pay or be a member. Parents are welcome to watch their children during open gym for free. If a parent is going to be on the actual basketball court (even if they are not going to play) they must pay. Leagues can be watched for free.
My child is very young do they have to pay?
Children aged three years and up must pay. Children under three years old can play for free.
Is food or drink allowed in the gym?
No. Water is allowed in the actual gym area. Drinks and small snacks (no meals) are allowed in the gym lobby. The teen center allows food because the Pit Stop is under supervision.
If I pay for the day and leave, can I come back without paying?
You can be readmitted on the same day without charge only if you have your wristband. You must again check in with the desk staff and show them your wristband.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, per ADA, only service dogs are recognized as service animals. A service dog must be task trained to help an individual with a disability.
Who is allowed in the teen room?
Kids who are enrolled in grades 6-12 and have a membership or paid daily drop-in fee required. If it is the summer and a child has just graduated 5th grade, then the child will be allowed into the teen room.
If I work in Tinley can I sign up my son who does not live in Tinley for a rec center membership?
The person working in Tinley Park must be on the membership, then anyone in the household can join.
If I am a non-resident do I still have to bring a drivers license?
Yes, for security purposes.
I am a 13-year-old non-resident and I want to play open gym, can I?
Any non-resident 13 and older must be a Tinley Fitness member to use the open gym if coming alone. If the non-resident is with either a member or a resident, the non-resident can pay $15 to use the open gym for the day. See the gym rules for complete information.
What is allowed in the batting cage?
The machine is designed to only pitch fastballs for baseball, hitting and catching are only allowed inside of the actual cage. A t-ball stand is also available.
Do you have basic information on your batting cages?
The Bettenhausen Recreation Center has one indoor batting cage for baseball and t-ball only. The speed ranges from about 45-80 mph. The Junction has five outdoor batting cages; one cage soft-pitch high-arc, one fast-pitch low-arc; three for baseball. Softball speeds are set close to 45, 55, 65 mph. Cages at The Tinley Junction are available to rent or to drop in and pay. Contact Meghan Fenlon for rental details.
Tinley fitness
Are there Military discounts?
Tinley Fitness offers 30 days free to military personnel on leave with proper identification of active duty and Tinley Park residency. Fitness center membership includes use of the recreation center. Annual memberships are offered at the most discounted rate available, and the initiation fee will be waived. contact Kevin Hullinger for more information on the Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies program for veterans with disabilities.
When signing my child up for child care do I have to be a member myself?
We do not currently offer childcare.
Is there a cancelation fee for pool parties?
Tinley Fitness pool rental has a $25 cancelation fee if there is less than a 2-week notice.
white water canyon water park
Can I enter the Tinley Fitness or White Water Canyon pools in basketball shorts?
No. You must have proper swimwear. Swim trunks have a lining to differentiate them from regular shorts. White Water Canyon guests can purchase men’s swim trunks for $15, child’s for $10, and women’s swimsuits for $15. *limited sizes available*
Do I have to pay to be with my child for the Spray Ground Splash program?
No. An adult over age 18 must be present, however, there is no charge for the adult.
How long are the rain vouchers valid for the water park?
If the water park is closed for more than two hours, your receipt can be used as a free voucher for the water park for one visit. The voucher/receipt expires 30 days from the initial rained out visit.
Is there a cancelation fee for pool parties?
White Water Canyon cancelation fee is $50 if there is less than a 2-week notice.
What food/drink can I bring into the Water Park for a party?
You are welcome to bring a cake or cupcakes (birthday dessert) and/or sealed water. There is no refrigerator available for use, so please bring your dessert in a cooler.
Can I bring in decorations to pool parties?
Yes. Any decorations that can be easily removed.
