PLEASE NOTE...
DeKalb Park District shelters are available for rent by individuals and groups from April 1st through October 31st each year. Rentals are made on a first-come basis on the first business day of March each year. Non-profit (501c3) organizations may apply beginning on the first business day of January each year.
Rentals must be booked no less than one week in advance to the event date.
You may call the Administration Office (815.758.6663) to check availability.
Shelter house rental applicants may apply at:
Hopkins Park Community Center
Administration Office (2nd floor)
1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb
Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
Full payment is required to secure your reservation. Payment accepted includes cash, check, and Visa or MasterCard. Payments must be made in person.
Renters may pickup a key for their rental date Wednesday through Friday the week of your event between 9am and 5pm. You may not enter the facility until 8am the day of your rental unless prior arrangements have been made with the Park District.
A CASH security deposit of $100 is required at the time you pick up the key. This deposit is returned to you when you return the key as long as the shelter house and area, inside and outside, is returned to equal or better condition than it was found. If the shelter is found otherwise, the Park District reserves the right to retain all or part of the deposit. Damages in excess of the $100 deposit will be billed to the renter.
Shelter Rental Types & Pricing
Built in 1935, the Hopkins Shelter has been a fixture in the park for generations. The shelter was renovated in 2008 to include new bathrooms, a new roof, new windows, new kitchen area and family restrooms.
Located in the center of Hopkins Park, the Hopkins Shelter is great for reunions and large family picnics. It is in close proximity to the playground and swimming pool.
Address: 1403 Sycamore Road
Shelter Capacity (inside): 80 at tables + 20 chairs
Enclosed: Yes Kitchen: Yes Bathrooms: Yes Electricity: Yes BBQ Grills: Yes
Playground: Yes Basketball Court: Yes Ball Field: No
| Hopkins Shelter Rental Rates | Capacity | Rate |
| Basic Rental |
100 or less | $250 |
| Large Group Rental (indoor seating capacity is 100) |
100-150 people | $325 |
| Non-Prime Rental Rates - all day | 100 or less | $200/all day |
| Non-Prime Rental Rates - two hours | 100 or less | $125/two hours |
Basic rentals includes the shelter house, attached bathrooms and a designated area adjacent to the shelter. Also included are designated grills and picnic tables.
Large group rentals includes the shelter house, attached bathrooms, and a designated area adjacent to the shelter to accommodate a larger group. Also included are designated grills and picnic tables.
Non-prime rental rates are reduced fees for weekdays. Non-prime dates may also be rented for shorter durations.
Special Events (Hopkins Park Only) Non-profit 501c3 fundraisers and events exceeding 150 people are required to submit a Special Event Application. Additional information may be required during the approval process. Prices for these events are individually quoted based on impacts, costs, and involvement of the Park District. Failure to provide necessary information may result in the cancellation of an event. Due to the impact on the Hopkins Park and the shelter, the number of these types of events are limited to eight (8) per year.
A CASH security deposit of $100 is required at the time you pick up the key. This deposit is returned to you when you return the key as long as the shelter house and area, inside and outside, is returned to equal or better condition than it was found. If the shelter is found otherwise, the Park District reserves the right to retain all or part of the deposit. Damages in excess of the $100 deposit will be billed to the renter.
Located on West Taylor St., Lions Shelter offers a private setting for picnics and gatherings. There is plenty of open space and a playground in the front of the park.
Address: 700 W. Taylor St.
Shelter Capacity (inside): 80 at tables + 10 chairs
Enclosed: Yes Kitchen: Yes Bathrooms: Yes
Electricity: Yes BBQ Grills: Yes Playground: Yes
Basketball Court: No Ball Field: No
| Lions Shelter Rental Rates | Capacity | Rate |
| Basic Rental |
75 or less | $175 |
| Large Group Rental (indoor seating capacity is 75) |
76-100 people | $200 |
| Non-Prime Rental Rates - all day | 75 or less | $150/all day |
| Non-Prime Rental Rates - two hours | 75 or less | $100/two hours |
Basic rentals includes the shelter house, attached bathrooms and a designated area adjacent to the shelter. Also included are designated grills and picnic tables.
Large group rentals includes the shelter house, attached bathrooms, and a designated area adjacent to the shelter to accommodate a larger group. Also included are designated grills and picnic tables.
Non-prime rental rates are reduced fees for weekdays. Non-prime dates may also be rented for shorter durations.
A CASH security deposit of $100 is required at the time you pick up the key. This deposit is returned to you when you return the key as long as the shelter house and area, inside and outside, is returned to equal or better condition than it was found. If the shelter is found otherwise, the Park District reserves the right to retain all or part of the deposit. Damages in excess of the $100 deposit will be billed to the renter.
Located on Russell Road, Welsh Shelter is an open air shelter with a playground, basketball courts, a ball field and plenty of open space nearby.
In close proximity to NIU, Welsh shelter is great for small university gatherings and picnics.
Address: 651 Russell Road
Shelter Capacity: Seating for 46 under shelter
Enclosed: No
Kitchen: No
Bathrooms: Yes
Electricity: Yes
BBQ Grills: Yes
Playground: Yes
Basketball Court: Yes
Ball Field: No
| Welsh Shelter Rental Rates | Capacity | Rate |
| Basic Rental | 50 or less | $100 |
| Non-Prime Rental Rates - two hours | 50 or less | $75/two hours |
Basic rentals includes the shelter house, attached bathrooms and a designated area adjacent to the shelter. Also included are designated grills and picnic tables.
Non-prime rental rates are reduced fees for weekdays. Non-prime dates may also be rented for shorter durations.
A CASH security deposit of $100 is required at the time you pick up the key. This deposit is returned to you when you return the key as long as the shelter house and area, inside and outside, is returned to equal or better condition than it was found. If the shelter is found otherwise, the Park District reserves the right to retain all or part of the deposit. Damages in excess of the $100 deposit will be billed to the renter.