At the July 26 Park Board meeting, the Board approved the purchase of playground equipment for Centennial Park. The Master Plan for the park was approved earlier this summer and staff intended to purchase equipment in October. However, equipment vendor Landscape Structures, announced an 8% increase in pricing effective the week of July 26, 2021. In light of this, staff recommended ordering equipment now, prior to the price increase.

The Elmhurst Park District Board of Commissioners has reached unanimous consensus to pursue eminent domain against a developer who is attempting to force the Park District to relocate a section of the Salt Creek Greenway Trail in the Pick Subdivision. As part of the DuPage County trail system, this path has been operated and maintained by the Park District for public use since 2010.

Retiring Park Board Commissioner, Doug Ennis, was recognized at the April 26, 2021 Park Board meeting for his six years of service to the board.

During his tenure, Ennis served on the Board of the Elmhurst Art Museum and People for Elmhurst Parks, as well as committee and liaison roles in Finance, Policy and Registration Management Software Ad hoc.

The Park District’s 2021 Budget reflects a year of transition as part of a slow and gradual recovery including the reopening and expanding of facilities, programs and services as the COVID-19 vaccine becomes wider-spread, mandated capacity and social distancing restrictions are lifted, and more participants become comfortable to return to indoor programs and services.

This week, Elmhurst Community Unit District 205 and Elmhurst Park District finalized plans for the purchase and sale of the property at 407 W. St Charles Road, commonly known as The Abbey. The $1.6 million deal makes room for the eventual relocation of the Park District’s senior center and a permanent solution for the York High School Transition Center. Both entities have long identified the need for larger space for the respective programs. Closing will take place in February 2021.

Two recent decisions by the Board of Park Commissioners will assist in dealing with the impact of COVID-19 related expenses on the District.

At the September 14 meeting, the Park Board approved entering into an Intergovernmental Agreement with DuPage County to have the opportunity to receive reimbursement for COVID-19 related expenses.

Monday, July 13 was a historic moment for Elmhurst Park District, as the District unveiled and dedicated Elmhurst’s first new park in more than three decades. The Park Board and District staff hosted a Virtual Park Dedication on Facebook to celebrate and reveal the park's name.

This being the year of the District's 100th anniversary, the name, Centennial Park, reflects back with pride on the last 100 years of the District while looking ahead toward the future with hope and optimism.

At the Monday, October 14 Park Board meeting, members of the Elmhurst Garden Club presented a check to the District for $3,000, raised during the Garden Walk and Faire, held in July.

Penny O’Neill, Garden Walk & Faire Committee Chair, thanked the District for the support they provide during this annual event.

“We want to thank the Park District,” O’Neill said, “We can't make this happen without you.”

Next year will be the Elmhurst Garden Club’s 25th walk and the organization looks forward to a continued partnership with the Park District.