On Monday, February 9, the Elmhurst Park District Board of Park Commissioners approved the Wilder Park South Master Plan, which will guide planning for the park’s future. The plan reflects the Board’s responsibility to balance community priorities, expert analysis and stewardship of a historic public space, while providing a clear road map for future improvements that will serve the community for years to come.
The approval follows the passing of the November 2024 referendum to fund a series of projects designed to better serve residents. Among the projects is a bandshell in Wilder Park intended to bring the community together for performances and events. The referendum also includes funding for a permanent restroom in the park.
With the Master Plan approved, staff will now begin to identify potential funding for non-referendum Master Plan components in order to proceed with Design Development for the bandshell and the redevelopment of the existing Wilder Park Recreation Building.
The Master Plan is the result of a planning process that included open houses, public comments, surveys and feedback collected throughout the referendum education process. Board members and staff carefully considered this community input alongside logistics, environmental impacts, accessibility and long-term sustainability.
A preliminary plan, including cost estimates, was presented to the Park Board on January 24, 2026. A key refinement resulting from that meeting was the Board’s decision to replace the previously proposed central restroom location for a new restroom facility with the redevelopment of the existing Wilder Park Recreation Building.
Additional elements of the plan will be further evaluated during the Design Development phase, including the feasibility of shifting the bandshell further north, refinements to the park’s pathway system and the design of a pergola included in the plan. This will further ensure the design aligns with operational needs, accessibility and the overall vision of the park.
The Master Plan is available to view here. Keep up-to-date on all the Park District’s referendum projects at epd.org/referendum.
