News

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 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. 

Get your costumes ready and bring the family to The Depot at Wild Meadows Trace for Safety Town trick-or-treating plus fall festivities! Free admission.

Back this year - our Dog Costume Contest! Stop by the Elmhurst Park District tent near Safety Town to have a photo taken of your pet. Photos will be posted to our Facebook page following the event, and the photo with the most likes will win a fun prize pack!

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

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.

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.

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. 

Climb and explore a variety of vehicles at Touch a Truck in Berens Park. Free admission. Visit 9 am-Noon. The first hour will be a quiet hour designed for kids who love trucks, but not the noise.

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.

Grab a picnic blanket and join Elmhurst Park District for a showing of Bolt under the stars.

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 - coming up Saturday, July 20, 6-9 pm in Wilder Park! Grab a drink and bring out your competitive spirit with lawn games and bags. Free to attend, drinks and food available to purchase. Ages 21 and older only, State or Federal Issued Photo ID required for all attendees.

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.

Wagner Community Center, Courts Plus, Kies Recreation Center and the Administrative Building will be closed Thursday, July 4.

East End and Smalley Pool hours are Noon-6 pm and The Hub's hours are Noon-4 pm. Wilder Park Conservatory has normal hours, 8 am-6 pm.

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.

Grab a picnic blanket and join Elmhurst Park District at Wilder Park for a showing of The Lorax under the stars. Movie begins at dusk. Free admission.

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).

Join the Park District for a nature adventure at Eldridge Adventure Day on Sunday, June 23, 9am-Noon! Get ready for summer with plenty of activities that will get the family excited about the great outdoors, including a fishing derby, bug hunts and petting zoo.

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

Wagner Community Center, Kies Recreation Center and the Administrative Office are closed during the holiday weekend, May 25-27. If purchasing pool passes in-person during the weekend, please purchase at East End Pool.

On Memorial Day, Courts Plus is open 7 am-1 pm, East End Pool Open Swim is open Noon-8 pm and The Hub is open 10 am-7 pm. Wilder Park Conservatory's hours are 8 am-6 pm.

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.

Meet with community organizations that focus on health and wellness, speak with a personal trainer, receive free samples and free giveaways and be entered into raffles during the Courts Plus Health and Wellness Fair. 

Golf Instruction Class Registration opens Monday, April 1 at 8 am.

April 22 Update: This event has been cancelled

Ages 11-16, grab your flashlights! Join your friends in the frenzy as you search for prize eggs filled with candy, gift certificates and other great prizes. No registration required, free to attend.

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.

Elmhurst Park District is always looking for ways to advance its mission of enriching the lives while having fun. Last year, the District engaged the community in Elevate Elmhurst Parks, a comprehensive and strategic planning initiative seeking to update the District’s previous plan and guide decision-making for the next 5 years. The final Elevate Elmhurst Parks plan was approved at the February 26 Park Board meeting.

Looking for active, outdoor volunteer opportunities for your friends, family or organization? Check out Adopt-A-Park!

Ten parks are currently available for 2024: East End, Golden Meadows, Jaycee Tot Lot, Maple Trail Woods, Marjorie Davis, Pick, Pioneer, Van Voorst, Wild Meadows Trace, and York Commons. 

Come and play with us at our Pop-Up Preschool Open Gym on Tuesday, April 16, 1-2:30 pm.

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. .

Join us Saturday, March 16!

Why should kids have all the fun? This event gives new meaning to BYOB (bring your own basket)!

Attention all Wilder Park Conservatory visitors! We've noticed some rather "creative" uses of our beautiful plant beds lately, from impromptu picnics to mud pie making sessions to full on photography sessions. While we love seeing families and friends enjoying our space, we'd like to gently remind everyone that our plants prefer peaceful neighbors, not picnic pals.

Resident registration for spring programs opens this Saturday, February 24 at 8 am. This includes registration for the March 30 Egg Hunt!

Stop by, complete an application, taco 'bout our job opportunities and do a basic interview on the spot for our summer and part-time job openings. 

It may only be mid-February, but it’s already been a year of memorable recognitions for Elmhurst Park District facilities and staff. 

The redevelopment of Pioneer Park is moving along, with the Park Board approving construction of the park’s playground and safety surfacing at their February 12, 2024 board meeting.

Courts Plus has a passion for fitness and wellness and they want to share with you! Join Courts Plus now through Wednesday, February 14 at 7 pm with a joining fee of just $14.

Registration for 2024 Summer Camp, Jr. Golf Camp and Aquatics programs featured in the Spring Brochure and Summer Camps Guide opens this Saturday, February 10 at 8 am.

Be ready to go on registration day and remember to verify your account in our new registration software, ActiveNet. Elmhurst Park District launched ActiveNet on December 1, 2023. It is used for program registration, pass memberships and facility reservations. If you did not already verify your account on ActiveNet, you will need to verify it to register for programs.

Last month, Sugar Creek Golf Course was pleased to accept a Public Works Project of the Year Award from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Chicago Metro Chapter (Suburban Branch) in the Environmental category less than $5 million.

Enjoy a crafty day at Smalley Pool with Wacky Wednesday Holiday Crafts, 1-4 pm! Explore your creativity while you create crafts from all different holidays.

The Sunbeams & Rainbows Preschool program is play-based, developmentally appropriate, and respectful of social, cultural, and linguistic diversity.

The 2024 Spring Brochure and Summer Camps Guide is now available. Mark your calendars with our registration dates (all times are 8 am):

The summer season is on the horizon! Make your plans and secure your pool pass beginning Thursday, February 1. Take advantage of pre-season rates, available February 1-May 24, 2024.

This year, pool pass perks have expanded! Pool pass holders will receive four free guest passes per household to use at the pools (valid for entry May 25-September 2, 2024) and also receive a 10% discount on group swim lessons, deep water aerobics, private pool rentals and Smalley Pool cabana rentals through September 2, 2024. Pass holders can also enter one hour early every day before the general public.

Dive into the world of flips, rolls and laughter at our gymnastics facility. Parents/Guardians must remain with children through all open gym time, this is not a drop-off activity.

Get creative and show us your snowman building skills. Join our snowman contest!

Update for January 16, 2024
Courts Plus will open as scheduled on Tuesday, January 16. Kids Plus and all other programming at Courts Plus will be available. Programs at Wagner Community Center, Kies Recreation Center, and D205 facilities are cancelled. All Sunbeams & Rainbows classes are cancelled for Tuesday, January 16, which includes the Courts Plus location.

Program participants will be contacted, and any additional updates will be posted to social media and epd.org. Stay warm!

Wilder Park Conservatory is also closed this week through Saturday, January 20 due to heating issues and the removal of the Holiday Flower Show.

With classes for ages 2-4, Sunbeams & Rainbows Preschool provides a safe and nurturing learning environment that embraces all children and their diverse learning styles, needs and interests. 

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. 

Free to all Pool Pass Holders and Courts Plus Members!

Do more in 2024 and take advantage of our best deal of the year! January 2 through January 15 become a member at Courts Plus with no joining fee!

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