About Us

The Carbondale Park District was established in 1940 and is one of the 340 park districts in Illinois. It is a local special purpose district providing parks and recreation within a geographic area whose boundaries largely encompass Carbondale, IL. However, the District is not limited by the City boundaries. The State of Illinois grants different statutory privileges to the Park District and City.

In 1940 Carbondale voters recognized the need for a stable and sustainable source of funding for park and recreation purposes. There was recognition then that parks foster a sense of community pride and serve as a foundation for the quality of life in the community. – Carbondale Park District. (2021). Strategic Plan, 2021 through 2031. VIEW DOCUMENT HERE>

Carbondale Park District Tree Memorials

The Carbondale Park District Tree Memorial Program was established by the Carbondale Park District to allow a friend or loved one to be honored and remembered in a very special way – a living, growing tree. A tree will be planted on Park District property and the family notified. A permanent record will be kept of the donor, the honoree, and the  site of the planting. The Park District will maintain the trees.

Tree Memorial application forms are available at the LIFE Center. For more information, call 549-4222. A minimum donation of $100.00 is required.

Gifts may also be made to the Park District’s general beautification programs.

Who Qualifies to pay the Resident Fees?

The Resident fee is determined by your home address and whether or not you reside within the Carbondale Park District taxing area. Basically, you need to reside (live) within the Carbondale City limits. To prove residency you must present a current (unexpired) photo ID and proof of Carbondale address. Examples are: a recent piece of mail addressed to you (not junk mail), a bill in your name, or your property tax bill. Residency can be established at the LIFE Community Center.

VIEW CARBONDALE PARK DISTRICT TAXING AREA MAP>

Minimum/Maximum Participation Policy

Program fees are based on a minimum number of participants signing up. The minimum number of enrollees is necessary to cover the cost of offering the program. If less than the minimum number of participants required are enrolled at the registration deadline, the Carbondale Park District reserves the right to cancel that program. Those enrolled will be notified of the cancellation and will receive a full refund by mail. The maximum number of participants is determined based on safety, facility limitations, and quality assurance.

Program Cancellation Refund

When a program is canceled by the Carbondale Park District, for any reason, a 100% program registration fee refund will be issued to each canceled program registrant.

Refund Policy

A 100% program registration fee refund will be issued only if a request for a refund is made no less than three business days prior to the start of the program. A 50% program registration fee refund will be issued only if a written request for a refund is received prior to the second scheduled meeting of the program. There will be no program registration fee refunds given after the second scheduled meeting of the program except as defined under Medical Refund Requests.

Medical Refund Request

A pro-rated program registration fee refund will be issued based upon the number of sessions remaining in the program only if a written request accompanied with medical documentation has been received identifying a medical problem which prohibits the individual’s continued program participation. Such written request for a refund due to medical reasons must be received within three business days following the completion of the last scheduled meeting of the program. No refunds will be given thereafter.

Insurance

The Carbondale Park District assumes no responsibility for injuries or accidents occurring at programs or activities. It does not carry medical or loss of personal property insurance for program participants – the cost would make program fees prohibitive. It is advisable to review your own personal insurance plan to be certain that you and your family have proper coverage.