FAQ
ActiveNet Registration
Our old registration software, RecTrac, was no longer meeting the community’s needs and expectations. Switching vendors created an opportunity to implement a more user-friendly system that better meets the needs of our patrons.
One of the goals of the new system is to eliminate the need for separate program registrations. ActiveNet has many large clients, including the Chicago Park District, who hold mass reservation events, and they are confident they will be able to handle the load on our first day of registrations.
You have successfully registered or waitlisted for a program, class, or activity when you click the “Checkout” button on the payment screen. You will receive a confirmation email with all of the details. You can also view your history by clicking on the ‘My Info’ button found at the top left. You will have access to each family members personal information, activity schedules, and payment information.
The District will use the new system for the Winter 2024 registration, which will take place on Saturday, December 9.
If you’ve registered for a program in the past two years, you’ll simply need to login to the new system and hit “forgot password” to change your password and verify your account info. Your username will be your email address. However, if you have not registered since October 2021, you will need to create a new account.
- Register online at your own convenience. Go online from any wireless device to register for an activity or league, make a payment, manage your profile and so much more.
- Easily find what you're looking for with a robust activity search. Search by keyword, age, day, time, location, instructor, etc.
- Before registration opens, save activities to your Wish List and then simply transfer them to your cart once registration is available.
- Keep track of your entire family's activities and schedules in one place.
- The ActiveNet shopping cart allows for multiple transactions at once, making the registration and payment process more convenient.
- Use your credit card to make easy and secure payments online. You can also track payments and print out receipts when you need it.
- Seamlessly connect to your Facebook account to invite friends to register for the same activities.
- Stay "in the know" with ActiveNet Communication features.
The new system will go live on November 1, and you will then have access to create or verify your account.
Yes, you will be able to have multiple credit cards saved to your account. Each time you check out, you’ll choose your desired card and will need to enter the three-digit security code found on the back of your card. The new software and payment processor are fully encrypted and compliant to ensure your personal information is secure. We strongly encourage our users to choose a strong password and be diligent in protecting their personal information and account details.
A GIS map will be imported into the new system. When you enter your address, it will confirm if you are a resident so you will no longer need to come in person to verify residency.
When you’re on the login screen, simply click the “Forgot password” link. You’ll provide the email address used to create the account and click “Submit”. You’ll then receive an email containing a temporary password. Once you sign in with the temporary password, you’ll be prompted to change the password. Please do not create another account using a different email.
All users must be at least 18 years of age to create an account in the system.
To login to your account, you will click on Registration at epd.org then click on ‘Login or Create Account’.
You will be able to add multiple credit cards to your account if you need to replace a new card/correct information prior to registration, and cannot contact us right away to update your stored information. Simply contact us at your earliest convenience to deactivate any stored card(s) no longer needed.
Sugar Creek Golf Course registration for programs and camps will be completed through ActiveNet. Tee times will be completed through a separate system.
- Search and select a program.
- Login or Create an Account
- Attendees Screen: Select family member(s) you would like to book and click “Next”
- Review Screen: Review your Cart Summary, Answer any Questions and sign Waiver then select “Checkout”
- Payment Screen: Enter payment information and “Complete” the transaction.
Yes, you can still register at the Wagner Community Center, Courts Plus, or the Mary E. Kies Recreation Center.
No. You can navigate through the system without having an account or being logged in. You will only be prompted to log-in or create an account when you register for a program.
Search for an activity in one of two ways:
- Use the Search function by entering a keyword in the search field.
- Navigate through programs under the main categories: Aquatics, Day Camps, Dance, Early Childhood, Sunbeams & Rainbows, Events, Fitness, Gymnastics, Martial Arts, Racquet Sports, Rec Station, Sports, Theatre, Youth & Teens, Adults & Seniors, Centennial, Courts Plus, Kids Plus. You can refine your search using the filters: Day of Week and Date Range.
The good news is the new software will allow you to withdraw yourself or your child from most activities up to one week before the start date in the “transaction and payment history” section under “My account”. The amount will be credited to your account. Please contact EPD to cancel memberships. Please note certain activities have separate withdrawal dates.
Future Focus
Since 2018, the District has been implementing the community’s future vision of parks and recreation services in Elmhurst as articulated in the Vision 2020 Plan. In the fifth year of the Plan, the Board and staff remain dedicated to addressing the six strategic themes for parks, facilities, programming, communications, finance and internal operations.
Due to the dramatic financial and operational impacts of the pandemic, the District’s Vision 2020 Strategic Work Plan (SWP) needed to be reevaluated based on current data trends. In late-fall 2020 the Board and staff developed the 2021 SWP by reviewing performance data, economic indicators, national and local trends, and community and employee feedback. To address the needs identified in the data trends, the Board and staff developed Vision 2020 strategic priorities to continue focusing on the Plan’s goals during the pandemic. Reflected in the 2021 budget and work plans, these 2021 SWP priorities focused on the following next steps:
- strategically position the District in 2021 to successfully reopen facilities and grow core offerings within Restore Illinois Plan guidelines and address some participants continued reluctance to be indoors;
- facilitate future financial sustainability;
- complete high priority park and facility projects with dedicated revenue sources (e.g., Adult Center renovation, Centennial Park development, Glos Park expansion); and
- maintain a strong organizational culture as staff continue to face challenges while working during a pandemic.
As reflected in the 2022 budget and work plans, the 2022 SWP focuses on the next steps towards continued implementation of Vision 2020 strategy as the District positions itself for the future after the pandemic (2023 and beyond) including:
- complete Vision 2020 park and facility projects with dedicated revenue sources;
- facilitate a successful recovery from pandemic-related financial and operational constraints;
- update and communicate capital and other strategic priorities; and
- foster a strong organizational culture.
In 2022, the Park Board and staff will develop new fiscally responsible strategies to address the remaining large-scale project priorities (such as a dog park) based on community feedback. These strategies will create a new community-driven vision of parks and recreation for 2023 and beyond.
Additional funding is necessary for some of these projects. Therefore, the availability of additional resources and revenue will dictate if and when work could begin on the new dog park, new indoor sports facility, new Wagner Community Center and Eldridge Recreation Building, acquisition of more open space, and improved park maintenance.
Due to dedicated outside funding, the District was able to begin smaller projects in 2021 to increase green space and neighborhood parks and renovate the new Adult Center facility. The District started redevelopment work at Centennial Park, the District’s newest park, based on the master plan approved by the Park Board, which reflects community input. Dedicated in 2020, the park is located at 155 E. St Charles Road. The District is also currently renovating the building on the site to become the new Adult Center, which the Vision 2020 process found to be a key need in the community. Those plans included both acquiring the 155 E. St. Charles Road facility and selling The Abbey to Elmhurst School District #205. These projects will be completed in 2022.
Another park to see upgrades in 2021 is Glos Park, which is located in the downtown area. In 2016, the District acquired 135 Palmer Drive, a building adjacent to Glos Park. In 2021, the District demolished the building and parking lot, which were in poor condition, and returned it to open space for the densely populated neighborhood. Other site improvements will be completed this year as well based on the master plan approved by the Park Board, which reflects community input.
Funding for the Centennial Park and Adult Center projects is primarily from the $1,600,000 sale of The Abbey Senior Center to Elmhurst School District #205 while previously received developer donations is funding the 135 Palmer Drive demolition and site improvements at Glos Park.
In 2022, the Park Board and staff will consider new financial strategies to address remaining large-scale project priorities. The District will continue gathering community feedback to ensure that the community’s future parks and recreation needs are met in a fiscally responsible and sustainable manner. The Park Board will be transparent with the community on the next steps that it will take to move Vision 2020 priorities forward.
For more information about these projects click here and here.
Based on community input, six large scale projects were identified as high priorities: building a new Indoor Sports Facility; constructing a new Adult Center; replacing the Wagner Community Center and Eldridge Park Recreation Building; developing a Dog Park (at 0S761 Old York Road); Acquiring Open Space in identified neighborhoods lacking parks; and Improving the Maintenance and Condition of all Parks.
Based on the potential costs and the Park District’s available budget, additional funding will be necessary for the projects identified as community priorities. The Park District has determined what it might cost to provide the facilities and amenities the community wants and conducted a survey of registered voters in October 2019 to see the level of support for a referendum to fund these projects. The results of the survey illustrated that voters do not support a tax increase to cover the total cost proposed for all of the projects. Based on this input, the Park Board decided not to continue with a potential referendum in March 2020 and include the $57 million Indoor Sports Facility project in any potential future referendum.
In early 2020, the Park Board and staff continued to review and refine project plans and cost/funding options based on the District’s long-term financial picture, needs assessment data, Vision 2020 community and voter surveys results, and focus groups held in early March 2020. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Park Board refocused its funding strategy at its March 30, 2020 meeting by stopping planning for a potential referendum in November 2020 and pursuing the contingent based purchase of the 837 S. Riverside Drive property.
Due to dedicated outside funding, the District was able to begin smaller projects in 2021 to increase green space and neighborhood parks and renovate the new Adult Center facility. The District started redevelopment work at Centennial Park, the District’s newest park, based on the master plan approved by the Park Board, which reflects community input. Dedicated in 2020, the park is located at 155 E. St Charles Road. The District is also currently renovating the building on the site to become the new Adult Center, which the Vision 2020 process found to be a key need in the community. Those plans included both acquiring the 155 E. St. Charles Road facility and selling The Abbey to Elmhurst School District #205. These projects will be completed in 2022.
Another park to see upgrades in 2021 is Glos Park, which is located in the downtown area. In 2016, the District acquired 135 Palmer Drive, a building adjacent to Glos Park. In 2021, the District demolished the building and parking lot, which were in poor condition, and returned it to open space for the densely populated neighborhood. Other site improvements will be completed this year as well based on the master plan approved by the Park Board, which reflects community input.
Funding for the Centennial Park and Adult Center projects is primarily from the $1,600,000 sale of The Abbey Senior Center to Elmhurst School District #205 while previously received developer donations is funding the 135 Palmer Drive demolition and site improvements at Glos Park.
In 2022, the Park Board and staff will consider new financial strategies to address remaining large-scale project priorities. The District will continue gathering community feedback to ensure that the community’s future parks and recreation needs are met in a fiscally responsible and sustainable manner. The Park Board will be transparent with the community on the next steps that it will take to move Vision 2020 priorities forward.
For more information about these projects click here and here.
We’ve gathered your suggestions, ideas and feedback through several points of community input and discussion since our Vision 2020 process began in Fall 2016, such as at open houses and through scientific and online surveys, focus groups and interviews. We also conducted a community needs assessment of current programs, facilities and amenities. We’re still listening and want to hear from you. Let us know what your vision for the future of Elmhurst’s programs, parks and open space looks like.
Vision 2020 is a collaborative community-wide effort to define Elmhurst’s priorities and help guide future Park District planning efforts. We’re using Park District resources to put your long-range vision into action. Research we conducted to help develop Vision 2020 confirmed that Elmhurst’s residents love their parks and want to ensure the facilities and opportunities they enjoy are preserved and improved for current and future generations.
Pool Rules
All flotation devices must be U.S. Coast Guard approved. Complimentary lifejackets are available at the park. Children wearing lifejackets must be within arm reach of a parent or guardian over the age of 16.
Swimsuits are required to enter the water. All additional clothing must be clean and may require approval by the facility manager. Jeans, sandals, athletic shorts are not permitted in the water. Anyone not wearing a swim suit will be asked to exit the water. All children regularly diapered must wear either a disposable or reusable swim diaper. Reusable swim diapers are sold at the Admissions window.
- Lightning or thunder in the area.
- Air temperature falls below 65 degrees.
- Mechanical issues.
- Daily hours may be adjusted and/or sections of the facility may be closed due to staff shortage.
Everyone MUST be AT LEAST 48 inches tall to ride the slides at East End and Smalley Pools.
Children must be at least 10 years old to come to the pool alone. Anyone under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult, age 16 or older.
You are more than welcome to pack your own lunch or dinner and enjoy it in the picnic areas in the parks outside the pools. Coolers and outside food are not allowed inside the pools, but swimmers can enter and leave the facility as many times as they wish by showing their receipt or stamped hand to the cashier. We also have a wide variety of menu options available at our concession stand located inside both pools.
Registration
The virtual waiting room helps manage high-volume registration events, ensuring that user volume does not exceed the website’s ability to provide a responsive registration experience.
On registration day, you will sign into the site as usual. Five minutes prior to registration, if user volume exceeds the software’s capability, a virtual waiting room will engage and all users logged in will enter a waiting room where you will receive your spot in line. You will keep your place in the waiting room line even if your phone goes to sleep, you lose your internet connection, or you close the virtual waiting room page, provided you log back in on the same device using the same browser.
Once it’s your turn to register you will be redirected to the registration site where you can browse the site and complete your transactions.
The virtual waiting room feature will only kick-in if user volume exceeds the software’s capability. Otherwise, users will simply enter the site as they normally would on registration days.
Registration is completed when the checkout process has been completed and payment has been received. You will receive an email with a receipt attached once your registration is completed.
When selecting the shopping cart icon for your desired selection, it is put into a pre-cart. This is a shopping list and does not reserve items. Slots are reserved once the Add to Cart process is completed, waivers signed and payment has been received.
The recommended browsers for online registration are a current version of Chrome or Safari.
We regularly conduct maintenance updates to our online registration to maintain performance and ensure your security and privacy when doing business with us online. These updates are done after business hours and may require our online registration to be unavailable for scheduled periods of time.
A resident is defined as an individual living at an address or a property owner within the Park District boundaries. If you are unsure, please check your tax bill. In order to receive resident rates, proof of residency must be provided by emailing Registration. Once verified, your account will be updated to resident.
Proof of residency must include one of the following:
- Utility bill for the household such as gas, electric, water or waste removal
- Lease or Home Bill of Sale with your name and address on it
- Tax bill with Elmhurst Park District listed
For more information, please contact the Wagner Community Center at (630) 993-8900.
Registration notifications and receipts sent from our registration system will come from elmhurstparkdistrict
rectrac.com (elmhurstparkdistrict[at]rectrac[dot]com). To avoid emails being marked as spam, add us to your contact list. This is a notification only address that cannot accept replies.
Please complete a medication dispensing form prior to the start of program. Alert staff of allergies or medical dispensing forms when program begins.
Insurance coverage for injuries suffered while participating in programs or utilizing park facilities is not provided by the Elmhurst Park District.
The Elmhurst Park District is committed to promoting and encouraging positive interactions among participants with and without disabilities. Staff members are available to assist participants with accommodations needed for success in and enjoyment of our programs.
If you need inclusion assistance, please contact the Wagner Community Center at (630) 993-8901.
The Elmhurst Park District is also a member of the Gateway Special Recreation Association, which was formed through an intergovernmental agreement and serves as an extension of the Park Districts of Elmhurst, Burr Ridge, Oak Brook, Pleasant Dale, Westchester and York Center, and the Villages of Hinsdale and Willowbrook. Gateway SRA contracts the services of the Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities, a non-profit agency, to provide recreation programs. For more information on inclusion and special needs programming, visit the Special Needs & Inclusion page.
Submit Program Withdrawal Form
The Elmhurst Park District is committed to providing the highest quality recreation activities, events, and programs. If a person is not completely satisfied with a Park District class, program, or activity due to circumstances under the Park District's control, the District will arrange for the person to repeat the class at no charge, receive credit toward another program, or receive a refund.
A full refund will be granted...
- If a participant is dissatisfied with a Park District class, program, or activity due to circumstances under the Park District's control. Refund requests must be made prior to the third class meeting or within two weeks of a single/double-meeting activity.
- If the refund is initiated by the Park District (i.e. cancelled class, low enrollment).
- For injury or illness with a doctor's note before the program begins.
Once a program has begun, only a prorated amount will be refunded. After a class is over, no refunds will be issued. Programs that require approval from the Program Manager to refund include Sunbeams & Rainbows, Rec Station, Gymnastics Team and Pre Team and Recital Dance Programs.
- Trips: Refunds for trips will be issued only if the seat can be resold or if the Park District cancels the trip.
- No refunds will be issued for Sugar Creek Golf Course greens fees, Courts Plus courts fees, joining fees or food/beverages.
Recreation Camps Refunds
- A full refund for camps will be issued if withdrawal requests are received by May 1, per camp, per child. Beginning May 2-two weeks prior to the first day of the camp session, a 50% refund will be issued per camp, per child. Refunds will not be issued for any withdrawal requests received less than two weeks before the start of the camp session. If the customer requests that the refund be issued to a credit card or as a check, a $5 service charge will be deducted from the refund.
All other refunds (unless otherwise noted)
- A full refund will be credited to a customer’s account if a request is received up to 48 hours prior to the start of a program. If the customer requests that the refund be issued to a credit card or as a check, a $5 service charge will be deducted from the refund.
- If a refund request is made less than 48 hours before a class and a class has not yet begun, a refund will be credited to a customer’s account minus one class prorated fee. If the customer requests that the refund be issued to a credit card or as a check, a $5 service charge will also be deducted from the refund.
- Once a program has begun, refunds will be credited to a customer’s account minus a prorated fee for the classes that have met. If the customer requests that the refund is issued to a credit card or as a check, a $5 service charge will also be deducted from the refund.
- After the midpoint of the program, no refund will be issued except for illness/injury, with proof of a doctor’s note.
If a customer account has no activity after one year from the date a refund was credited to the account, that refund will automatically be issued to a credit card or by check based on the original payment type minus a $5 service charge.
Refunds must be requested through email or in person (not available online). Please fill out our Refund Request Form and submit to registration [@] epd.org.
The Elmhurst Park District recognizes that there are residents living within District boundaries who are unable to participate in programs due to economic hardships. Applications for financial assistance may be picked up at the Wagner Community Center, at Courts Plus for Courts Plus memberships and programs or download here.
Any check returned by the bank to the Elmhurst Park District for any reason will incur a $25 fee. Additional registrations will not be accepted until all outstanding balances have been cleared.
Min/Max refers to the minimum and maximum number of participants allowed in a program.
R/NR means Resident/Non-Resident. A resident is one who pays Elmhurst Park District taxes. If you are unsure, please check your tax bill. Proof of residency will be required.
M/NM means Courts Plus Member/Non-Member.
All program participants must be of the specified age by the first day of class unless otherwise noted.
