Voter Survey findings presented to Park Board
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. Whether you took part in the voter survey, attended open houses, submitted a comment card, or are a part of the Elevate Elmhurst Advisory Committee, your feedback has been invaluable.
At their July 22 meeting, aQity Research presented a draft of the findings of the voter survey. These results, along with feedback from the Elevate Advisory Committee, will help the Park Board determine next steps in the District’s planning process, including whether to place a referendum question on the November 5 election ballot for voters to decide if they support funding the proposed projects. The deadline to pass this resolution is August 19.
The Elevate Elmhurst Parks plan, crafted after extensive community input, outlines six key priorities:
- Invigorated Parks
- Vibrant Facilities
- Dynamic Offerings
- Engaged Community
- Stronger Finances
- Thriving Culture
Among the recurring themes in the feedback was the pressing need for modern indoor recreation spaces.
Addressing the community's priorities as outlined in the Elevate Elmhurst Parks plan, the District also aims to construct a bandshell in Wilder Park, year-round heated restroom buildings at four locations, and convert a grass field to turf at Berens Park. The focal point of this endeavor though lies in the potential replacement of the aging Wagner Community Center, envisioned to offer expanded programming and facility space, including the possibility of a free indoor walking track; gymnasiums for pickleball, basketball, and volleyball; artificial turf field for football, lacrosse, soccer and other sports; larger gymnastics space; larger dance studios; early childhood classrooms; indoor play area; and more multi-purpose rooms that could be used to address demand for programs and reduce waitlists in addition to providing community meeting spaces.
However, the realization of these aspirations hinges on the community’s willingness to fund them.
Despite being lauded for its financial stewardship, with consecutive accolades including the Government Finance Officers Association’s Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, the District faces the challenge of meeting escalating community demands with limited financial resources. With a property tax rate comprising only a nickel of every dollar, the District has one of the lowest rates as compared to other park districts in DuPage County.
To learn more about this initiative please visit Elevate Elmhurst Parks.
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