When did the referendum pass?
In November 2024, the majority of Elmhurst Park District voters answered “yes” to the bond referendum request to raise revenue to improve, equip and maintain parks and facilities throughout the District, including replacing the Wagner Community Center; building a community bandshell with restroom at Wilder Park; adding permanent, heated restrooms at two parks and along the Prairie Path; and converting a grass field to artificial turf at Berens Park.
When did the Park Board vote to go to referendum?
On Monday, August 5, 2024 the Elmhurst Park District Board of Park Commissioners voted unanimously to give residents the choice to fund high-priority projects identified by the community through a referendum on the November 5, 2024 ballot.
The decision came after the Park Board heard the results of a voter survey at their Monday, July 22 meeting. Jeff Andreasen of aQity Research presented the findings, which showed that 59% of registered voters in Elmhurst would support the projects that had been identified by residents as their top priorities. The Park Board also received overwhelming support to move forward with a referendum from the Elevate Advisory Committee, comprised of nearly 20 members from various community organizations, local businesses, and diverse demographics.
What projects have been addressed since the last strategic and comprehensive planning process?
During the District’s last strategic and comprehensive planning process (Vision 2020), 18 goals organized into six strategic themes were identified. Using a strategic work plan that outlined specific tactics, staff planned, tracked and reported on implementation progress.
Since 2017, the District has accomplished nearly all the goals and tactics from Vision 2020, except for constructing new indoor recreation and sports spaces due to fiscal constraints. These accomplishments include:
- Park renovations at multiple parks, including Glos, Ben Allison, and Eldridge Parks
- Acquired more open space and developed new parks at Centennial and Pick Parks (formally park deserts)
- Facility enhancements, including the sale of the former senior center, The Abbey, and the opening of the new Mary E. Kies Recreation Center
- Amenity upgrades, including Dog Park planning (construction in 2024) and baseball field renovations
- Expanded offerings, including community events, camps, weekend/evening options
- Transitioned to new registration software (ActiveNet)
Didn't the Park District go to referendum a couple years ago?
The Park District last went to referendum in 1971. In 1971, voters approved a $3.9 million bond referendum for land acquisition and development. The majority of the Park District’s present land was purchased during this time, along with new park development.
In 2019, the Park District explored the possibility of going to referendum through a voter survey, but chose not to go forward with a referendum at that time.
