A request for use of a Naperville Park District location as a forum for Free Speech requires submittal of a Free Speech Activity Request.
Now accepting request through August 31, 2024.
Autumn Request (Sept 1, 2024- Dec 31, 2024) may be submitted for resident on or after Thursday, June 6, 2024 and for nonresidents on or after Thursday, June 13, 2024
Availability is subject to programming
Applicants who are unable to complete the online form may visit our registration offices at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center or the Fort Hill Activity Center during regular office hours.
Application for use of a Free Speech Forum should be made 7 days prior to the requested use date. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Executive Director or designated staff.
Applicants will be notified of the application status within 3 business days of receipt of the completed request.
Free Speech Activity Requests for use of the Riverwalk are restricted to the Smykal Shelter (also known as the Free Speech Pavilion), the Oliver Hoffman Shelter, Grand Pavilion or Millennium Carillon Amphitheater.
If the gathering/anticipated attendance cannot fit within the confines of the location requested, the Park District may assign an alternate location.

Applicant Information - Applicant must be 21 or older

First Name *

Last Name *

Organization (if applicable)

Applicant Address *

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Phone Number *

Email *

Activity Information - Entering second and third choices for your date is not required but may be helpful.

Please provide details of your Free Speech Activity *

Date Requested - One Date per Form * +

Second Choice +

Third Choice +

Start Time (Including Set Up Time) *

End Time (Including Take Down Time) *

Location Requested for the Activity *

If the Location Requested is for use of the Riverwalk, one of the four designated Riverwalk locations must be selected. Please select a location from the drop-down below. If the Location Requested is not the Riverwalk this field can remain blank.

Anticipated Attendance *

Will you be using amplification *

Please provide details regarding amplification *

Waiver, Use Regulations, and Cancellation Policy

Indemnification: The Person/Organization to whom/which this Permit is issued (“Organizer”) is responsible for the manner in which the peaceable speech activity is conducted and therefore agrees to protect, indemnify, save, defend and hold harmless the Park District, its officers, officials, volunteers, employees, and agents (hereafter collectively referred to as "District") from and against any and all liabilities, claims for compensation, obligations, claims, damages, penalties, causes of action, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees for which the District may become obligated by reason of any accident, injury or death of persons or loss of or damage to property arising indirectly or directly in connection with or under or as a result of said speech activity. Organizer must be on site for the duration of the event and must have a copy of the approved contract. The Park District reserves the right to amend the rental rules as needed to serve the best interests of the Park District. The Park District reserves the right to relocate any permitted speech activity based on unforeseen circumstances. The Park District does not assume any liability for lost or stolen property on the park district premises, or for personal injuries sustained on the premises during Organizer's use.

I have read and fully understand the terms and conditions, assumption of risk, waiver and release of all claims, as detailed above. *

I agree

Use Regulations

The purpose of Free Speech Forums is to allow individuals or organizations a place to express their ideas and/or distribute written materials to the public that is not commercially motivated. The Riverwalk is not a public forum except within the designated Free Speech Forums. Section 2.26 of Ordinance #641 identifies the Park District regulations concerning use of the Riverwalk and free speech areas for Parades, Public Assemblies or Meetings. In order to ensure the fair use of the area by the public, the Naperville Park District has developed the following regulations:

All activities at Free Speech Forums must be conducted in a fashion that will not violate the rights and privileges of other park users. For example, no speech event may block or impede the use of the Riverwalk by others. Further, these activities must be in accordance with Naperville Park District Ordinance 641, city, state and federal law.
Application for use of a Free Speech Forum should be made 7 days prior to the requested use date. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Executive Director or designated staff. Completed applications must be submitted online or to the registration office at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center or the Fort Hill Activity Center during regular office hours. Applicants will be notified of the application status within 3 business days of receipt of the completed application.
Approved use of a Free Speech Forum must be conducted within the confines of the Forum area at all times, and within the approved permit time. For example, activities permitted for the Free Speech Pavilion on the Riverwalk must be conducted within the confines of the structure.
All written material or handouts to the public shall be distributed within the confines of the Free Speech Forum area.
Users of Free Speech Forums shall not permanently alter or damage park property and shall restore the facility to its original state.
Use of amplification devices must be in accordance with Naperville Park District and City of Naperville regulations.

Individuals/Organizations with an approved permit are covered by the Naperville Park District amplification permit and do not need to obtain a permit from the City.

Amplification may be used only between the hours of 12:00 pm (noon) and 8:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and between 12:00 pm (noon) and 10:00 pm Friday and Saturday.

Unless otherwise approved, the use of a Free Speech Forum shall be no longer than 5 hours in length and must be within the normal hours of the park.
The sponsoring individual/organization agrees to hold the Naperville Park District harmless against any and all suits of any manner, which may arise as a result of the activities by the sponsoring agent.
The use of obscene, profane or vulgar language or gestures, or threats of violence or injury is prohibited.
If the requested Free Speech Forum is not available, or if the gathering cannot fit within the confines of the forum area, the Park District will help to identify and reserve an alternate Free Speech Forum area. The following locations on the Riverwalk have been designated as Free Speech Forum areas: Free Speech Pavilion, Oliver Hoffman Shelter, Grand Pavilion, and Millennium Carillon Amphitheater.

I have read and fully understand the Free Speech Forum Use Regulations *

I agree

Cancellation Policy:

The park district must be notified as soon as possible of any requests for changes to, or the cancellation of, an approved permit. Rescheduling is subject to availability.