Joanne B. Wagner Community Center

615 N. West Avenue
Phone: (630) 993-8901
Fax: (630) 993-8929
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8a.m. - 9p.m.
Saturday, 8a.m. - 5p.m.

Joanne B. Wagner Community Center
On Saturday, September 6th, 2003, the Elmhurst Park District opened its newest facility, the Joanne B. Wagner Community Center. The Community Center is home to many Park District recreation programs including:

• Preschool Classes -

  Lit’l Butterflies (age 2 without parent)
  Wee Three’s (ages 31-40 mos. without parent)
  Tinker Toddler Time (ages 12-30 mos. with parent)
  Huggy Bear Two’s (ages 2-3 with parent)
  Kid’s Great Escape I & II (ages 2-5 without parent)
  Precious Pals Playgroup (ages birth-30 mos. and 2 1/2-5 yrs. with parent)
  A variety of “Kid Rock” classes
  Early Childhood Yoga classes
  Sunbeams & Rainbows Preschool

• General Interest Classes –

  Kreative Kreation classes, Mad Science, etc.

• Performing Arts Classes -

  Dance
  Music Lessons (piano, violin, guitar, and voice)

• Craft Classes –

  (Please check the Park District brochure for a complete listing of classes/date/time)

• Fitness Classes –

  Yoga
  Fitness Potpourri

• Gymnastic and Tumbling Classes (beginning January 2004)

  (Please check the Park District brochure for a complete listing of classes/date/time)

The Building's History

The facility was originally Cornille grade school (built in the late 1950’s) and was part of School District #3 in Bensenville. In 1974, the school became part of Elmhurst School District #205 but in 1982 was sold to MacCormac College for their suburban campus. The Park District purchased the building and seven acres of land in May 2003. Renovations were begun to add meeting rooms, classrooms and office space. A new gymnastic facility is being built and will be ready for January, 2004 classes.

The Community Center is named as a tribute to Elmhurst Park District advocate and Park Board Commissioner for 29 years, Joanne B. Wagner. Her tenure as president saw many changes and improvements at the Elmhurst Park District including the construction of Courts Plus, the Sugar Creek Golf Course, and the acquisition of The Abbey, Berens Park, and land along the Prairie Path and Salt Creek. Also, park facilities and program offerings were expanded and a full time Director was hired.

How Did The Wagner Community Center Become A Reality?

The Elmhurst Park District's Board of Commissioners, in cooperation with MacCormac College Board of Trustees, was pleased to announce the agreement for the purchase of MacCormac College school building and all adjacent college properties contiguous to Berens Park, 615 West Avenue for $3 million dollars. The purchase was finalized on May 30, 2003.

Based on the Park Board's strategic plan and comments made by residents throughout the community, the lack of indoor programming space is a critical issue that confronts the Park District. The addition of this 25,000 sq. ft. facility, which houses recreation division offices, another outlet for program registration, various preschool programs, gymnastics, dance, music, and other recreation programs currently housed in leased facilities, will help the Park District move closer to achieving its strategic goal of obtaining indoor program space.