News

The Board of Park Commissioners reviewed and approved the schematic design for the new Wagner Community Center at their Monday, April 14 Park Board meeting.

Wilder Park Conservatory’s Spring Flower Show is now open! Stop by and experience this vibrant display of color, fragrance, and botanical beauty.

Each Spring Flower Show packs over 400 bulbs into the display, with Easter Lily alongside a mix of other blooms, including Daffodils, Hyacinth, and Cyclamen. Plants like Boston Ferns, Asparagus Ferns, Wandering Jew, Alocasia, Agapanthus, and Bromeliads add foliage and dimension to the display.

Since the passage of the Park District referendum in November 2024, staff has focused on design development and planning for the approved referendum projects. These projects include a new Wagner Community Center, a community bandshell with permanent heated restroom in Wilder Park, permanent heated restrooms in Eldridge and Crestview Park and along the Prairie Path and the converting of a grass field to artificial turf at Berens Park.

Community engagement and education has been a foundational piece of the Park District’s referendum process. Continuing this approach, Elmhurst residents are invited to keep up-to-date on referendum project progress by visiting epd.org/referendum.

The Park District's Summer Brochure is now available online. It features summer programming and community events. Summer Camp registration is already open! Check out the Camp and Aquatics Guide for current availability.

Canine Corner Dog Park is a brand-new, exciting space for Elmhurst residents and their furry companions to enjoy off-leash fun in a safe and friendly environment. With separate areas for large and small dogs, plus plenty of engaging features, this park is designed for tails to wag and friendships to form. Opening day at Canine Corner is June 16, 2025!

Inaugural memberships will open for registration on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 8am.

It was a beautiful spring day last Saturday at Butterfield Park. The perfect day to commemorate another achievement in the long-standing partnership between Elmhurst Park District and Elmhurst University. With Elmhurst University baseball players ready to take the field, both organizations gathered to celebrate the recently completed upgrades at Butterfield Park ball diamond #1, which is utilized for both collegiate and youth baseball in Elmhurst.

With the arrival of spring, staff is busy preparing the Wilder Park Formal Gardens to welcome wedding parties and visitors. The tent over the sunken ceremony garden went up this week, marking the arrival of formal events to this corner of Wilder Park.

The gardens, located at the southern edge of Wilder Park, consist of a series of landscape displays, including herb gardens, seasonal plants, butterfly gardens, and formal perennial beds.

Ages 11-16, grab your flashlights! Join your friends in the frenzy as you search for candy-filled eggs. No registration required, free to attend.

Celebrate spring with your four-legged friend at our Doggie Eggstravaganza when the egg hunt goes to the dogs! Dogs of all sizes can hunt for treat-filled eggs. Registration is not required. Free to attend.

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.

Hop on over to the baseball fields at Berens Park this year for our annual egg hunt! Join in a mad dash to collect prize-filled eggs and visit with the Easter Bunny. Adults must accompany children. Registration required!

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.

Join us for a second Open House to discuss Crestview Park Master Plan Concepts. Help us shape the future of your neighborhood park!

The Park District held a Crestview Park Master Plan Open House earlier this year. Based on input gathered at the event, the Park District has created Master Plan Concepts. Join us Thursday, May 1 to review these concepts and provide feedback.

Join us for an Open House to discuss the future of the Mini Golf site at The Hub at Berens Park on April 22, 5:30-7:30pm.

This year, the Park District is completing a comprehensive evaluation of the site and exploring additional alternatives for future development.

Green thumbs - get ready! Garden Plot registration is now OPEN! Grow your own produce in a garden plot at Marjorie Davis Park.

This spring, a new fence at Butterfield Park will give parkgoers an extra level of safety for children making use of the playground.

Sand volleyball fans will notice a small change when they stop by the Berens Park sand volleyball courts this spring.

Soak up some sunshine and make a difference in our parks. Check out Adopt-A-Park! This volunteer opportunity is perfect for families or organizations looking to get outside and make an impact. Butterfield, East End, Jaycee Tot Lot, Maple Trail Woods, Pick, Salt Creek, and Van Voorst are still available to adopt this year.

Construction on the Berens Park Hub Playground is moving along!

Courts Plus will reopen with normal hours and programming on Wednesday, March 12, with the exception of the pool area opening at Noon.

Thank-you for your patience during the March 11 facility shutdown as the new solar panel system was energized and connected to ComEd.

Registration opens today for to non-residents for programs featured in the Summer 2025 Brochure. Visit the Registration page to sign-up.

What’s in store for the future of Crestview Park? That is what Park District staff are working to define as plans are made to enhance the north side park and its amenities beginning in 2026.  A Master Plan Open House at Crestview Park’s Recreation Building (245 E Crestview Ave) will give the neighborhood an opportunity to express their vision for the park and its future. The Open House is planned for Thursday, March 20, 5:30-7:30 pm.

Seniors are invited to visit Courts Plus and focus on their health! Seniors age 62+ can work out for free on Wednesday, May 28 and can take advantage of a $10 Joining Fee.

Celebrate your next special occasion at the pool or make your day at the pool extra special. Pool rentals and Smalley Pool Cabana bookings open March 4, 2025 at 9am. 

Celebrate your next special occasion at the pool or make your day at the pool extra special. Pool rentals and Smalley Pool Cabana bookings open March 4, 2025 at 9am.

Thrive in 2025 and take advantage of a Courts Plus $25 Joining Fee - on February 25 ONLY! This one day joining fee special is for new members and offers up to $75 of savings.

With the Crestview Park playground set for replacement in 2026, we’re planning now for even more potential improvements in the future! Help us shape the future of your neighborhood park.

The Berens Hub Playground Redevelopment project will begin on Friday, February 21 with the installation of construction and silt fencing. Demolition work will begin the following week. 

Registration for programs featured in the 2025 Summer Camp & Aquatics Guide opens Saturday, February 22 at 8 am for residents.

A landmark of Elmhurst, Wilder Mansion is also an award-winning venue! For the 14th consecutive year, Wilder Mansion has earned the Couples’ Choice Award from WeddingWire.

The 2025 Summer Camps & Aquatics Guide is now available online.

Elmhurst Park District and its staff were pleased to receive multiple awards at the Soaring to New Heights Conference, a joint effort of the Illinois Association of Park Districts and Illinois Park & Recreation Association.

Join Sunbeams & Rainbows Preschool during the 2025/2026 school year! Registration is now open!

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

Pool Passes for the 2025 season are now on sale!

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.

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.