News

A new Elmhurst Park District collaboration with the Ray Graham Association (RGA) is making progress over at the Elmhurst Community Learning Center, (420 W. Madison Street). 

Facility update: Please note that the main entrance to Wagner Community Center will be closed for several weeks as nearly 4,200 square feet of tile is replaced in the main entry hallway, multipurpose rooms B, C and D and corridors. The temporary entrance is located on the west side of the building.

This evening, the Elmhurst Park District Board of Park Commissioners voted unanimously to give residents the choice to fund high-priority projects identified by the community through a referendum on the November 5, 2024 ballot.

The neighborhood came to play last Saturday during the ribbon cutting at Pick Park’s new playground. Board Commissioners and Park District staff held a short ceremony before inviting attendees to explore the park.

Update: This survey is now closed.

In a significant step toward addressing community needs, the Elmhurst Board of Park Commissioners reviewed the findings of a comprehensive voter survey at their meeting last night.

Demand for recreational programming remains high in Elmhurst, and the Elmhurst Park District continues to look for ways to expand indoor programming space and reduce waitlists.

The Elmhurst Park District Board and staff would like to thank everyone who has participated in ongoing engagement activities as part of Elevate Elmhurst Parks planning. Extensive feedback was collected to guide the District’s strategic planning efforts to shape the future of the District and create the Elevate Elmhurst Parks Plan.

The Elmhurst Park District is committed to providing equal access and removing barriers for people with disabilities, ensuring that all community members can enjoy its parks and services.

Ten Swim Punch Passes are now available to purchase. With punch passes, you can use them yourself or bring your friends, neighbors and guests to the pools.

Punch passes can be purchased online, at Wagner Community Center, East End and Norman P. Smalley Pool. Unused Pass Cards will expire September 2, 2024.

Stop by The Hub's playground at Berens Park on Tuesday, July 16, 5-7 pm to tell us changes you would like to see at the playground! Plus - bring the kids and enjoy a mini Party in the Park, with classic backyard games like hula hoops and bubbles.

The Spray Ground at The Hub is CLOSED on Thursday, June 27 due to mechanical issues. The batting cages and concessions remain open until 7 pm.

Rent a cabana at Smalley Pool this summer to escape the sun and lounge in comfort. Enjoy a bit of privacy while relaxing in the shade. Cabana includes:

Underscoring Elmhurst Park District’s consistent financial stewardship, the Park District was pleased to earn the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2024 B

An Elmhurst landmark will now bear the name of one of its biggest advocates and stewards.

May 25 East End Pool update: Due to the dedicated efforts of our staff, the kiddie pool will be OPEN today with the rest of the pool facility. Hours are Noon-8pm (Pool Pass holders can enter an hour early at 11am).

Taking care of athletic fields is a crucial part of meeting the needs and expectations of the community, sports groups and Park District partners. With this in mind, the Park Board was pleased to approve several upgrades to Butterfield Park Field #1 at its Monday, April 22 Park Board Meeting.

The Elmhurst Park District is launching a voter survey aimed at assessing the interest in a potential referendum for a new Wagner Community Center and new outdoor amenities, including a bandshell in Wilder Park, year-round heated restroom buildings at four locations, and converting a grass field to artificial turf at Berens Park. The Park Board unanimously approved moving forward with the survey at their meeting on Monday, April 22, which will be administered to a random sample of registered voters by aQity Research. This initiative stems from the feedback received during the development of the Elevate Elmhurst Parks strategic and comprehensive planning process in 2023.

Come see proposed projects that will take your Park District experience to new heights! Stop by an upcoming Open House.

Introducing the Elmhurst Park District App! Use the app to check-in at the pools, access punch passes for The Hub Spray Ground and Gymnastics Open Gym, view your upcoming schedules and more!

Don't miss out – find us on your app store under "Elmhurst Park District".

The 2024 Summer Brochure is now available online. Resident registration for all programs opens Saturday, May 4 at 8 am. Non-resident registration is Tuesday, May 7. Summer Camp and Aquatics are already open for registration and can be viewed in the Spring Brochure.

In March, the Park Board approved restoration of the metal roof covering the tennis courts at Courts Plus Fitness Center. The metal roof is 33 years old and exhibiting signs of oxidation. Restoration work will maintain the roof’s structural integrity and extend its lifespan.

Following restoration, the Park District will use a financing mechanism known as a power purchase agreement (PPA), which calls for the installation of an array of solar panels on all of Courts Plus’ roof surfaces.

April 22, 2024 Update: This event has been cancelled. Adults ages 21 and up are invited to join in a friendly competition at a recreational bags tournament fundraiser to benefit the Elmhurst Parks Foundation! Don’t want to compete? Bring your friends to play games like giant Jenga, Uno, and Connect Four while enjoying complimentary food and a cash bar. Proceeds help fund program scholarships and special projects. Deadline to register is Friday, April 19.

Join Elmhurst Public Library for a party in Wilder Park to watch the solar eclipse from 1-2:30 pm on April 8. Observe the sky as the sun is slowly blocked from view, learn about what eclipses are and why they happen, and take advantage of fun activities, games, and snacks. Eclipse glasses will be available while supplies last. Presented with the Elmhurst Park District.

The upcoming eclipse will only last for a moment! Take advantage of the Courts Plus Fitness Center eclipse deal and enjoy health benefits all year long! Now through April 8, get 50% off your joining fee when signing up for a new Courts Plus membership.

Elmhurst, IL – After a 36-year run, Senior Site Supervisor Zen Przybylek has officially hung up his hat and started a new chapter of his life as grandpa.

Join Elmhurst Park District this spring in the ultimate Elmhurst parks showdown to find out which of our parks will be crowned champion! We all have our favorites, but there can only be one winner.

Starting next week, we’ll feature two parks each weekday on our Facebook page. They’ll square off against one another, with you deciding which park moves to the next round.

Kies Recreation Center is ready to play! New gym flooring was installed this winter, increasing the programming options the center can offer for adults, senior citizens, and participants of all ages. Park District staff took advantage of the updated gym space quickly and on March 4, the facility offered its first pickleball class.

Elmhurst Park District is ready to break ground at Pick Park! Park District officials will lead a ceremonial groundbreaking on Saturday, March 23 at 10 am.

Looking to improve your volleyball skills off-season? Interested in trying out the sport with fun drills and games? Check out VolleyKidz classes at Elmhurst Park District. This spring, indoor and outdoor options are available.

Beginning Saturday, March 2, the walking path at Conrad Fischer Park will be temporarily re-routed as a gravel path during pre-construction work at Churchville Middle School. Work is estimated to be completed the week of March 11, 2024.

Construction on Canine Corner, Elmhurst’s first dog park, is approaching quickly! Work is expected to begin this spring. Anticipation for the park is high, with Elmhurst residents regularly voicing their interest in a dog park.

Elmhurst Park District now has more good news to report, as it was announced that State Representative Jenn Ladisch-Douglass successfully secured a $250,000 grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to support the development of Canine Corner.

Elmhurst Park District is always looking for ways to advance its mission of enriching the lives while having fun. Last year, the District engaged the community in Elevate Elmhurst Parks, a comprehensive and strategic planning initiative seeking to update the District’s previous plan and guide decision-making for the next 5 years. The final Elevate Elmhurst Parks plan was approved at the February 26 Park Board meeting.

Looking for active, outdoor volunteer opportunities for your friends, family or organization? Check out Adopt-A-Park!

Ten parks are currently available for 2024: East End, Golden Meadows, Jaycee Tot Lot, Maple Trail Woods, Marjorie Davis, Pick, Pioneer, Van Voorst, Wild Meadows Trace, and York Commons. 

Attention all Wilder Park Conservatory visitors! We've noticed some rather "creative" uses of our beautiful plant beds lately, from impromptu picnics to mud pie making sessions to full on photography sessions. While we love seeing families and friends enjoying our space, we'd like to gently remind everyone that our plants prefer peaceful neighbors, not picnic pals.

Resident registration for spring programs opens this Saturday, February 24 at 8 am. This includes registration for the March 30 Egg Hunt!

Stop by, complete an application, taco 'bout our job opportunities and do a basic interview on the spot for our summer and part-time job openings. 

It may only be mid-February, but it’s already been a year of memorable recognitions for Elmhurst Park District facilities and staff. 

The redevelopment of Pioneer Park is moving along, with the Park Board approving construction of the park’s playground and safety surfacing at their February 12, 2024 board meeting.

Courts Plus has a passion for fitness and wellness and they want to share with you! Join Courts Plus now through Wednesday, February 14 at 7 pm with a joining fee of just $14.

Registration for 2024 Summer Camp, Jr. Golf Camp and Aquatics programs featured in the Spring Brochure and Summer Camps Guide opens this Saturday, February 10 at 8 am.

Be ready to go on registration day and remember to verify your account in our new registration software, ActiveNet. Elmhurst Park District launched ActiveNet on December 1, 2023. It is used for program registration, pass memberships and facility reservations. If you did not already verify your account on ActiveNet, you will need to verify it to register for programs.

Last month, Sugar Creek Golf Course was pleased to accept a Public Works Project of the Year Award from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Chicago Metro Chapter (Suburban Branch) in the Environmental category less than $5 million.

The Sunbeams & Rainbows Preschool program is play-based, developmentally appropriate, and respectful of social, cultural, and linguistic diversity.

The 2024 Spring Brochure and Summer Camps Guide is now available. Mark your calendars with our registration dates (all times are 8 am):

Get creative and show us your snowman building skills. Join our snowman contest!

Update for January 16, 2024
Courts Plus will open as scheduled on Tuesday, January 16. Kids Plus and all other programming at Courts Plus will be available. Programs at Wagner Community Center, Kies Recreation Center, and D205 facilities are cancelled. All Sunbeams & Rainbows classes are cancelled for Tuesday, January 16, which includes the Courts Plus location.

Program participants will be contacted, and any additional updates will be posted to social media and epd.org. Stay warm!

Wilder Park Conservatory is also closed this week through Saturday, January 20 due to heating issues and the removal of the Holiday Flower Show.

By next summer, families in the Pick Park neighborhood will have a new place to play! The Elmhurst Park District Board of Park Commissioners approved the construction bid for Pick Park’s development at its December 11 Board meeting.

With construction anticipated to begin next June, staff is getting ready for the redevelopment of Pioneer Park. The final concept for the park was approved last month and now the Park Board has approved the purchase of equipment for the park.

After a successful resident registration day on Saturday, December 7, Winter programs will soon be underway. The registration event was the first to take place in the Park District’s new software, ActiveNet.

Calling all gymnasts! The Elmhurst Gymnastics Center is open for gymnasts to explore and have fun during Winter Break. Parents/guardians must remain with children through all open gym times, this is not a drop-off activity.

This event has been canceled due to forecasted temperatures.

Park District users must verify their account in ActiveNet

Verify your Account

New registration software is here! Beginning this Friday, December 1, the majority of the Park District’s registration processes will be switching to ActiveNet. This includes program registration, pass memberships and facility reservations. If you are a Park District user, make sure you have verified your account.

Dogs will have their day in Elmhurst soon! The Elmhurst Park District Board of Park Commissioners approved the name of the future dog park to be “Canine Corner” during their Monday, November 27 meeting, marking an important step for the project. Construction of the dog park is slated to begin in the spring.

The Winter Brochure is now available online. Print editions can also be found at our facilities.

Ask questions and learn about District projects, accomplishments and future plans at the upcoming State of the Park District Address at 6 pm on Wednesday, November 29 at Kies Recreation Center.

Get ready to sharpen your culinary skills! The Kies Recreation Center (155 E. St. Charles Road) is getting ready for several updates at the facility in 2024, including the renovation of its 1970s era kitchen. Demo work at the facility will begin the week of December 4.

Visitors might spot some new additions to their neighborhood park this week. Landscape crews recently planted 74 trees across 14 parks in the District. A variety of species were used, including canopy trees, such as Red Oak and Northern Catalpa, and smaller, understory trees, such as Sweet Bay Magnolias.

A new playground and other park updates are coming to Pioneer Park! The Park Board approved the final Pioneer Park Redevelopment Concept at its Monday, November 13, 2023 Park Board Meeting.

Thank-you to everyone who has provided feedback during the Elevate Elmhurst Parks Project! The District is finalizing its future goals and initiatives and has one final opportunity for you to let us know what you think.

Help us map the Elmhurst Park District’s future by participating in the final Elevate Elmhurst Parks feedback opportunities to update the District’s comprehensive and strategic plan.

Using the feedback collected from the Elevate Elmhurst Parks website interactive map and idea wall, in person engagement opportunities, and community needs assessment survey, the District identified future parks, facility and programming needs and now asks for your essential input to prioritize them.  

Stop in at one of our facilities this November and get help verifying your ActiveNet Account before Winter Program Registration opens December 9!

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.

Please be on the lookout the next time you drive to Ben Allison Park on West Avenue. Drivers will notice new 'No Parking' signs on the east side of the street.

Stop in at Wagner Community Center today and get help verifying your ActiveNet Account before Winter Program Registration opens December 9!

TruGreen is scheduled to begin the annual fall broadleaf weed control applications on Thursday, October 5 at Berens Park with the remaining parks beginning on Tuesday, October 10.

Ben Allison Park playground made its official debut on Saturday, September 16.

Berens Park tennis court number 9 is having issues with the light. Park District staff is aware and is working on fixing it. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

Update: This survey is now closed.

Your feedback matters! Complete the Community Needs Survey!

This year, the Park District is engaging with the community to update the comprehensive and strategic plan.

Nationally, 66% of households own a pet, and if you take a walk through any area of town, it’s not hard to see that many four-legged, furry friends call Elmhurst home. And soon...the Elmhurst Park District will give dogs their own place to play!

In honor of National Dog Day, the District is asking for the community’s help to name the first-ever dog park!

Wilder Park Conservatory will be closed Tuesday, September 5 through Thursday, September 7 for maintenance projects. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

Preschoolers - come and play with us

Location: Elmhurst Gymnastics Center (615 West Ave, Elmhurst)
Time: Fridays, January 12-March 22,  9-10:30 am

Update: This survey is now closed

Reconnect with nature and explore local trails while meeting new people at Elmhurst Park District’s Park Meet Ups scheduled for September and October.

Each week, we’ll meet at a new park to go for a walk as part of the Take a Hike Challenge. Bring a lunch if you’re interested in sticking around after the walk. Walks are self guided and go at your own pace.

Come play with us as we celebrate the new playground at Ben Allison Park on Saturday, September 16 at 10 am! The park was redeveloped this summer and will be ready to make its debut. Attend our ribbon cutting and be one of the first to try out the new playground!

The demolition of the former Lizzadro Museum building in Wilder Park will begin this month. On Monday, August 7, fencing will go up around the building. Demolition work, beginning with the interior, will begin August 14, approximately.

Congratulations to Elmhurst Youth Baseball’s 12U Little League! They won the State Championship and will now play on ESPN+ in the Regional Tournament in Whitestown, Indiana on August 5 at 6 pm (CT).

Paving and most of playground equipment installation is complete at Ben Allison Park. In the coming weeks, safety surfacing will be installed as well as the teeball backstop. 

Event Cancelled: The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for our area until 7 pm.

Stop by Pioneer Park's playground Tuesday, July 18, 5-6:30 pm to tell us changes you would like to see at the park in 2024! Plus - bring the kids and enjoy a mini Party in the Park, with classic backyard games like hula hoops and bubbles.

NEW! Extend your preschool day with Lunch Box Club!

Looking for your next night-out activity with friends? Look no further. Elmhurst Park District is thrilled to reoffer our hit event Bags, Brew, and BBQ on July 22 from 6–9 pm on the back lawn of Wilder Mansion!

6-29-23 - 6:30 am UPDATE: Outdoor facilities and programs will open as usual today in the hope that the air quality number continues to drop. Staff will monitor levels throughout the day and may adjust as needed out of caution for our participants and staff who are outside. As a reminder, you can download the rainout hotline app to receive alerts. https://www.epd.org/rainout-line-weather-cancellations

The first phase of engagement for Elevate Elmhurst Parks has resulted in a tremendous amount of community feedback! Thank you to everyone who has contributed ideas on the project website.

Please note that the idea wall and interactive map will close for comments on Friday, June 30 so that we can begin reviewing the feedback provided. The next phase of the project will then include a community survey. Keep an eye out for more details on our website and social media.

Parks staff will begin spot treatments with herbicide for weed control Districtwide the week of June 26 and continue through mid-July. Treatment areas include tree rings, landscape beds, paver paths, fence lines, and parking lot areas.

Help us Elevate Elmhurst Parks by sharing your thoughts at the Park District booth during Elmhurst Family Pride Fest on June 24.

This year, the Elmhurst Park District is mapping its future by updating its comprehensive and strategic plan. Part of this process is hearing from the whole community, including those who are not active users of its facilities and programs.

This month, the Elmhurst Park District was thrilled to receive news that State Senator Suzy Glowiak-Hilton secured a $250,000 grant from the State of Illinois for upgrades to the

Due to rain, forecasted increasing winds, and unseasonably cool temperatures, the decision has been made to cancel Adventure Day.

Smalley Pool opens this Saturday, June 10 for the season. Hours this summer are 11am-6pm daily. Pool pass holders can enter an hour early at 10 am.

For the seventeenth year in a row, the Elmhurst Park District has earned the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2023 Budget. 

This year, the Elmhurst Park District is mapping its future by updating its comprehensive and strategic plan. Part of this process will be hearing from the community and giving residents the opportunity to share their insights and ideas through a website, surveys and in-person events.

Help us Elevate Elmhurst Parks by stopping by our Open House at Wagner Community Center on June 20.

Help us Elevate Elmhurst Parks by sharing your thoughts during Movies in the Park on Friday, June 16.