The Elmhurst Park District is making substantial progress on the six remaining referendum projects and looks forward to maintaining momentum as the year continues. The projects, approved by a November 2024 referendum, are designed to meet growing community needs and enhance recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.
Digging into work at the new Wagner Community Center
The new Wagner Community Center is the centerpiece of the referendum projects. At four times the size of the former building, the new facility will provide expanded opportunities for recreation, wellness, and community programming.
These features will include a free indoor walking and jogging track for residents, indoor artificial turf, gymnasiums, multipurpose rooms, expanded dance and gymnastics spaces, a dedicated early childhood wing and an indoor play space.
Construction on the new facility began in late 2025. During the winter and spring, the former building was demolished, site clearing and excavation were completed, and underground utility installation got underway.
Concrete foundations for the building's precast panels were poured during the summer. The building will really begin taking shape as the precast panels are erected later this summer. These panels will form the exterior walls of the gymnastics center, indoor turf field, and gymnasium. The facility remains on schedule for completion in Fall 2027 as well as within budget.
To see renderings of the future Wagner Community Center and construction photos, check out the project page.
Artificial Turf Field
At Berens Park, adjacent to the new Wagner Community Center, excavation work began last fall for the conversion of an existing grass field into artificial turf. With multiple field striping configurations, shade structures and spectator seating, the turf field will significantly extend the playing season, reduce weather-related cancellations, and accommodate more programming for participants of all ages and skill levels.
The Park Board approved a contract for the purchase and installation of the artificial turf in May. Following the completion of excavation work, an underground system called StormTrap was installed to provide stormwater management for both the new turf field and the Wagner Community Center. Once complete, it will be able to hold nearly two million gallons of water. Installation of the turf is expected to be finished in late 2027.
Wilder Park Community Bandshell
The new community bandshell in Wilder Park, which will be located south of the playground on the east lawn of the Wilder Mansion, will provide a permanent venue for enrichment and engagement. This site served as the longtime location of the District's temporary band wagon, which provided the backdrop for concerts, movies, egg hunts and other community events for decades. The project also includes a permanent heated restroom.
The bandshell is part of the larger Wilder Park South Master Plan, which includes improvements to the former site of the Lizzadro Museum, which stood in Wilder Park for many decades but was torn down in 2023 when the museum moved to Oak Brook. Throughout development of the Master Plan, the District gathered extensive community input through public meetings, surveys, and stakeholder engagement.
Following public input, consultant recommendations, and Board discussion, the Park Board approved the Wilder Park South Master Plan, including the bandshell location, at the beginning of the year. The approved Master Plan is available on the Bandshell project page.
Following a facility assessment of the Wilder Park Recreation Building, the Park Board also approved replacing the originally proposed standalone restroom with redevelopment of the existing Recreation Building.
With the Master Plan approved, design development began in the spring. This work includes refining architectural, structural, grading, mechanical, and electrical elements of the project that will be included in construction documents. Updated renderings and site plans were presented to the Park Board in May and included revisions based on Board feedback. The latest renderings can also be viewed on the project page.
Required Planned Unit Development (PUD) meetings are currently in progress with the city. Design work continues, with construction expected to begin early next year. Both the bandshell and restroom improvements are anticipated to be completed in fall 2027.
Permanent Heated Restrooms
The Eldridge Park restroom building was the first completed referendum project when it opened back in March! A celebratory ribbon cutting was held in April. Conveniently located along Spring Road near the playground and soccer fields, the facility provides access to safe, clean restrooms near some of the park’s most used amenities.
Next up for construction – restrooms at Crestview Park and along the Prairie Path.
A new Master Plan for Crestview Park was approved in 2025. The plan includes a permanent heated restroom building, with construction expected to begin this fall as part of Phase 1 improvements at the park.
The Park Board approved the Prairie Path restroom location following a public open house and survey. It will be located along Spring Road near the gazebo. Pre-construction activities, including permit submissions to the City of Elmhurst and DuPage County and underground utility locating, are complete. Construction is expected to begin this fall and wrap up in early 2027.
Elmhurst Park District remains committed to delivering improvements that reflect the priorities identified by residents.
This year will continue to be an exciting one – check out the latest project progress by visiting epd.org/referendum.
