In observance of Labor Day, Wagner Community Center, Kies Recreation Center and the Administrative Office are closed Monday, September 1.
Courts Plus is open 7am-1pm, East End Pool is open Noon-6pm and The Hub is open 10am-4 pm. Wilder Park Conservatory is open 8am-6pm.
You can now register for this year’s The Conservation Foundation and Endeavor Health 2025 Take a Hike! Challenge! For eight weeks, from September 1 to October 27, rediscover the healthy benefits of being active and spending time outdoors.
Landscape improvements have begun at Courts Plus. The facility’s perimeter landscaping is being refreshed with native plants and low maintenance shrubs that will provide seasonal interest.
This project also includes renovating the outdoor patio near the pool. The area will be replaced with synthetic turf and a more natural-looking retaining wall. Staff is looking forward to this update, which will allow for future programming opportunities in the space.
Paving and sealcoating projects are beginning this week at our parks and facilities. Paths closed for sealcoating will reopen 24 hours after completion and paths closed for repaving, will reopen after completion. All are weather dependent.
Big trucks and big fun! Climb and explore a variety of vehicles at Touch a Truck in Berens Park. Free admission. Visit 9 am-Noon. The first hour will be a quiet hour designed for kids who love trucks, but not the noise.
Open Gym begins September 19! For ages up to 6 with an adult. Our gymnastics facility is open for our youngest gymnasts to explore and have fun. Staff will be on hand to ensure safety and proper usage of the facility and equipment. Due to safety reasons, the age requirements will be strictly enforced. An adult parent/guardian must be present. Purchase a punch pass online and skip the daily pass line to be one of the first in line for entry!
UPDATE: Given the active lightning in the area and the amount of time for vendors and the band to set up we are unfortunately canceling this event. Thank you to everyone who came out and we hope to see you at our next event, Touch a Truck, on September 6.
Summer is winding down and we're heading into Post Season Hours at the pools.
East End Pool is closed weekdays beginning Wednesday, August 13. Weekend hours are Saturdays, Noon-8pm and Sundays, Noon-6pm through August 31. Labor Day hours are Noon-6pm.
Calling all sixth, seventh and eighth graders! Join us at East End Pool this Wednesday, August 6 from 8:30-10:30 pm to swim and listen to music provided by Impulse Entertainment DJs! Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.
Grab a picnic blanket and join Elmhurst Park District for a showing of Wicked under the stars.
For many, park district programs offer unforgettable childhood memories. But for some, those memories also help shape their futures.
Jennifer Diamond, Sugar Creek Golf Course’s Clubhouse Supervisor, and Josh Stembridge, Funseekers Summer Camp Counselor, both grew up participating in programs at the Elmhurst Park District and Sugar Creek Golf Course. Now, they have returned as staff members, bringing their stories full circle as they guide and inspire the next generation.
The 2025 Fall Brochure is now available online. Resident Registration for programming opens on Saturday, August 2 at 8 am.
A game night in Wilder Park for adults! Grab a drink and get in the game or relax and enjoy some good food and music.
EVENT CANCELLED - A tornado watch has been issued for all of DuPage County through 11 PM. In the interest of safety for all participants and staff, we have made the decision to cancel tonight‘s movie.
Come provide your input about Wilder Park's next chapter, as we look to honor its legacy while planning for the future.
The Elmhurst Park District’s lifeguard team received top marks during their first unannounced visit of the year from StarGuard Elite, the Park District’s partner in lifeguard training and aquatic risk prevention. Last month, lifeguards at East End Pool earned a coveted five-star rating on their audit, the highest score possible.
Join us on Wednesday, July 9, 9-11 am in Plunkett Park. Kids of all ages are invited for some good old-fashioned fun. We'll provide bubbles, hula hoops, jump ropes and more.
Join us on Wednesday, July 23, 9-11 am at Butterfield Park. Kids of all ages are invited for some good old-fashioned fun. We'll provide bubbles, hula hoops, jump ropes and more. Plus, Kona Ice will be there selling shaved ice. Free to attend.
Head to East End Pool 1-4 pm on July 26 for a snow-mazing celebration! Our Snowflake Swim in the Sun will feature an avalanche of games, contests, and a DJ. Regular daily admission rates apply.
You're invited to RGL Marketing for the Arts' 14th Holiday Market at Wilder Mansion on November 7 & 8. One of a kind artisan & seasonal gifts. Over 55 artisans and gourmet food vendors including including kid’s clothing, pottery, stationery, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, painting, and gourmet food.
Wagner Community Center, Courts Plus, Kies Recreation Center and the Administrative Office will be closed Friday, July 4.
East End and Smalley Pool hours are Noon-6 pm and The Hub's hours are 10 am-4 pm. Wilder Park Conservatory has normal hours, 8 am-6 pm.
Elmhurst Park District is at the beginning of an exciting rebranding initiative aimed at better reflecting the vibrant community it serves. As part of this process, the Park District will develop a new logo and visual identity which will be guided by valuable input from the community.
At their June 9 Park Board meeting, the Elmhurst Park District Board of Park Commissioners approved the exterior elevations for the new Wagner Community Center, taking another big step forward in the realization of one of the District’s most significant redevelopment projects.
We’re thrilled to share that construction at Wagner Community Center will begin soon as we take the next step in Elevating Elmhurst Parks!
To keep programs running smoothly during construction, most Wagner programs and services will be relocated to other Elmhurst Park District facilities this fall. We’re also excited to announce that dance and gymnastics programs will have a new home at a newly-leased space at 185 Industrial Drive in Elmhurst—just down the street from Mariano’s!
Pool Pass Holders - enjoy a summer evening and dive into some fun at Smalley Pool during Membership Appreciation Night! Pool Pass Holders are invited to an exclusive members only night on Monday, July 28, 6:30-8:30pm.
East End Pool will be closing early at 7:30pm on Wednesday, July 30. Regular hours resume on July 31.
The Park District celebrated the reopening of The Hub playground at Berens Park with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, June 20.
At its regular Board Meeting on Monday, June 9, the Elmhurst Park Board approved the Crestview Park Master Plan, marking a significant milestone in the park’s redevelopment.
Due to the heat advisory and rising temperatures, we will be ending Eldridge Adventure Day at 11am in the interest of safety for our guests, vendors, and staff. We appreciate your understanding as we put health and safety first. We look forward to seeing you at Eldridge Park from 9 to 11 am! Stay cool and hydrated today!
Calling all sixth, seventh and eighth graders! Join us at East End Pool, 8:30-10:30 pm this Wednesday to swim and listen to music provided by Impulse Entertainment DJs! Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.
Learn swimming at your own pace! Elmhurst Park District offers private lessons for participants ages 3 to adult. All swim instructors undergo regular training and are certified Starfish Swim instructors.
Spot spraying will take place over the next 2-3 weeks. Spot spraying with a non-selective herbicide is applied to tree rings, landscape beds, and cracks in pavement to control weeds.
Update: Voting is now closed.
Voting is now open for the Chalk the Walk contest! Check out the entries and vote for your favorite at our contest website. Voting is open through June 19.
Play and celebrate! Join us at The Hub at Berens Park on Friday, June 20 at 6 pm for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of The Hub's playground.
Grab a picnic blanket and join Elmhurst Park District at Wilder Park for a showing of Disney's Wreck-It Ralph under the stars. Movie begins at dusk. Free admission.
Design development for the new Wagner Community Center is moving along at the Park District, but another key component of the project is also taking shape - where programs will move while construction takes place.
Canine Corner Dog Park opens June 16! Dog Park members - be ready to go on opening day and remember to pick up your lanyard, pass, fob and dog tag at Wagner Community Center.
Canine Corner Dog Park is a brand-new, exciting space for Elmhurst residents and their furry companions to enjoy off-leash fun in a safe and friendly environment. With separate areas for large and small dogs, plus plenty of engaging features, this park is designed for tails to wag and friendships to form. Opening day at Canine Corner is June 16, 2025!
Grab your chalk, create a masterpiece and snap a photo for a chance to win an Elmhurst Park District prize package!
Celebrate Summer Solstice by turning the sidewalks into works of art. This event is for all ages! Everyone is welcome to join the fun!
Due to lower than normal temperatures over the past week—and continued chilly weather in the forecast—East End Pool will remain closed through this weekend.
Wagner Community Center's summer hours begin June 1, 2025.
Wagner Community Center, Kies Recreation Center and the Administrative Office are closed during the holiday weekend, May 24-26. Due to lower than normal temperatures over the past week—and continued chilly weather in the forecast—East End Pool will also remain closed through this weekend.
On Memorial Day, Courts Plus is open 7 am-1 pm and Wilder Park Conservatory is open 8 am-6 pm.
Lifeguard training is well underway at the Park District as pool opening day approaches. Aquatics staff took a moment to reflect on their work recently, as they accepted an award from StarGuard Elite, the Park District’s partner in lifeguard training.
The Board of Park Commissioners reviewed and approved the schematic design for the new Wagner Community Center at their Monday, April 14 Park Board meeting.
Wilder Park Conservatory’s Spring Flower Show is now open! Stop by and experience this vibrant display of color, fragrance, and botanical beauty.
Each Spring Flower Show packs over 400 bulbs into the display, with Easter Lily alongside a mix of other blooms, including Daffodils, Hyacinth, and Cyclamen. Plants like Boston Ferns, Asparagus Ferns, Wandering Jew, Alocasia, Agapanthus, and Bromeliads add foliage and dimension to the display.
Since the passage of the Park District referendum in November 2024, staff has focused on design development and planning for the approved referendum projects. These projects include a new Wagner Community Center, a community bandshell with permanent heated restroom in Wilder Park, permanent heated restrooms in Eldridge and Crestview Park and along the Prairie Path and the converting of a grass field to artificial turf at Berens Park.
Community engagement and education has been a foundational piece of the Park District’s referendum process. Continuing this approach, Elmhurst residents are invited to keep up-to-date on referendum project progress by visiting epd.org/referendum.
The Park District's Summer Brochure is now available online. It features summer programming and community events. Summer Camp registration is already open! Check out the Camp and Aquatics Guide for current availability.
Canine Corner Dog Park is a brand-new, exciting space for Elmhurst residents and their furry companions to enjoy off-leash fun in a safe and friendly environment. With separate areas for large and small dogs, plus plenty of engaging features, this park is designed for tails to wag and friendships to form. Opening day at Canine Corner is June 16, 2025!
Inaugural memberships will open for resident registration on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 8am.
It was a beautiful spring day last Saturday at Butterfield Park. The perfect day to commemorate another achievement in the long-standing partnership between Elmhurst Park District and Elmhurst University. With Elmhurst University baseball players ready to take the field, both organizations gathered to celebrate the recently completed upgrades at Butterfield Park ball diamond #1, which is utilized for both collegiate and youth baseball in Elmhurst.
With the arrival of spring, staff is busy preparing the Wilder Park Formal Gardens to welcome wedding parties and visitors. The tent over the sunken ceremony garden went up this week, marking the arrival of formal events to this corner of Wilder Park.
The gardens, located at the southern edge of Wilder Park, consist of a series of landscape displays, including herb gardens, seasonal plants, butterfly gardens, and formal perennial beds.
Ages 11-16, grab your flashlights! Join your friends in the frenzy as you search for candy-filled eggs. No registration required, free to attend.
Celebrate spring with your four-legged friend at our Doggie Eggstravaganza when the egg hunt goes to the dogs! Dogs of all sizes can hunt for treat-filled eggs. Registration is not required. Free to attend.
Join Elmhurst Park District as we kick off the holiday season in Wilder Park! We'll count down to the lighting of the community trees that surround the park and enjoy holiday festivities. Free to attend.
Hop on over to the baseball fields at Berens Park this year for our annual egg hunt! Join in a mad dash to collect prize-filled eggs and visit with the Easter Bunny. Adults must accompany children. Registration required!
Join us for a second Open House to discuss Crestview Park Master Plan Concepts. Help us shape the future of your neighborhood park!
The Park District held a Crestview Park Master Plan Open House earlier this year. Based on input gathered at the event, the Park District has created Master Plan Concepts. Join us Thursday, May 1 to review these concepts and provide feedback.
Join us for an Open House to discuss the future of the Mini Golf site at The Hub at Berens Park on April 22, 5:30-7:30pm.
This year, the Park District is completing a comprehensive evaluation of the site and exploring additional alternatives for future development.
Green thumbs - get ready! Garden Plot registration is now OPEN! Grow your own produce in a garden plot at Marjorie Davis Park.
This spring, a new fence at Butterfield Park will give parkgoers an extra level of safety for children making use of the playground.
Sand volleyball fans will notice a small change when they stop by the Berens Park sand volleyball courts this spring.
Soak up some sunshine and make a difference in our parks. Check out Adopt-A-Park! This volunteer opportunity is perfect for families or organizations looking to get outside and make an impact. Butterfield, East End, Jaycee Tot Lot, Maple Trail Woods, Pick, Salt Creek, and Van Voorst are still available to adopt this year.
Construction on the Berens Park Hub Playground is moving along!
Courts Plus will reopen with normal hours and programming on Wednesday, March 12, with the exception of the pool area opening at Noon.
Thank-you for your patience during the March 11 facility shutdown as the new solar panel system was energized and connected to ComEd.
What’s in store for the future of Crestview Park? That is what Park District staff are working to define as plans are made to enhance the north side park and its amenities beginning in 2026. A Master Plan Open House at Crestview Park’s Recreation Building (245 E Crestview Ave) will give the neighborhood an opportunity to express their vision for the park and its future. The Open House is planned for Thursday, March 20, 5:30-7:30 pm.
Seniors are invited to visit Courts Plus and focus on their health! Seniors age 62+ can work out for free on Wednesday, May 28 and can take advantage of a $10 Joining Fee.
Celebrate your next special occasion at the pool or make your day at the pool extra special. Pool rentals and Smalley Pool Cabana bookings open March 4, 2025 at 9am.
Thrive in 2025 and take advantage of a Courts Plus $25 Joining Fee - on February 25 ONLY! This one day joining fee special is for new members and offers up to $75 of savings.
With the Crestview Park playground set for replacement in 2026, we’re planning now for even more potential improvements in the future! Help us shape the future of your neighborhood park.
The Berens Hub Playground Redevelopment project will begin on Friday, February 21 with the installation of construction and silt fencing. Demolition work will begin the following week.
A landmark of Elmhurst, Wilder Mansion is also an award-winning venue! For the 14th consecutive year, Wilder Mansion has earned the Couples’ Choice Award from WeddingWire.
The 2025 Summer Camps & Aquatics Guide is now available online.
Elmhurst Park District and its staff were pleased to receive multiple awards at the Soaring to New Heights Conference, a joint effort of the Illinois Association of Park Districts and Illinois Park & Recreation Association.
In an effort to enhance the community’s park amenities and space, the Elmhurst Board of Park Commissioners approved several planning projects during their Monday, January 13, 2025 meeting.
Three Elmhurst Park District staff members were recognized this month for their contributions to the field during the Midwest Institute of Park Executives (MIPE) Annual Awards Luncheon.
The Elmhurst Park District has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report fo
Start out strong and thrive in 2025! Take advantage of the best deal of the year at Courts Plus with no joining fee for new members who join January 2 through January 15, 2025.
Available to Pool Pass Holders and Courts Plus Members!
Bring your family for a fun-filled time at York High School’s swimming pool on select Sundays, 1-4 pm. This free program is part of a cooperative agreement between Elmhurst School District 205 and the Elmhurst Park District. Lap swimming, open swim and diving boards will be available.
For ages up to 6 with an adult. Our gymnastics facility is open for our youngest gymnasts to explore and have fun. Staff will be on hand to ensure safety and proper usage of the facility and equipment.
Update: voting has ended
Elmhurst Park District facilities will observe special hours December 23, 2024- January 5, 2025.
The Elmhurst Garden Club presented a donation check of $5000 to Elmhurst Park District at the Monday, October 23 Park Board Meeting. The money was raised at the club's annual Garden Walk & Faire, which took place in July.
Take our short survey and tell us how staff are doing!
The Elmhurst Park District strives to offer “A” level service by having a positive attitude, being attentive, and giving a little extra to go above and beyond what is expected.
The deadline to submit photos has passed.
Have your holiday lights lost their twinkle? Instead of sending them to the landfill, drop your dead lights off in one of our containers through January 10, 2025.
The Park District's Winter/Spring 2025 Program Brochure is now available.
Registration will open on Saturday, December 7 at 8 am for residents and Courts Plus members. Non-resident registration is Tuesday, December 10.
FREE! Get your game on and play with the whole family this winter at Family Open Gym. Select Sundays this winter. Ages 3-14 with adult. This is not a drop-off program, a guardian must remain with children at all times.
Elmhurst can look forward to a new Hub playground at Berens Park in 2025. The Park Board approved the redevelopment concept for the playground at its Monday, November 11 meeting.
Ask questions and learn about District projects, accomplishments and future plans at the upcoming State of the Park District Address at 6 pm on Thursday, November 14 on Zoom.
As of November 5, 2024, unofficial results indicate that a majority of Elmhurst Park District voters answered “yes” to the bond referendum request to raise revenue to improve, equip and maintain parks and facilities throughout the District, including replacing the Wagner Community Center; building a community bandshell at Wilder Park; adding permanent, heated restrooms at three parks and along the Prairie Path; and converting a grass field to artificial turf at Berens Park.
On October 30, Executive Director Jim Rogers and Park Board Vice President Claire Kubiesa hosted a Live Q&A about the referendum.
Butterfield Park Field #1 is once again ready to welcome athletes after a recent redevelopment project wrapped up.
You may notice some new additions to the park landscape this fall. This week, tree plantings took place across ten different parks and featured 21 different species.
One of the Park District’s most vibrant partnerships was recognized earlier this month when the Ray Graham Association (RGA) honored Elmhurst Park District with its Monarch Effect Award during their Appreciation and Achievement Awards.
On the November 5, 2024 ballot, the Park District is giving residents the choice to fund high-priority projects identified by the community through a referendum.
UPDATE: Our cookie kits are sold out!
Unleash your cookie creativity with our Cookie Decorating Contest!
As prices of basic energy continue to be more volatile than prices of other commodities, Elmhurst Park District is pleased that a project to install solar panels on the roof of Courts Plus has begun.
