News

In an effort to enhance the community’s park amenities and space, the Elmhurst Board of Park Commissioners approved several planning projects during their Monday, January 13, 2025 meeting. 

Three Elmhurst Park District staff members were recognized this month for their contributions to the field during the Midwest Institute of Park Executives (MIPE) Annual Awards Luncheon.

The Elmhurst Park District has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report fo

Mark your calendars for the release of the 2025 Summer Camps & Aquatics Guide on Friday, February 7.

Pool Passes for the 2025 season go on sale February 3!

Purchase your pool pass early to take advantage of pre-season rates! Plus, pool pass holders receive a 10% discount on group swim lessons, deep water aerobics, private pool rentals, pool special events and Smalley Pool cabana rentals.

Start out strong and thrive in 2025! Take advantage of the best deal of the year at Courts Plus with no joining fee for new members who join January 2 through January 15, 2025.

Available to Pool Pass Holders and Courts Plus Members!

Bring your family for a fun-filled time at York High School’s swimming pool on select Sundays, 1-4 pm. This free program is part of a cooperative agreement between Elmhurst School District 205 and the Elmhurst Park District. Lap swimming, open swim and diving boards will be available.

For ages up to 6 with an adult. Our gymnastics facility is open for our youngest gymnasts to explore and have fun. Staff will be on hand to ensure safety and proper usage of the facility and equipment.

Stop by our Job Fair on Saturday, January 11, 1-3 pm to learn about open positions, including summer positions for lifeguards and camp counselors.

Winter Break Open Gym on Friday, December 27!

Dive into the world of flips, rolls and laughter at our gymnastics facility at Wagner Community Center (615 West Ave).

Update: voting has ended

Elmhurst Park District facilities will observe special hours December 23, 2024- January 5, 2025.

Join Elmhurst Park District as we kick off the holiday season in Wilder Park! We'll count down to the lighting of the community trees that surround the park and enjoy holiday festivities. Free to attend.

The Elmhurst Garden Club presented a donation check of $5000 to Elmhurst Park District at the Monday, October 23 Park Board Meeting. The money was raised at the club's annual Garden Walk & Faire, which took place in July.

Take our short survey and tell us how staff are doing!

The Elmhurst Park District strives to offer “A” level service by having a positive attitude, being attentive, and giving a little extra to go above and beyond what is expected.

The deadline to submit photos has passed.

Have your holiday lights lost their twinkle? Instead of sending them to the landfill, drop your dead lights off in one of our containers through January 10, 2025.

The Park District's Winter/Spring 2025 Program Brochure is now available.

Registration will open on Saturday, December 7 at 8 am for residents and Courts Plus members. Non-resident registration is Tuesday, December 10.

Looking for a warm and inviting backdrop for holiday photos? There are a few spots left in upcoming Holiday Family Photo Sessions! Schedule your family's holiday photos at Wilder Mansion today.

FREE! Get your game on and play with the whole family this winter at Family Open Gym. Select Sundays this winter. Ages 3-14 with adult. This is not a drop-off program, a guardian must remain with children at all times. 

Bring your child for hands-on activities, meet the teachers, view our unique classrooms, learn about our philosophy and curriculum, and ask questions about the registration process and program.

Elmhurst can look forward to a new Hub playground at Berens Park in 2025. The Park Board approved the redevelopment concept for the playground at its Monday, November 11 meeting. 

Ask questions and learn about District projects, accomplishments and future plans at the upcoming State of the Park District Address at 6 pm on Thursday, November 14 on Zoom.

As of November 5, 2024, unofficial results indicate that a 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 at Wilder Park; adding permanent, heated restrooms at three parks and along the Prairie Path; and converting a grass field to artificial turf at Berens Park.

On October 30, Executive Director Jim Rogers and Park Board Vice President Claire Kubiesa hosted a Live Q&A about the referendum.

Butterfield Park Field #1 is once again ready to welcome athletes after a recent redevelopment project wrapped up.

Park District facilities will observe special hours the week of November 25, 2025. Wagner Community Center and Kies Recreation Center will close at 5 pm Monday-Wednesday during the week. All Park District facilities are closed Thursday, November 28-Sunday, December 1 aside from two exceptions. Courts Plus is open 7 am-1 pm on Thursday, November 28 and normal hours resume on Friday. Wilder Park Conservatory is open 8 am-6 pm daily.

You may notice some new additions to the park landscape this fall. This week, tree plantings took place across ten different parks and featured 21 different species. 

One of the Park District’s most vibrant partnerships was recognized earlier this month when the Ray Graham Association (RGA) honored Elmhurst Park District with its Monarch Effect Award during their Appreciation and Achievement Awards.

On the November 5, 2024 ballot, the Park District is giving residents the choice to fund high-priority projects identified by the community through a referendum. 

UPDATE: Our cookie kits are sold out! 

Unleash your cookie creativity with our Cookie Decorating Contest!

As prices of basic energy continue to be more volatile than prices of other commodities, Elmhurst Park District is pleased that a project to install solar panels on the roof of Courts Plus has begun.

Learn more about the referendum at a Live Q&A presented by Park Board Vice President Claire Kubiesa and Executive Director Jim Rogers. The Live Q&A will take place on Wednesday, October 30 at 6pm on Zoom. Those interested in attending, please email marketingepd.org (marketing[at]epd[dot]org) for a link to the session.

The Elmhurst Park District and Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital are hosting a Veterans Resource Fair from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, November 2 at Kies Recreation Center. Veterans, families, caregivers, and supporters are invited!

The KRC gym is open for play! Ages 10-14 - work on your skills, throw together a pick-up game, or just meet up with friends for some games. We’ll provide supervision and all the equipment for volleyball, basketball and pickleball.

This month, Elmhurst Park District and the Village of Villa Park were pleased to receive the Jane Foulser Habitat Award from the DuPage Monarch Project.

On September 25, Executive Director Jim Rogers and Park Board President Kevin Graf hosted a Live Q&A about the referendum. You can view a recording of the event below. 

On the November 5 ballot, Elmhurst Park District is giving residents the choice to fund high-priority projects identified by the community through a referendum.

TruGreen is scheduled to begin the annual fall broadleaf weed control applications on Thursday, September 26 and concluding on Friday September 27.  Applications are scheduled to take place between the hours of 6:30 am and 11:30 am with some variations depending on the location. The schedule is weather dependent and may need to be adjusted based on conditions.

Congratulations to Elmhurst Park District Commissioners Carolyn Ubriaco and Meghan Scarsella for completing the 2024 Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Leadership Institute. 

Despite the heat, a festive crowd gathered last Sunday afternoon for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Pioneer Park’s new playground.

Thanksgiving Break Open Gym is coming up on Tuesday, November 26. Dive into the world of flips, rolls and laughter at our gymnastics facility at Wagner Community Center (615 West Ave).

It's playtime! Join us at Pioneer Park on Sunday, September 15 at 2 pm for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of Pioneer Park.

The KRC gym is open for play! Ages 10-14 - work on your skills, throw together a pick-up game, or just meet up with friends for some games. We’ll provide supervision and all the equipment for volleyball, basketball and pickleball.

The KRC gym is open for play! Ages 10-14 - work on your skills, throw together a pick-up game, or just meet up with friends for some games. We’ll provide supervision and all the equipment for volleyball, basketball and pickleball.

Join September 3-16 and take advantage of 50% off your Joining Fee! Courts Plus is here to support your success, your family and your community! Sign-up online or at Courts Plus and learn more at Membership Options.

Interested in learning more about the Elmhurst Park District referendum? On the November 5 ballot, Elmhurst Park District is giving residents the choice to fund high-priority projects identified by the community through a referendum. 

Interested in learning more about the Elmhurst Park District referendum? On the November 5 ballot, Elmhurst Park District is giving residents the choice to fund high-priority projects identified by the community through a referendum. Several upcoming Open Houses at the Park District’s Wagner Community Center will allow residents to view the proposed projects and renderings, ask questions and take a tour of Wagner Community Center, which would be replaced if the referendum was approved.

To ensure residents receive accurate and timely information, the Park District is providing several resources, including tax impact details and FAQs, which can be found at epd.org/referendum.

In a fitting way to celebrate National Dog Day, the Elmhurst Board of Park Commissioners gathered at Canine Corner on Monday, August 26 for a groundbreaking of the first dog park in Elmhurst. 

Interested in learning more about the Elmhurst Park District referendum? Stop by our Open House on Tuesday, October 22, 6-8pm to view the proposed projects and renderings, ask questions and take a tour of Wagner Community Center, which would be replaced if the referendum was approved.

Interested in learning more about the Elmhurst Park District referendum? Several upcoming Open Houses at the Park District’s Wagner Community Center will allow residents to view the proposed projects and renderings, ask questions and take a tour of Wagner Community Center

Prospective candidates seeking the office of Park Commissioner for the Elmhurst Park District for the Consolidated Election to be held on April 1, 2025 may pick up packets at the Elmhurst Park District Administrative Office at 375 West First Street, Elmhurst, IL beginning August 20, 2024 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

A new Elmhurst Park District collaboration with the Ray Graham Association (RGA) is making progress over at the Elmhurst Community Learning Center, (420 W. Madison Street). 

Facility update: Please note that the main entrance to Wagner Community Center will be closed for several weeks as nearly 4,200 square feet of tile is replaced in the main entry hallway, multipurpose rooms B, C and D and corridors. The temporary entrance is located on the west side of the building.

This evening, 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 neighborhood came to play last Saturday during the ribbon cutting at Pick Park’s new playground. Board Commissioners and Park District staff held a short ceremony before inviting attendees to explore the park.

Update: This survey is now closed.

In a significant step toward addressing community needs, the Elmhurst Board of Park Commissioners reviewed the findings of a comprehensive voter survey at their meeting last night.

The Fall Brochure is now available. Check it out for upcoming fall programs, community events and more. Resident registration opens Saturday, August 3 at 8 am.

Demand for recreational programming remains high in Elmhurst, and the Elmhurst Park District continues to look for ways to expand indoor programming space and reduce waitlists.

A game night in Wilder Park for adults! Grab a drink and get in the game or relax and enjoy some good food and music.

The Elmhurst Park District Board and staff would like to thank everyone who has participated in ongoing engagement activities as part of Elevate Elmhurst Parks planning. Extensive feedback was collected to guide the District’s strategic planning efforts to shape the future of the District and create the Elevate Elmhurst Parks Plan.

All dancers interested in joining Impact Dance Company for the 2024-2025 season are invited to audition on Saturday, July 20. During auditions, dancers will perform specific skills and dance combinations to give our choreographers a sense of each dancer's ability.

The Elmhurst Park District is committed to providing equal access and removing barriers for people with disabilities, ensuring that all community members can enjoy its parks and services.

Ten Swim Punch Passes are now available to purchase. With punch passes, you can use them yourself or bring your friends, neighbors and guests to the pools.

Punch passes can be purchased online, at Wagner Community Center, East End and Norman P. Smalley Pool. Unused Pass Cards will expire September 2, 2024.

Stop by The Hub's playground at Berens Park on Tuesday, July 16, 5-7 pm to tell us changes you would like to see at the playground! Plus - bring the kids and enjoy a mini Party in the Park, with classic backyard games like hula hoops and bubbles.

The Spray Ground at The Hub is CLOSED on Thursday, June 27 due to mechanical issues. The batting cages and concessions remain open until 7 pm.

Rent a cabana at Smalley Pool this summer to escape the sun and lounge in comfort. Enjoy a bit of privacy while relaxing in the shade. Cabana includes:

Underscoring Elmhurst Park District’s consistent financial stewardship, the Park District was pleased to earn the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2024 B

An Elmhurst landmark will now bear the name of one of its biggest advocates and stewards.

Learn swimming at your own pace! Elmhurst Park District offers private lessons for participants ages 3 to adult. All swim instructors undergo regular training and are certified Starfish Swim instructors.

May 25 East End Pool update: Due to the dedicated efforts of our staff, the kiddie pool will be OPEN today with the rest of the pool facility. Hours are Noon-8pm (Pool Pass holders can enter an hour early at 11am).

Wagner Community Center's summer hours begin June 1, 2024 and run through September 2. 

Make your summer count with a 99-day Summer Membership at Courts Plus! From swimming to group-ex and the fitness floor - build a fitness plan that works for you! 

Taking care of athletic fields is a crucial part of meeting the needs and expectations of the community, sports groups and Park District partners. With this in mind, the Park Board was pleased to approve several upgrades to Butterfield Park Field #1 at its Monday, April 22 Park Board Meeting.

The Elmhurst Park District is launching a voter survey aimed at assessing the interest in a potential referendum for a new Wagner Community Center and new outdoor amenities, including a bandshell in Wilder Park, year-round heated restroom buildings at four locations, and converting a grass field to artificial turf at Berens Park. The Park Board unanimously approved moving forward with the survey at their meeting on Monday, April 22, which will be administered to a random sample of registered voters by aQity Research. This initiative stems from the feedback received during the development of the Elevate Elmhurst Parks strategic and comprehensive planning process in 2023.

Come see proposed projects that will take your Park District experience to new heights! Stop by an upcoming Open House.

Introducing the Elmhurst Park District App! Use the app to check-in at the pools, access punch passes for The Hub Spray Ground and Gymnastics Open Gym, view your upcoming schedules and more!

Don't miss out – find us on your app store under "Elmhurst Park District".

The 2024 Summer Brochure is now available online. Resident registration for all programs opens Saturday, May 4 at 8 am. Non-resident registration is Tuesday, May 7. Summer Camp and Aquatics are already open for registration and can be viewed in the Spring Brochure.

In March, the Park Board approved restoration of the metal roof covering the tennis courts at Courts Plus Fitness Center. The metal roof is 33 years old and exhibiting signs of oxidation. Restoration work will maintain the roof’s structural integrity and extend its lifespan.

Following restoration, the Park District will use a financing mechanism known as a power purchase agreement (PPA), which calls for the installation of an array of solar panels on all of Courts Plus’ roof surfaces.

April 22, 2024 Update: This event has been cancelled. Adults ages 21 and up are invited to join in a friendly competition at a recreational bags tournament fundraiser to benefit the Elmhurst Parks Foundation! Don’t want to compete? Bring your friends to play games like giant Jenga, Uno, and Connect Four while enjoying complimentary food and a cash bar. Proceeds help fund program scholarships and special projects. Deadline to register is Friday, April 19.

A single blood donation can save up to 3 lives. Please donate and support the lives of the community during the Courts Plus Blood Drive on Thursday, May 9, 2:30-6:30 pm.

Seniors are invited to visit Courts Plus and focus on their health! Seniors age 62+ can work out for free on Wednesday, May 29 and can take advantage of a $10 Joining Fee.

Join Elmhurst Public Library for a party in Wilder Park to watch the solar eclipse from 1-2:30 pm on April 8. Observe the sky as the sun is slowly blocked from view, learn about what eclipses are and why they happen, and take advantage of fun activities, games, and snacks. Eclipse glasses will be available while supplies last. Presented with the Elmhurst Park District.

The upcoming eclipse will only last for a moment! Take advantage of the Courts Plus Fitness Center eclipse deal and enjoy health benefits all year long! Now through April 8, get 50% off your joining fee when signing up for a new Courts Plus membership.

Elmhurst, IL – After a 36-year run, Senior Site Supervisor Zen Przybylek has officially hung up his hat and started a new chapter of his life as grandpa.

April 22 Update: This event has been cancelled

Join Elmhurst Park District this spring in the ultimate Elmhurst parks showdown to find out which of our parks will be crowned champion! We all have our favorites, but there can only be one winner.

Starting next week, we’ll feature two parks each weekday on our Facebook page. They’ll square off against one another, with you deciding which park moves to the next round.

Kies Recreation Center is ready to play! New gym flooring was installed this winter, increasing the programming options the center can offer for adults, senior citizens, and participants of all ages. Park District staff took advantage of the updated gym space quickly and on March 4, the facility offered its first pickleball class.

Elmhurst Park District is ready to break ground at Pick Park! Park District officials will lead a ceremonial groundbreaking on Saturday, March 23 at 10 am.

Looking to improve your volleyball skills off-season? Interested in trying out the sport with fun drills and games? Check out VolleyKidz classes at Elmhurst Park District. This spring, indoor and outdoor options are available.

Beginning Saturday, March 2, the walking path at Conrad Fischer Park will be temporarily re-routed as a gravel path during pre-construction work at Churchville Middle School. Work is estimated to be completed the week of March 11, 2024.

Construction on Canine Corner, Elmhurst’s first dog park, is approaching quickly! Work is expected to begin this spring. Anticipation for the park is high, with Elmhurst residents regularly voicing their interest in a dog park.

Elmhurst Park District now has more good news to report, as it was announced that State Representative Jenn Ladisch-Douglass successfully secured a $250,000 grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to support the development of Canine Corner.