The Village of Lake in the Hills staff occasionally takes photographs or video of participants for promoting/advertising our programs, services, events, activities, and facilities in our brochures, website or agency social media, and other promotional avenues. By registering for, participating in or attending Village sponsored programs, events, or other activities, the participant (or parent/guardian of a minor participant) authorizes the use of these photos and video footage (including pictures of a minor participant) for such promotional purposes without additional prior notice or permission without any compensation to you.  All photos and videos are the property of the Village.

• Beach access is limited to residents of the Village of Lake in the Hills and their guests. Non-residents can only access the beaches when accompanied by a resident of the Village of Lake in the Hills as their guest(s). Proof of residency is required. Non-lifeguard Village staff will be present from 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily  during open beach season from Memorial Day through Labor Day to ensure compliance with beach regulations.
• Swim areas are not guarded. Swim at your own risk.
• Persons less than 16 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible person 16 years of age or older when entering or using any beach area.
• No swimming during inclement weather when lightning is present.
• Be aware of the water quality advisories before swimming.
• Beach water is not suitable for drinking. Avoid swallowing water.
• Personal conduct must be such that safety is not jeopardized.
• No food, drink, or gum is allowed in the water.
• Patrons are encouraged to protect themselves from sun exposure.
• Children not toilet-trained shall wear swim diapers.
• Please do not use the beach facilities if you have a contagious or infectious disease.

All of the following are prohibited at the beaches:

• Swimming alone
• Diving in shallow water
• Fishing
• Animals and pets, with the exception of service dogs
• Grills (inside the gate, parking lot is okay)
• Glass containers
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Littering
• Feeding or otherwise disturbing wildlife
• Launching watercraft of any kind. There is no boat launching or fishing at or near the beach area. Boat Permits may be used at Woods Creek Lake, Goose Lake, Willow Lake, Lake Scott, Larsen Pond, and Turtle Pond and Fen Lake at Barbara Key Park.

Shelter reservations:

The shelter at Indian Trail Beach is the perfect place to host your next reunion, birthday party, or company picnic.

• Amenities include 4 picnic tables under the shelter, swimming, and sand volleyball.
• Grilling is permitted in the parking lot only. Hot coals must be extinguished and placed is the designated metal can.
• Smoking and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
• Reservations accepted starting on the first Monday in February of each calendar year.
• Reservations may take place between 10:30 AM and 7:30 PM.
• The contact person on the picnic reservation form must be present for the entire duration of the event.
• The area reserved must be left in a clean state with picnic tables in their designated area and garbage placed in the provided receptacles.
• No sound amplifying devices are allowed as part of the shelter rental.
• No advertising signage or soliciting allowed on the property.

Village staff have the authority and responsibility to enforce all beach rules and regulations. Staff may request persons not abiding by beach rules to leave the beach area. Police may be called if rules are violated. Village Staff have the discretion to limit hours during inclement weather. Dates and times are subject to change.

* A $5 service fee will be charged for withdraw requests.

* A full refund will be issued for any activity that is cancelled by the Village. No written request is required.

* Make up classes will either have a rescheduled date or a refund will be issued. 

* A refund will not be issued after the registration deadline for special events.

* A refund will not be issued after the registration deadline for trips unless the trip seat can be filled.  

* A refund will not be issued for missed or forgotten classes.

* Beyond the Bell, Camp and Preschool Academy programs have their own participant withdraw policy which can be found in the parent handbooks.

* Refunds for program participant withdrawals are based on the following: 

1) A refund (less $5 service fee) if cancellation request is received prior to the registration deadline.

2) A prorated refund (less $5 service fee) or transfer into another program if the program participant withdraw is made prior to the second class. 

3) After the second class, refunds cannot be issued. A prorated transfer to a current published brochure program can be completed during this time. 

4) Once a program participant withdrawal request has been received, only remaining classes will be considered towards the prorated transfer.

5) A refund (less $5 service fee) can be granted with a medical doctor’s note or at the discretion of the Recreation staff.  

The Village reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or combine classes for any reason found to be necessary by the staff. If insufficient enrollment causes an activity to be cancelled, participants will receive an online household credit or a refund. Please allow up to 4 weeks to receive your refund.

Cancellation Request Form

Rental Cancellation Request Policy

Shelter Rental Cancelation Policy:

If inclement weather on day of rental, renter may reschedule a reservation to a new date within the same calendar year.  Refunds may be given at the discretion of the Director of Parks and Recreation (or designee) due to an unforeseen circumstance, such as weather event.

Indoor Rental Cancelation Policy:

Renters may reschedule reservation within the same calendar year if requested at least three business days prior to the rental date.  Rescheduling within three business days or refunds may be given at the discretion of the Director of Parks and Recreation (or designee).  

Rental Cancellation Request Form

To ensure safe and enjoyable programs and facilities for all participants, the Village of Lake in the Hills has developed the following Code of Conduct. Participants in programs and those using facilities shall:

• Show respect to all participants, staff, equipment, supplies, and facilities.
• Refrain from using offensive or profane language.
• Refrain from aggressive behavior that could cause bodily harm.

The Village reserves the right to dismiss a participant from a program or revoke future participation privileges in programs and/or at facilities if the participant's behavior or language is deemed inappropriate by staff.

Certain Village facilities may be utilized for public or private use. Approval for facility use will require that the event or activity meet the following standards:

• That the primary purpose of any gathering provides for an activity or program that would be in the best interest of the community and provides a positive benefit.
• That the activity or event does not discriminate, degrade, or portray disrespect toward any individual or organization and/or create a negative impact to the community.
• That the soliciting or collection of money for the purpose of sales, promotion, or negotiating for sales within said facilities is prohibited without prior authorization from the Village Board of Trustees.
• Requested time of facility use will be considered and approved by the Village’s Director of Parks and Recreation or designee.

Those interested in reserving a Village facility are required to complete the Village of Lake in the Hills Facility Use Permit Application Form. The form must be submitted to the Village Hall with all fees or insurance documentation in order for approval to be considered.

Rentals requesting a Daily or Event liquor license can apply by completing the Village of Lake in the Hills Daily/Event Liquor License Application & Insurance Company Listing.

Available Facilities

• LaBahn Hain House – Year Round
• Village Hall Community Room – Year Round
• Village Hall Multi-Purpose Room (Lower Level) – Year Round
• Plote Field – May 1 through the first week in November
• Picnic Shelters – Reservations accepted on the first Monday in February of each calendar year

Scheduling: Village facilities are available for use by the general public on a first come, first served basis. Scheduling for all facilities, shelters, and athletic fields is subject to the discretion of the Director of Community Services or designee.

• Facility Use Policy
• Facility Use Permit Application

In the event classes must be canceled, the Village has established the following Inclement Weather Policy.

Contracted Locations: Programs that take place at contracted locations will be canceled at the discretion of that organization and they will contact the participants.

Schools: Activities that take place at a school will be canceled if that school district is closed or has early release on the day of the program. Participants will be contacted by the instructor or Village staff.

Village Sites: The instructor and/or staff will contact the participants if any program that is held at a Village facility or park is canceled due to weather events.

The Village may also cancel programs as it deems necessary.

If at any time an instructor is unable to make it to a program location, that program will be canceled.

We can all enjoy our parks if we follow these few simple rules.

• Parks are open sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise posted.
• Alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are prohibited.
• Fishing, ice fishing, and boating require a Lake Use Permit.
• Park only in areas designated for park patrons.
• No overnight parking allowed.
• Please obey posted signs.
• Motorized vehicles are permitted on roads only.
• Pet owners must keep animals on leashes and perform appropriate pet waste cleanup.
• No pets allowed on athletic fields/courts, beaches, or playgrounds.
• Bicycles prohibited on athletic fields/courts.
• Golf prohibited on playing fields.
• Snowmobiles are not allowed in parks or open space.
• The smoking of tobacco and the use of smokeless tobacco products is prohibited within 15 feet of play areas and shelters.

Parks and play areas within the Village are tobacco-free zones. To enhance the enjoyment of spectators and participants in the many activities at parks within the Village, the Village Board approved an Ordinance to ban tobacco use at parks within 15 feet of any play area or shelter. Play areas include playgrounds, athletic courts, public beaches, sports fields, skate parks, the Disc Golf Course, Splash Pad, and the Bark Park. The tobacco-free parks initiative includes the ban of smokeless tobacco products as well as cigarettes, cigars, and pipes.

The project is part of the Illinois Department of Public Health’s “We Choose Health Initiative” made possible by funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Grant monies awarded to the Village of Lake in the Hills by the McHenry County Department of Health are being used to install signage at all parks, mail reminder postcards to all residents and businesses registered in the Village, and pay for all other costs associated with the program.

The Village of Lake in the Hills is doing their part to reduce the impact of some of the leading causes of death, disability, and rising healthcare costs. We’re Proud to be Tobacco Free.