What spaces in Township Hall are available?
The Town Hall has 4 different rooms of various sizes available to rent for meetings or events, plus a kitchen that is available for food staging as well.
What are the occupancy limits for each space?
Room 4 on the first floor, and Room 22 on the second floor, can each hold 46 total people at any time, but only 35 total with tables and chairs. The second floor Auditorium is limited to 150 people (with tables and chairs), 350 (with chairs only), and 500 max (standing room only). Room 30 on the third floor can hold 50 (with tables and chairs), 80 (with chairs only), and 150 (standing room only).
What are the associated costs for reserving a space?
Costs vary widely and are dependent on multiple factors; such as type of group (i.e. community group vs. private event), which room you are requesting, weekday vs. weekend, serving food or not, serving alcohol or not, etc. Room rentals can be anywhere from free to $200 for a single event and some require a separate security deposit as well. For more specific rental costs, view each space linked above.
I am interested in reserving a space. What’s the process?
If you are a community group, non-profit, educational or cultural organization just looking for a space to meet during the week, you can start by filing out “Standard Event” Application online through our website or download a hard copy of the form and submit to our office. If you are a private event, or an organization looking to hold an event on a weekend, charge admission, serve food or alcohol, then a fee will be associated with your request and you will need to fill out and submit a “Special Event” Application. All forms can be found on our website, or can be picked up in person at the Township Office.
I am a community non-profit, do I have to pay to rent the auditorium?
No, only if you are looking to rent the auditorium on a weekday/night and are not charging an admission and not serving food or alcohol, then it is free. Otherwise, there is a charge. Please visit the Auditorium page for all the necessary rental costs.
As a community non-profit, can I reserve a meeting room for monthly meetings?
Yes, as long as it is on a weekday/night and does not conflict with any other reservations.
I am not a community non-profit, but need space to meet with my group. How can I reserve a meeting room?
If you are a resident looking to rent for a private event, you will need to fill out the “Special Event” Application.
I would like to hold my wedding reception in the auditorium, but I don’t live in Riverside Township. Can I do that?
No. Private events in the Town Hall are only available to Riverside Township residents.
What’s the difference between a Private Event and a Public Event?
A public event would be like a community meeting from local groups and organizations that are open to the public and don’t charge and admission. A private event would be things like wedding showers, birthday parties, memorials, and fundraisers.
Can I bring and serve alcohol to my guests?
Yes. Any public event with alcohol will first require a Daily Liquor Permit from the Village of Riverside, as well as a permit from the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. Host Liquor Liability Insurance will be required as well, in the amount of $1,000,000, listing “Riverside Township” as additional insured. If it is a private event with liquor, you will NOT need a permit from the Village of Riverside, but you will still need to provide the Township with insurance coverage. PLEASE NOTE: If you wish to have alcohol at your event, your application will need to first be approved by the Township Board of Trustees at a regular, monthly board meeting. The board meets once a month, on the second Tuesday, so please submit your rental request far enough in advance so that there is time for board approval.
Can I host a fundraiser and charge guests for drinks with alcohol?
Yes, but you will need all the required permits from the Village of Riverside, and necessary insurance coverage provided to the Township prior to your event. There will also be increased rental fees and a security deposit required.
Am I required to use any Township-preferred vendors?
No, you can use any vendors you wish.
Am I required to have insurance for my event?
Insurance is only required in the presence of alcohol. You will need to provide the Township with Host Liquor Liability Insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 and that lists “Riverside Township” as additional insured.
Do you provide tables and chairs?
Yes, we provide all the necessary tables and chairs for sitting and eating. We do NOT have cocktail tables to stand at.
Where should my guests’ park?
The Township unfortunately only has street parking available. There is no public parking lot. Guests are expected to obey all street parking signs and restrictions.
Are we required to clean-up after the event?
Yes. You must leave the building/room as, or in better condition than you found it. Garbage must be emptied into the dumpsters outside, in the rear of the building. Any decorations, personal property, or outside vendor equipment must all be removed at the end of your event. Township-owned tables and chairs do not have to be put away; our custodians will take care of that, as well as the mopping of floors.
How long in advance must I reserve the space?
Standard Use events require at least 48 hours in advance. For Special Use events, especially those requiring alcohol, must be submitted at least 30 days in advance.
I have heard the Township Hall called many different things, including: Town Hall, Township Hall, Village Hall, Village Center — which is correct?
The building is officially called the Riverside Town Hall. While not official, Township Hall is also acceptable.
Who owns the Township Hall building?
Riverside Township owns the Town Hall building and all the facilities within.
How old is the building?
The building was erected in 1894 and will be 125 years old in 2019.
Does the building have any historical designation?
Yes. In 1972, the Illinois Department of Conservation listed the Town Hall on the Illinois Historic Structure Survey and on January 4, 1993, the Town Hall building was designated as a Riverside landmark.
Is there WIFI available?
Yes, there is free wifi throughout the Town Hall. Just search for the “Township-Public” network; no password required.