People for Elmhurst Parks Foundation

Mission Statement & History

The People for Elmhurst Parks Foundation is a grassroots 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1985 to work in partnership with the Elmhurst Park District on special projects consistent with the Park District’s mission of providing open space, beauty, and recreational opportunities for the community.  Projects are selected each year that help add value to the Park District, going above and beyond what can be provided with limited tax dollars.  For information on donating to the People for Elmhurst Parks Foundation, please call (630) 993-8924 or email pep@epd.org.

Membership & Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in becoming a PEP Board member, committee member or volunteer, please fill out the PEP Membership Application. For more information on the PEP Board or volunteering with PEP, please call (630) 993-8924 or email pep@epd.org.

PEP Fundraising Projects

The Playground for Everyone at Butterfield Park
The vision for the Playground for Everyone at Butterfield Park is one of inclusion. Imagine a playground where every child can participate in all elements of the design. A place where children of all abilities can play, socialize, and dream together; fostering acceptance, friendship, and understanding through play. For many children with disabilities this may represent the only place in their lives where they can swing, slide, climb, spin and play side-by-side with their friends and peers without having to abandon their usual means of mobility.  Such a playground would cost nearly $600,000 so PEP took the challenge to raise $250,000, over and above the $350,000 the Park District budgeted in their 2016 capital plan for playground replacement.
 
After months of fundraising and construction, the Playground for Everyone had its grand opening on Saturday, November 5, 2016. It is one of a limited number of such playgrounds in the area, making it a destination for families in surrounding communities. 
 
Recreation Assistance Program
Money is raised throughout the year to provide financial assistance to disadvantaged Elmhurst families to allow them to participate in District recreational programs.  Families must apply for this assistance through the District’s registration department. To donate to the program, send a check to PEP, P.O. Box 1303, Elmhurst, IL  60126 or donations are possible as a line item on all District registration forms.
 
Wilder Mansion Endowment Fund
This fund was created when the Wilder Mansion was renovated in order to provide dedicated funds toward the continued historic preservation of Wilder Mansion. Donations can be made to PEP; Wilder Mansion Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 1303, Elmhurst, IL  60126.
 
 

PEP Fundraising Events

Touch a Truck
Each year at the September Touch a Truck event, PEP volunteers ask for donations to support the Recreation Assistance Program which helps disadvantaged families participate in District programs. 
 
PEP & Kiwanis Golf Outing
The annual golf outing in May is coordinated by members of PEP and the Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst. Teams of four enjoy nine holes of “scramble format” golf, raffle prize drawings, and a buffet lunch at Sugar Creek Golf Course. Proceeds from the event benefit the Recreation Assistance Program and the Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst. For information on participating as a sponsor or golfer at this event, please call (630) 993-8924 or email pep@epd.org.
 
Park Palooza
Each year in August, PEP volunteers run the Beer Garden at Park Palooza, asking for donations to support the Recreation Assistance Program which helps disadvantaged families participate in District programs

Past Projects

The People for Elmhurst Parks have played a significant role in providing support for value added Park District projects, raising over $500,000 since its inception.

  • Playground for Everyone at Butterfield Park
  • Mobile Band Shell
  • Spring Road Gazebo
  • Safety Town
  • Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System
  • Park/Pool benches, shade structures and equipment
  • Athletic Equipment
  • Baseball Diamonds and bat mounts
  • Kiosks along the Prairie Path
  • Lampposts along the Prairie Path
     
Documents & Forms: 
PDF icon PEP Pamphlet
PDF icon PEP Membership Application