On Saturday, June 18, the Elmhurst Park District broke ground on the Butterfield Park redevelopment project and the Playground for Everyone. Plans to redevelop Butterfield Park have been part of the District’s long-range plans, and included input from neighboring residents at multiple public meetings.
Estimated to cost approximately $1.8 million, improvements will include drainage throughout the park and under the ballfields, new backstops, new walking paths, tennis court resurfacing, new lighting, parking lot improvements with additional spaces and improved lighting, and the new playground.
“The playground component of the redevelopment has provided an opportunity to bring the entire community together,” said Park Board President Vince Spaeth, “committing to provide a fully accessible, universal playground that will benefit every child who plays there.”
Each year the Park District budgets approximately $350,000 to replace the oldest playground in the park system, but the cost for a universal playground reached an estimated $600,000. The Park District partnered with the People for Elmhurst Parks Foundation and Special Kids Day to raise the additional $250,000.
Support for the project was widespread. Several community partner organizations and individuals donated. An online crowdfunding campaign and a fundraiser held this past February helped the Park District further involve the community with this exciting project.
“The Playground for Everyone will become a place where all children, no matter their abilities, can play together, build friendships and have fun,” said Spaeth.
Several of the partnering organizations joined the Park Board for the ground breaking, including the Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst, Elmhurst Children’s Assistance Foundation, Kickoff for Kids, the Andi Stelzner Fund of the DuPage Foundation, Elmhurst Lions Club, Elmhurst Jaycees, Special Kids Day, Mobility Works, and the Conrad Fischer School Student Council & Girl Scouts.
Butterfield Park will be closed throughout the summer and will reopen with a grand opening event on Saturday, November 5, 2016. The celebration is planned for noon and all are invited to attend.
For additional photos of the ground breaking, click here to visit our photo gallery.
