If your not-for-profit group wants to hold an event (such as a run/walk/bicycling fundraiser or school/scouting event/project) on the DuPage County highway and/or trail system and/or use the Rugaard Gazebo in Villa Park, please be aware that you will need a Highway Permit for a special event from the Division of Transportation. To obtain a Highway Permit, please follow the steps below.
Items to be provided include
- A completed Special Event Application, providing all information required.
- A non-refundable application processing fee of $50.00 per event.
- Provide a cover letter for your event stating event start/end times, set-up time needed (prior to and/or after event to remove items), proposed detour signage plan (if applicable) and event informational signage language.
- Provide a copy of the event map with the requested County highway and/or trail route noted.
- Provide a copy of your event flyer (with date/time/location of your event).
- Provide a copy of your event participation waiver. If the waiver is applicable to your event, you will be required to include the "County of DuPage, its agents and/or employees" to be held harmless for any injury and/or damage to myself, other persons and/or private property due to the participants involvement with/in the event.
- The permit applicant is required to provide insurance covering the "County of DuPage c/o the Division of Transportation" as described in the Highway Permitting Insurance Requirements.
If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact the Highway Permitting Department at 630-407-6900 (Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays) or email at: hwypermits@dupagecounty.gov.
In addition to a County highway permit, a separate permit is required for the use of the Rugaard Gazebo by the Villa Park- Parks & Recreation Department. Contact them directly at 630-834-8525 or their website at: Villa Park - Parks & Recreation to verify their permitting procedures/fees for such use. Additionally, you may be required to obtain permission from the local municipalities that your event will be held in along with coordination with local law enforcement and/or the DuPage County Sheriff's Department.
General trail permitting requirements include, but are not limited to
- Racing is NOT permitted on the trail system,
- The permittee is required to pick up their event generated debris (including any warning/informational signage)
- No equipment and/or materials shall interfere with the movement of pedestrians or bicyclists on the Path/Trail riding surface.
With regards to use of the Prairie Path and/or Great Western Trail rights-of-way, all participants will need to obey the 'Rules of the Trail'
- Share the trail with pedestrians, bicyclists, horseback riders, and other users.
- No motorized vehicles are allowed on the system.
- All users should keep right on the trail. Riders should travel single file, and passing should occur on the left.
- Users should announce their intention to pass.
- Move off the trail when stopped.
- No alcoholic beverages or controlled substances are allowed on the system.
- All animals should be kept leashed and owners should clean up after them.
- Always wear a helmet when bicycling.
