Wilder Park Community Bandshell with Permanent Heated Restroom

Community Bandshell Location

Progress

Project Started

Anticipated Completion Date

2027

Project Budget

$2,500,000

Project Summary

A community bandshell with restroom in Wilder Park will provide a backdrop for music or theater performances and serve as a community gathering place.

This project falls under the Elevate Elmhurst Parks Priority of Invigorated Parks.

Project Progress

Latest Project Report

Board approved funding for non-referendum Master Plan components to accompany bandshell and restrooms.
Board approved architectural & engineering services contracts with Upland Design and Dewberry Architects for implementation of the Wilder Park South Master Plan and recreation building redevelopment.

Milestone Timeline (subject to change)

Winter 2026: Complete community engagement for Wilder Park bandshell and southside plan. Board approve Wilder Park South Master Plan and begin design development for Wilder Park bandshell and restroom building
Spring 2026: Complete design development for Wilder Park bandshell and restrooms and begin permitting process, begin Planned Unit Development process for Wilder Park South Master Plan
Summer/Fall 2026: Complete permitting and Planned Unit Development process for Wilder Park South Master Plan (including bandshell and restrooms)
Spring 2027: Begin construction of Wilder Park bandshell and restroom building
Fall 2027: Complete construction of Wilder Park bandshell with restrooms

Project News

Updated Tuesday, February 24, 2026 - 12:51pm

Wilder Park South Master Plan approved by Park Board

On Monday, February 9, the Elmhurst Park District Board of Park Commissioners approved the Wilder Park South Master Plan, which will guide planning for the park’s future.

Updated Friday, February 6, 2026 - 10:53am

Wilder Park South Master Plan Informational Open House

The Elmhurst Park District invites the community to the Wilder Park South Master Plan Informational Open House. View the final master plan to learn more about the vision for the south end of Wilder Park.

Updated Tuesday, February 3, 2026 - 1:52pm

Park Board approves components of Wilder Park South Master Plan, including bandshell location

In November 2024, voters approved an Elmhurst Park District referendum to fund a series of park improvements designed to serve the community for generations to come.

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.

Updated Monday, December 1, 2025 - 8:27pm

Wilder Park South Concept Plans survey now available

Update: This survey is now closed.

Updated Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 8:59pm

Wilder Park South Concept Plans Open House

Join us for the next step in shaping the future of Wilder Park! The Elmhurst Park District invites the community to an open house to review two concept plans for the Wilder Park South Master Plan. These new concepts were developed based on feedback from the first open house held in July, results from a community survey, and input from the Park Board.

Updated Saturday, August 2, 2025 - 11:03am

Elmhurst Park District seeks input on Wilder Park South Master Plan through online survey

Update: This survey is now closed. The Elmhurst Park District is developing a master plan for the southern portion of Wilder Park and is seeking community feedback through several avenues including open houses, engagement at community events and an online survey, which is now available to complete.

Updated Wednesday, July 23, 2025 - 11:43am

Wilder Park South Master Plan Open House

Come provide your input about Wilder Park's next chapter, as we look to honor its legacy while planning for the future.