Frequently Asked Questions
Concerning Room Rentals At The South Holland Community Center

Call the Community Center at 708-331-2940.  Rooms are not reserved (booked) until payment in full has been made and a contract has been signed. Payment may be made by cash or check (checks are only accepted 15 days prior to the contract date). Rooms booked less than 72 hours before an event will need special permission from the building administrator.

Q.    Can we decorate the room(s)?

You may only decorate the tables and have freestanding decorations. You may not place any decorations on the walls, ceilings or windows. Tape, stickum and tacks will ruin the walls and ceilings and tape and stickum are very hard to remove from windows. Glitter, confetti and silly string are not allowed and groups using them will automatically be charged for the additional clean up.

Q.    When can I come in and decorate the room?

We allow 1 hour before the time that was contracted for rental groups to decorate. This policy allows for better utilization of the building and staff. If 1 hour is not enough time to setup, you may wish to extend your rental period.

Q.    What time must I leave the building?

You must be out of the building at the time you contracted for. We have to schedule staff to manage the building and to clean up the rooms after parties. It is very expensive to have staff waiting for groups to leave. If you fail to leave at the contracted time you will be charged by 1/2 hour increments to cover this additional staff expense.

Q.    Can I add additional rooms to my contract?

You may add additional rooms to your contract if they are available, and at least 48 hours prior to your event. You must do this in person and pay for the additions at the time you request them. You cannot add a room the day of your party. There may not be qualified staff on site to move walls or setup additional tables and chairs.

Q.    What areas of the building may my group use?

We ask that your party restrict themselves to areas that you have rented. There may be several events and programs going on the same time as your event.  Having children and/or adults congregating in the hallways could be very disruptive. We also request that you keep the lobby clear at all times to allow for other groups to access the building. Children must be supervised at all times. Guests are asked not to loiter in the parking lot. If anyone from your group would be interested in a tour of the building, please make arrangements with one of our staff members.

Q.    Can I bring in my own food?

Yes, you may bring in your own food.

Q.    May I bring in Alcohol?

Alcohol is not allowed in the building.  This includes beer, wine and/or champagne.

Q.    Can non-residents rent a room?

Yes. There is a small additional fee required for nonresidents.

Q.    I am having a pool party. What can I have on the pool deck?

For the safety of our guests, we do not allow radios, televisions or food items in the pool area. Also, shoes may not be worn on the pool deck. The sun deck is not part of the pool rental and will remain locked. Renters should be aware that they assume all liability for those using the pool. Before renting the pool, please go over the pool rules with the staff to answer any of your questions.

Q.    What other fees are required when booking a room?

There is a $150 damage deposit. A $16/hr staff fee is required after 3:00PM on Saturdays and Sundays (the building is open to rentals after 3:00PM on weekends which is beyond regular operating hours, so additional staff is required to cover this time). A $16/hr per lifeguard fee for those groups renting the pool is required. A $26/hr security staff fee for groups over 72 people (this provides an extra measure of safety to those using the building). A $16/per area fee is required for nonresidents. There are rental fees for extra equipment needs, i.e. volleyball net, easels etc. A $25 special permit fee is required for DJ's or PA systems.

Q.    Do I have to setup and take down the tables and chairs?

When you book a room(s), a room setup form will also be completed. On this form, a diagram on how you would like the room setup will be completed. On the day of your rental the tables and chairs will be setup according to the diagram. If you wish to make adjustments to table placements when you arrive for your party, you may do so. You may not request additional tables and chairs the day of your rental.

Q.    Must I clean the room when I am finished?

We ask that groups take out or throw away anything that they brought into the building. Tables must be cleaned off and all trash placed in the garbage cans or taken with.

Q.    What are the table sizes and how many people can sit around them?

There are two types of tables; one is 60 inches round and seats 8 people. The other type is rectangular, 8 ft long and 30 inches wide that can seat up to 10 people.

Q.    How many tables will each room hold?

Each room will hold 10 tables, any more than that and it becomes difficult to move about the room.

Q.    Can I smoke in the building?

The Community Center is a smoke free building and smoking is prohibited.

Q.     When will I receive my damage deposit after my event?

If all conditions of the room rental contract have been met, the deposit, in the form of a refund check, can be picked up at the Community Center 2–4 weeks after your event.  You will be notified by phone when it is available for pick-up.  If contract conditions are not met or the staff is required to provide extra supervision for your group, and/or directions of supervising staff are not followed, additional fees will be deducted from your deposit.

Q.     What kind of party can I hold?

The South Holland Community Center has been used for birthday, retirement, graduation, pool, and gym parties, wedding receptions, and bridal and baby showers.  Groups/organizations also hold business meetings, repasses and Bible studies. Any event or function the Department of Recreational Facilities & Park Maintenance feel would be a detriment to the building or in direct violation of any Village ordinances is prohibited. Renters cannot collect fees in the Community Center from those attending their event, nor can a free-will offering be collected.

Q.    What time can I rent the building?

Rooms can be rented during regular building hours and Saturday evenings until 11:00PM and Sunday evenings until 8:00PM. The pool and gym can be rented after 3:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.

Q.    Can I cancel my room reservation?

Cancellations must be made in writing.
Cancellations made less than 14 days prior to event will forfeit any and all payments.

Q.    Can I have music in my room?

Small radios are allowed in the meeting rooms and conference rooms, (no electrical devices are allowed in the pool area). DJ’s, bands, or any amplification system are allowed, but require a special permit and a $25.00 special permit fee. The volume must be kept at a reasonable level and must not become an annoyance to other groups or building patrons. The supervising staff will have total discretion on the volume level. Music, speech, or printed material containing offensive words or lyrics is prohibited in the building.

Obviously we cannot cover every question or circumstance that may arise during your particular event. Therefore we reserve the right to amend, change, add or delete any or all rules listed in, or implied in the above information or in any information printed or communicated verbally in regards to the South Holland Community Center. During your event, the supervisory staff on site will have the final judgment in the enforcement of any and all policies and procedures, and will provide recommendations to the building administrator, for the dispensation of your damage deposit.    

Copyright 2007. South Holland Parks and Recreation Department.