Park Planned In Elmhurst Neighborhood

ELMHURST, IL – With the help of a state grant, the Elmhurst Park District said Wednesday its plan to build a park in the Pick subdivision is now possible.

This week, the state announced the distribution of grants across Illinois, including $340,000 for the new Pick Park, according to a district news release. Construction and the park's opening are expected next year.

The subdivision is the only Elmhurst neighborhood west of Route 83. The area is considered a "park desert," where homes aren't within walking distance of a park.

In 2015, the Pick Subdivision Park District consolidated with the larger Elmhurst Park District at the request of residents, the news release said.

In fall 2021, the Elmhurst Park District acquired a tenth of an acre at 151 Monterey Ave. The next year, the Elmhurst City Council approved the transfer of three parcels totaling nine-tenths of an acre to the park district.

The one-acre Pick Park was named last fall.

The district plans for the park to include playground equipment for 2- to 5-year-olds and 5- to 12-year-olds, soft surfacing, game tables, a bean bag toss, a shelter, adult fitness equipment, a bike repair station and bike racks.

The district also plans a split rail fence to serve as a buffer to the Salt Creek Greenway Trail.

The total cost is $640,000, more than half coming from the state grant.

Elmhurst Alderman Jennifer Veremis, who lives in the Pick subdivision, has met with residents there and pushed for the park.

In an email to Patch, Sherah Grose, who lives on Monterey, welcomed the news.

"We are THRILLED about this, since we don't have walkable access to a park, and are so grateful to Jennifer Veremis and the EPD board/Elmhurst city council for making this happen!" Grose said. "I have three kids who love parks, and we are constantly driving to go visit other parks in Elmhurst. They can't wait for their own park, right down the block!"

In 2020, park officials dedicated Centennial Park at 155 E. St. Charles Road, named in honor of the district's 100th year. That eliminated another "park desert" in town, officials said.