An Elmhurst 'Park Desert' No More: Official

ELMHURST, IL — The Elmhurst Park District has big plans for its first new park in more than three decades, an official said recently.

In the summer of 2020, park officials dedicated Centennial Park at 155 E. St. Charles Road, named in honor of the district's 100th year.

Centennial eliminated one of Elmhurst's "park deserts," which are areas where residents cannot walk to a park without crossing a railroad or major thoroughfare, said Jim Rogers, the park district's executive director.

"We're very excited about acquiring this property," Rogers said during his State of the Park District address.

The park is at the site of the old Redeemer Center. The building is set to be used as an adult center after the district brings it up to code.

The district also plans two playgrounds at the park — one for 5- to 12-year-olds and the other for toddlers. Also in the works are geyser fountains, adult fitness stations, walking paths and a picnic shelter with a vegetative roof.

The park district aims to finish the improvements next year. The upgrades are based on feedback from residents, Rogers said.

Another local park desert is in the Pick subdivision, the city's only residential neighborhood west of Route 83.

During the summer, Elmhurst Alderwoman Jennifer Veremis, who lives in the subdivision, met with 40 residents about the need for a park in the neighborhood.

"We are a park desert," Veremis said in an interview with Patch. "Residents in our neighborhood have to cross Route 83 and St. Charles to get to Ben Allison Park. A park would be beneficial for our neighborhood."