Grilling areas in Oak Park / River Forest area - Where??!?!?

Hello,
Unfortunately we live in a condo in River Forest that does not have a balcony and River Forest does not allow for you to grill in their parks. I'm not to sure about Oak Park. What would be out best bet? We have Weber Q Grill that we're dying to try!

mby385,

I don't think I've ever seen anyone grilling in a public space in Oak Park, so my guess is that you can't do it. However, I believe you can grill in the Thatcher Woods forest preserve that separates River Forest from Maywood, can't you? It's very possible that regulations have changed, but I believe I've seen people grilling there.

Hammond

At Taylor Park, near Ridgeland and Division in Oak Park, there is an area with grills (actually on the Northern end of the park, along Berkshire). Essentially, its BYOC--bring your own charcoal. There are some picnic tables in the same vicinity.

Now, let me say, first, I have seen people using the grills, so I know its doable, but (but), I have no idea how it works. I do not know if it is first come first serve. I do not know if you need a reservation or permit.

But the whole thing DOES seem possible.

Rob

Wow thaks for the tips you guys! I just called the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and confirmed that you could use portable grills.

If anyone else needs a map to reference, here yah go!

http://www.fpdcc.com/tier3.php?content_id=66#ib

I'm still open to other picnic areas other than the Forest Preserves.

mby385,

You know, if I were going to have to travel to set up a bbq, I'd opt to go to the lake front -- yes, it's further away, but it seems like it'd be much more fun cooking up and chowing down in that atmosphere than it would be in a regular park.

Hammond

Hi,

Last year I brought my smoker to a forest preserve for a cook out. I got one blazing fire going with my wood charcoal. Everyone enjoyed the food. I also was almost the last person to leave waiting for the coals to cool down enough to dispose.

So get there early to start the fire and have plans to spend some time lounging around. Unlike cooking at home, where you can just let the grill die down slowly and maybe clean it tomorrow. You have to attend to those coals in one form or another before you leave the park. They did have a 50-gallon oil drum specifically for disposing coals; which you cannot mix with regular garbage.

I'm sure you will have a good time.

Regards,