At its regular Board Meeting on Monday, June 9, the Elmhurst Park Board approved the Crestview Park Master Plan, marking a significant milestone in the park’s redevelopment.
The Master Plan was created as part of the Park District’s 2025 Strategic Work Plan and builds on the momentum from the November 2024 voter-approved bond referendum, which included the addition of a new, year-round heated restroom at Crestview Park.
In advance of the park’s scheduled 2026 playground replacement and the construction of the new restroom facility, District staff proposed a comprehensive planning process for the park, to ensure a holistic vision for the park. The timing of the Master Plan is also influenced by the construction of the new Wagner Community Center, which is expected to last through fall 2027. During that time, the existing recreation building at Crestview Park will temporarily host Park District programs before its eventual demolition.
To ensure the new plan reflects community priorities, the Park District hosted an initial open house at Crestview Park on March 20, 2025 where the community provided input on existing amenities and potential new features. During a second open house on May 1, two park-wide concepts and two playground design concepts were shared. An online survey also allowed broader community participation in the process before a final Master Plan concept was presented to the Park Board.
The final Master Plan can be viewed here. It includes a variety of enhancements aimed at promoting recreation, accessibility, and engagement with the outdoors.
- A new ADA-accessible playground
- A year-round heated restroom
- More walking paths forming a loop through the entire park
- A shaded sport court entry area with seating
- Improvements to the sled hill, including stairs and an accessible switchback
- A nature exploration zone
- A fitness trail
- A future pump track for bikes, scooters, rollerblades, and skateboards
- A woodland garden with elevated boardwalk
The implementation of the Master Plan will occur in phases. Phase 1, anticipated to begin in 2026, will include the new playground, permanent restroom, a shelter, and the shaded sport court entry area. Subsequent phases, starting in future years, will see the demolition of the old parking lot and recreation building and the development of new features as presented in the Master Plan.
Elmhurst Park District looks forward to beginning the transformation of Crestview Park into a multi-use destination which serves visitors of all ages and abilities for years to come. To learn more about the project and view updates, visit epd.org/projects.
