Are Elmhurst Park Board's Bruising Battles Over?

ELMHURST, IL – The last year has been a tough one for the Elmhurst park board.

By a 4-3 vote, the board in January decided on a site for a bandshell at Wilder Park that was opposite to what a big majority of residents said they wanted in the park district's own survey.

Residents said they didn't want a bandshell east of the Wilder Mansion to interrupt the sight lines for perhaps Elmhurst's most iconic building.

In February, the same 4-3 majority approved the master plan for the entire park.

President Kevin Graf, Claire Kubiesa, Meghan Scarsella and Susan Smentek were in the majority. Dissenting were Carolyn Ubriaco, Vince Spaeth and Tim Sheehan.

Before voting against the plan, Ubriaco said, "As I have stated many times, I'm not in support of the east lawn location for the bandshell. I'm disappointed that the board didn't take into account the community's stated preference, as came out in the survey. That disturbs me a little bit."

Spaeth said many prefer open space at Wilder Park.

"To most of the residents, less is more in terms of development," he said. "It's an iconic view we really love. And it's the experience of seeing the park in that way that is so much different from all the other parks."

The park district, Spaeth said, has typically used the public's feedback to its advantage.

"The bandshell location was an anomaly," he said. "I'm not sure why."

Maybe the district should have separated the bandshell from the $90 million voter-approved referendum in 2024. Nearly 95 percent of the proceeds of that measure are going to a new Wagner Community Center.

"They weren't really voting on the bandshell. They were voting on the Wagner Community Center," Spaeth said.

President Graf said the Wilder Park plan included more open space than what members originally considered.

"While people may not like how I vote, I'm voting for all of Elmhurst, not a selected area or neighborhood," he said. "We're going to have our disagreements. Not every vote is unanimous."

The debate over the location lasted for about eight months. It resulted in tense moments among members.

After February's vote, residents Jim Schuetz and Andrea Hutchinson, who opposed the east lawn site, said public office carries an obligation to listen to the community.

"When elected commissioners move forward, ignoring clear and sustained public opposition, voters will remember at the ballot box," they said in a statement.

The next park board election is April 6, 2027.