A New Wagner Community Center

New Wagner Community Center
New Wagner Community Center
An aerial view of the Wagner construction site with various heavy machinery, trucks, and vehicles scattered across the cleared land.
An aerial view of the Wagner construction site, Summer 2026.
An aerial view of the Wagner construction site with heavy machinery, piles of dirt, and stacks of concrete pipes.
An aerial view of the Wagner construction site, Summer 2026.
Progress
Project Started
Anticipated Completion Date
2027
Project Budget
$84,950,000
Project Summary

The new Wagner Community Center will accommodate more residents and feature: 

  • Free three-lane walking/jogging track
  • Gymnasium for pickleball, basketball, volleyball and other sports
  • Artificial turf field for soccer, football, baseball and other sports
  • Larger spaces for dance and gymnastics programs
  • Flexible multi-purpose spaces for more programming and community gatherings
  • Indoor play area for children
  • Dedicated early childhood and preschool spaces with a secure entrance

This project falls under the Elevate Elmhurst Parks Priority of Vibrant Facilities.

Project Progress

 

Latest Project Report

  • Excavation and concrete pours for foundations in all four main areas completed.
  • Delivery and installation of StormTrap stormwater management system complete with backfilling over geotechnical fabric ongoing.
  • Furniture manufacturer visit conducted with Dewberry interior design professionals and held recap meeting.

2026 Mid-Year Progress Report

Construction on the new facility began in late 2025. During the winter and spring, the former building was demolished, site clearing and excavation were completed, and underground utility installation got underway. 

Concrete foundations for the building's precast panels were poured during the summer. The building will really begin taking shape as the precast panels are erected later this summer. These panels will form the exterior walls of the gymnastics center, indoor turf field, and gymnasium. The facility remains on schedule for completion in Fall 2027 as well as within budget.

Milestone Timeline (subject to change)

  • Winter 2026
    • Complete WCC demolition and begin site clearing, excavation, and foundations
  • Spring 2026
    • Complete WCC precast wall panel installation
  • Summer 2026
    • Complete WCC steel erection, WCC underground utilities, and WCC structural slabs/concrete
  • Fall 2026
    • Complete WCC exterior enclosures and elevator installation, begin WCC interior framing, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) rough-in, interior finishes, and sitework.
  • 2027
    • Complete WCC construction
    • Move out of temporary spaces and into WCC
    • WCC grand opening and begin offering programs
An aerial view of a construction site with heavy machinery, including bulldozers, excavators, and trucks, moving dirt and preparing the ground for a new building.
Aerial view of a construction site with heavy machinery, vehicles, and building materials on a dirt and gravel foundation next to a wooded area.
Aerial view of a construction site with heavy machinery, piles of dirt, and stacks of pipes. Buildings and trees are visible in the background.
Schematic Design - Wagner Community Center First Floor
Schematic Design - Wagner Community Center Second Floor
Wagner Community Center Site Plan
Wagner Community Center Building Elevation
Wagner Community Center Building Elevation
Wagner Community Center Building Elevation
Wagner Community Center Building Elevation
Wagner Community Center Building Elevation
Wagner Community Center Building Elevation
Wagner Community Center Building Elevation
Wagner Community Center Building Elevation
Wagner Community Center Building Elevation
Wagner Community Center Building Elevation
Wagner Community Center Building Elevation

Project News

An aerial view of the Wagner construction site with various heavy machinery, trucks, and vehicles scattered across the cleared land.
Updated Thursday, July 23, 2026 - 12:14pm

Referendum Projects begin making an impact

The Elmhurst Park District is making substantial progress on the six remaining referendum projects and looks forward to maintaining momentum as the year continues. The projects, approved by a November 2024 referendum, are designed to meet growing community needs and enhance recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.

A year of momentum: Advancing the referendum projects
Updated Monday, January 5, 2026 - 11:14am

A year of momentum: Advancing the referendum projects

The Elmhurst Park District’s voter-approved referendum in November 2024 launched a major investment in the future of parks and recreation in Elmhurst. Throughout 2025, the District advanced the six referendum projects designed to meet growing community needs and provide enhanced amenities for all ages. These include a new Wagner Community Center, four permanent heated restroom buildings, conversion of a grass field in Berens Park to artificial turf, and a new community bandshell in Wilder Park.

Together, these investments will shape the future of recreation and community gathering for decades to come.

Berens Park path detours map
Updated Wednesday, November 26, 2025 - 11:28am

Berens Park path detours due to construction

With construction of the new Wagner Community Center getting underway, please be aware of detour signs for walking paths in and around Berens Park.

Demolition and Donuts
Updated Sunday, December 7, 2025 - 1:15pm

Demolition and Donuts

Join Elmhurst Park District for this special milestone as we break ground on the new Wagner Community Center!

185 Industrial Drive sign
Updated Friday, December 26, 2025 - 10:40am

185 Industrial Drive construction closing in on finish line

Things are really coming together at 185 Industrial, which will serve as the temporary home of dance and gymnastics programs while Wagner Community Center is under construction.

Dance lights are installed, ballet bars and mirrors are also in, HVAC system started up and all furniture and gymnastics equipment is moved into the building.

moving day
Updated Monday, November 3, 2025 - 1:47pm

Moving day at Wagner Community Center!

So many memories - so much more to come! The last day of programs was October 19 at Wagner Community Center. Since then, staff and moving crews have begun emptying the building of furniture and equipment to make way for construction fencing, which will go up in November.

Wagner Construction
Updated Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - 1:50pm

Wagner Community Center is now closed due to construction on the new facility

The facility's final day of operation was Sunday, October 19. It closed for construction on Monday, October 20.

185 Industrial Drive
Updated Friday, December 26, 2025 - 10:40am

Progress Update at 185 Industrial Drive

Progress continues at 185 Industrial Drive, which will serve as the temporary home of dance and gymnastics programs while Wagner Community Center is under construction.

185 Industrial drive
Updated Thursday, September 18, 2025 - 8:57pm

Progress Update: Staff prepping 185 Industrial Drive facility to welcome participants beginning December 1

Exciting progress is underway as the Elmhurst Park District prepares for the construction of a new, modern Wagner Community Center.

Wagner Community Center Project moves forward with design and temporary relocation plans
Updated Friday, December 26, 2025 - 10:40am

Wagner Community Center Project moves forward with design and temporary relocation plans

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.

leased facility
Updated Monday, October 20, 2025 - 9:41am

Wagner Community Center program relocation

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!

Wagner
Updated Friday, December 26, 2025 - 10:41am

With Wagner construction expected to begin this fall, Park District makes plans to temporarily move programs

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.

Referendum Progress Updates
Updated Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 12:46pm

Plans for new Wagner Community Center taking shape

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.