What projects are being completed?
- New Wagner Community Center
- A free three-lane walking/jogging track (1/8 of a mile, which is approximately 8.6 laps per mile.)
- Gym space for pickleball, basketball, volleyball and other sports
- An artificial turf field for soccer, football, baseball and other sports (60 yards by 40 yards, which is the size of a U9 level soccer field.)
- Dedicated early childhood and preschool spaces with secure entrance.
- Larger spaces for dance and gymnastics programs.
- An indoor play area for younger children.
- Flexible multi-purpose spaces for programming and community gathering.
- New outdoor amenities also cater to all age groups and demographics and include:
- A community bandshell with restroom in Wilder Park
- Permanent, heated restroom at Eldridge, Crestview, and along the Prairie Path
- A grass field at Berens Park will be converted to artificial turf
How did the Board of Park Commissioners decide on these projects?
Indoor sports and recreation space remains a high priority for the community and the District’s building spaces do not align with community program needs and require upgrading due to their age, condition, functionality, and space constraints. Based on an independent assessment, architects identified many building deficiencies, space constraints, and significant aging for the nearly 70-year-old Wagner Community Center.
Additionally, 5,610 people remained on a program waitlist in 2022. The primary reason for high waitlists is the lack of facility space to accommodate the demand. While staff have made a demonstrated effort to accommodate this demand, in many cases, facility constraints prevent staff from increasing program capacity.
The redevelopment of the aging Wagner Community Center will reduce waitlists and address facility deficiencies.
What is the anticipated timeline for these projects
- 2025
- Wagner Community Center: Facility Design Development and existing Wagner closes in August
- Eldridge Park permanent heated restroom
- 2026
- Wagner Community Center under construction
- Berens Park Artificial Turf Conversion
- Prairie Path permanent heated restroom
- Crestview Park permanent heated restroom
- 2027
- New Wagner Community Center opens
- Wilder Park Community Bandshell with restroom
What benefits will the community see with these projects?
- Investment in the future: The referendum is an investment in the future of Elmhurst. Improved recreational facilities can make the community more attractive to new families and businesses, ensuring the long-term vitality and appeal of the area.
- Enhanced community value: The projects not only work toward meeting the community’s needs but they significantly enhance the quality of life for all residents, offering amenities and programs that improve health, wellness, and community engagement. These benefits often translate into higher property values.
- Inclusive community benefits: The new community center and other projects are designed to serve all age groups, providing valuable services and opportunities for seniors, such as wellness programs, social activities, and accessible facilities that can enhance their quality of life.
- Community support programs: The District currently offers a financial assistance program that provides low-income families with partial funding to be able to participate in District programs. This and other community programs helps to ensure that everyone can benefit from the new facility without undue financial strain.
- Energy Efficiency: The current Wagner Community Center was built in the 1950s and is not at all energy efficient. The new building will use less energy to heat and cool. Energy efficiency saves money, increases the resilience and reliability of the electric grid, and provides environmental, community and health benefits.
