This year, the Elmhurst Park District is mapping its future by updating its comprehensive and strategic plan. Part of this process will be hearing from the community and giving residents the opportunity to share their insights and ideas through a website, surveys and in-person events.
The Elevate Elmhurst Parks Comprehensive and Strategic Plan process kicked off this past weekend, with the debut of a new, interactive website where the community can give direct feedback to the Park District about parks, programs, facilities and more.
Residents will have a number of in-person opportunities to provide feedback in the coming weeks and months. These include an open house, pop-up events and focus groups. The first opportunity will be Saturday, June 3, 10:30 am-12:30 pm at Berens Park (493 N Oaklawn Avenue) followed by Sunday, June 11, 9:30 am-11:30 am at Eldridge Park (363 W Commonwealth Lane) during Eldridge Adventure Day. Parkgoers are invited to stop by the Elevate Elmhurst Parks booth to share their thoughts on the Park District’s future.
The Park District’s last planning process took place during 2016-2017, with the approval of the final Vision 2020 Plan in 2017. This plan guided District priorities during the last five years. The District completed several Vision 2020 large-scale projects with dedicated funding that addressed un-met needs in parks, facilities and programming. These projects included the development renovation of the new adult center, recently renamed the Mary E. Kies Recreation Center, the expansion of Glos Park and the development of Centennial Park. Projects coming up in 2024 include opening the District’s first dog park and the brand-new Pick Park.
Updating this plan gives the Park District the opportunity to ensure its work reflects the community’s priorities for parks and recreation. To provide objectivity, expertise, and support, the Board hired a planning firm to work with the Park District after a Request for Proposals and interview process.
Help plan the future of your park district. Mark your calendars with upcoming in-person feedback opportunities or visit the Elevate Elmhurst Parks website to immediately provide feedback, learn more about the process, and sign-up for a focus group.
Upcoming In-Person Events
- Saturday, June 3, 10:30 am-12:30 pm: Berens Park near The Hub and baseball fields
- Sunday, June 11, 9:30-11:30 am: Eldridge Adventure Day at Eldridge Park
- Friday, June 16, 6:30-8:30 pm: Movie in the Park (Sing 2) at Wilder Park
- Tuesday, June 20, 4-6 pm: Elevate Elmhurst Parks Open House at Wagner Community Center
- Saturday, June 24, Noon-2 pm: Elmhurst Park District booth at Elmhurst Family Pride Fest at Elmhurst Presbyterian Church (367 Spring Rd)
