News & Events

Elmhurst Park District and Elmhurst College Cooperate to Build New Athletic Field

The Elmhurst Park District and Elmhurst College have entered into a cooperative agreement to construct a second synthetic-turf field at Berens Park to accompany the field the Park District is currently installing. College and Park District officials broke ground for the project on Wednesday, September 12 and construction has begun. Both synthetic fields will be used for football, soccer, and other college and community sports activities. Lighting will be installed at the fields to allow for evening games and practices, as well as bleachers to seat approximately 160 people. Both fields are expected to be completed by November 2007.

"These fields will serve the growing need for more athletic fields within the community,” said Elmhurst Park District Board President Colette Kubiesa. “The Park District is thrilled to partner with Elmhurst College in providing another place for both the college students and Elmhurst residents to play year-round."

According to the agreement, Elmhurst College will have priority scheduling rights to the field for the next 50 years. When not in use by Elmhurst College, the fields will be available to community athletic groups. The Park District and Elmhurst College already have a “priority scheduling” agreement in place at the Park District-owned baseball facility (at Butterfield Park) and softball facility (Salt Creek Park), each of which will now be extended to 50 years.

In return for priority scheduling rights, the College will cover the cost of the new field’s construction and installation, and will be responsible for maintenance and repair expenses at the three fields. The Park District will share the costs of the new bleachers and field lights.

“We are glad to be a partner with the Park District on a project that will benefit the community as well as the College,” said Dr. Bryant L. Cureton, president of Elmhurst College. “As evidenced by the high level of community and college-related use of Langhorst Field here on campus, both the residents of Elmhurst and our students currently enjoy thriving athletic programs. With this additional facility at Berens Park, we can enhance the quality of life for both campus and community. Everybody benefits.”