When will you start work on these large-scale projects (e.g., land acquisition, construction, increased maintenance, etc.)?

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.