FAQ
Referendum
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.
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.
What is the expected total cost of the projects?
The total estimate for the projects (adjusted for 2026 pricing) is $89 million.
- New Wagner Community Center ($84,950,000)
- Wilder Park Community Bandshell with Year-round Heated Restroom ($2,500,000)
- Crestview Park Year-round Heated Restroom Building ($500,000)
- Eldridge Park Year-round Heated Restroom Building ($500,000)
- Prairie Path Year-round Heated Restroom Building ($500,000)
- Artificial Turf at Existing Field in Berens Park ($1,000,000)
Doesn’t the Park District have capital funds for projects?
Elmhurst Park District has consistently operated in a fiscally responsible manner and has been recognized with awards for its financial stewardship.
While the Park District does have a capital fund for major repairs, replacements, or installations, it does not have the legal bonding authority to cover the costs of the proposed projects.
What portion of my tax bill supports the Park District and how are the funds used?
Prior to the referendum, the Park District received a nickel from every dollar of property taxes to operate and maintain 30 parks, 19 facilities and 458 acres of open land. This was one of the lowest rates compared to other DuPage County park districts, including Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, and Lombard.
What is the impact on my tax bill following the passing of the referendum?
The tax impact is approximately $317 a year on a home valued at $500,000.
The increase is not permanent. The Park District purchased 25-year bonds, similar to when a homeowner takes out a mortgage.
Why did the Park District propose this when my water bill rates increased?
The Park District is a separate entity from the City of Elmhurst, which supplies water to the community and sets rates. The Park District gave the community the choice to fund these projects now because they address priorities that for many years have been identified by residents as critical needs in Elmhurst.
What will be the size of the new Wagner Community Center?
The new Wagner Community Center will be 127,250 square feet (current Wagner Community Center is 32,000 square feet).
What will be included in a new Wagner Community Center?
The facility will include an indoor walking/jogging track, courts/gymnasium space for pickleball, basketball, volleyball and other sports, and a multi-sport artificial turf field. It also includes larger gymnastics and dance spaces, expanded and dedicated early childhood programming spaces, an indoor play area, and larger multi-purpose rooms to reduce program waitlists and for community meetings.
How large is the indoor turf space?
The new Wagner Community Center indoor turf space will be 60 yards by 40 yards, which is the size of a U9 level soccer field. The turf space will be 24,700 square feet.
What is the length of the free multi-lane walking/jogging track?
The new Wagner Community Center free indoor track will be a little less than 1/8 of a mile, which is approximately 8.6 laps per mile.
How large is the gymnasium?
The new Wagner Community Center gymnasium will be 27,285 square feet.
Where will classes be held during construction?
Classes will continue to be offered while a new Wagner Community Center is built. The Park District anticipates moving out of the existing Wagner Community Center in Fall of 2025. At that time, the Park District will use its own facilities, as well as pursue other options within the community for temporary programming space. The anticipated return to the new Wagner Community Center is Fall 2027.
Why build a new Wagner Community Center rather than renovate or expand the current facility?
Renovation and expansion of the existing Wagner Community Center was considered, but not feasible because of the current facility conditions and constraints. Dewberry, an architecture firm, considered the physical factors of the facility and potential costs and returns to determine its recommendation on whether to renovate/expand or build a new facility.
Dewberry recommended replacing the facility based on, but not limited to the following facility deficiencies:
- Exterior wall assembly - has little to no insulation and no water infiltration protections
- Exterior doors and windows - do not meet energy code performance and replacement would be required
- Roof Assembly - would need to be replaced to meet energy codes
- Structure - ceiling heights significantly restricted by vertical height of structure and functionality is hindered
- Accessibility - many areas remain non-compliant with today’s requirements
- Mechanical systems - designed to support an elementary school building, are aged, and have limited controls
- Security - no means to separate and secure the preschool area from other public spaces
- Electrical system - new electrical service would be required to support any addition
However, more importantly, the issue of renovation/expansion rather than a new facility is square footage. The community has told us it needs much more indoor programming space..
When was the current Wagner Community Center built?
The Wagner Community Center is nearly 70 years old and was designed to be an elementary school. The District purchased the building and adjacent properties totaling seven acres from MacCormac College in 2003 for $3 million. The District renovated the building, including adding a gymnastics facility in January 2004.
Where on the Prairie Path will the heated restroom be located?
The exact location of the restroom is still to be determined. Public input will be gathered to help determine the location.
Where will the community bandshell with restroom be in Wilder Park?
The community bandshell with restroom will be located south of the Wilder Park playground. Concerts, movies and events will be performed from their traditional spot on the lawn east of Wilder Mansion.
What types of performances will be held at the community bandshell?
Performances could include movie nights, band concerts, and local theater groups.
Will fees for programs increase?
The District can legally only use referendum funding for construction of the specified projects. The indoor walking track at the new Wagner Community Center will be free for residents along with programming, performances, and activities at the Wilder Park community bandshell.
Fees from programs are used to pay for the direct cost of operations, including program supplies, staffing, and utilities, which all incur rising costs over time. Given this, fees will continue to be used to support direct program costs and occasionally will be increased, as needed.
Will the referendum address outdoor athletic fields?
Through the various feedback opportunities, residents identified their highest priority needs as improving and upgrading indoor facilities, expanding indoor and outdoor recreational amenities, and adding more permanent park restrooms. The referendum projects were chosen based on this feedback, however, with the approval of the referendum, more resources will be available in the future to address other needs because 1) the Park District will not be continuing to spend money operating an inefficient, 1950s era building and 2) the District will generate more non-tax revenues at the new, larger Wagner Community Center that could help fund other priorities, including athletic fields.
Rec Station: Would this help waitlists?
The referendum will not directly impact Rec Station. However, by working cooperatively with our partners at School District 205 to secure additional space, hiring more staff, and reconfiguring daily programming, Park District staff were able to increase the maximum number of participants at all eight elementary schools for the morning and after school sessions for 2024-2025 school year. This increase resulted in a higher enrollment of 120 more students compared to the 2023-24 school year. Staff will continue to investigate how to further increase the maximum number at each school.
