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March 24, 2016 Police cruisers, fire trucks and more will be on display at the Glen Ellyn Park District’s annual Touch-A-Truck event on Saturday, April 16 from 10am-12pm. A free hands-on event for truck-loving tots, Touch-A-Truck will be held in the parking lot at Maryknoll Park (845 Pershing Avenue, Glen Ellyn). Read More »
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March 22, 2016 March 22, 2016 — A settlement agreement has been reached by all parties involved in the dispute over the Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center roof. Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement approved by the Board of Commissioners at its March 22, 2016 meeting, the Glen Ellyn Park District will receive an aggregate total benefit of $450,000 comprised of payments from various parties totaling $250,000, together with the release and dismissal of claims for payment asserted against the Park District by various contractors totaling $190,000 (plus a waiver of $10,000 in attorney fees incurred in the court-ordered mediation process leading to the settlement). Read More »
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March 8, 2016 Joe Cardona was named the Glen Ellyn Park District Volunteer of the Year at the annual Community Awards Breakfast on Saturday, March 5, 2016. Read More »
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March 1, 2016 Presented by the Glen Ellyn Park District and sponsored by Window Works/Tiger Bath, the annual Eggs-trodinary Egg Hunt is set for Friday, March 25 at 10am. This year’s hunt will take place at a new location, Maryknoll Park, 845 Pershing Avenue, Glen Ellyn. Families with children ages 6 and under are invited to join us for this egg-hunting extravaganza. Read More »
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January 27, 2016 January 27, 2016 — Glen Ellyn Park District Board Commissioner Gary Mayo has announced his intention to move outside the Glen Ellyn Park District boundaries within the next few months. In anticipation of Commissioner Mayo’s departure, the Glen Ellyn Park District will be seeking candidates to serve as Park District Commissioner for approximately one year until the next Park District Commissioner election which will take place on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. Read More »
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December 16, 2015 December 16, 2016 — The Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to pass an ordinance making all its property and parks smoke free, tobacco free, and e-cigarette free effective in spring, 2016. The move expands a ban on smoking that has been in effect since 2004. Read More »
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November 9, 2015
Grab Your Running Shoes!
The Park District’s Annual Turkey Trot Begins at 8am on Thanksgiving.
Every year, the Glen Ellyn Park District is pleased to host a free, family-friendly run on Thanksgiving morning. We are thrilled to continue the tradition in 2015 and look forward to seeing the hundreds of familiar faces that come every year. All ages are invited to come and participate in this five-mile run, jog, and walk event. Strollers are welcome! The run will take place on Thursday, November 26th.
Read More »
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October 21, 2015 Glen Ellyn Park District’s Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center will host its third annual Free Week from November 9-13. Non-members are invited to give the new equipment in the fitness center a try, climb the Ackerman Alps climbing wall, enjoy open gym and turf hours, and sample select group fitness classes!
Want to strengthen and balance your body and mind? Come and learn the basics of Yoga! These classes focus on breathing techniques and beginning Yoga postures to teach you a safe, effective and graceful style. A brief stress relief relaxation is offered at the end of class. Beginners to intermediate levels are welcome on November 10 at 10:15am, November 11 at 5:15am (Power Yoga), and November 12 at 10:15am.
Read More »
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October 5, 2015 Good Morning,
My name is Julia Nephew, President of the Glen Ellyn Park District Park Board of Commissioners. I am pleased and
honored to be standing before you for the dedication of the Newton Park Synthetic turf field. This ceremony is the
culmination of several years of work on behalf of the Glen Ellyn Park District to partner with community groups and institutions to make this field possible. I would like to give you the rationale for this field, a short history of the process of its creation, and introduce a few key individuals who were instrumental in the process. Read More »
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September 25, 2015
Kids Can Trick-or-Treat and Enjoy Fun Activities at Boo Bash
From Ironman and Elsa to Minions and Ninja Turtles, Glen Ellyn-area kids and families are invited to register for Boo Bash on Saturday, October 17 from 10-11:30am. Open to ages 2-8, a limited number of spots are still available for this popular Halloween event, which has moved to Maryknoll Park for 2015. Read More »
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September 24, 2015 September 24, 2015 — The Glen Ellyn Park District is proud to announce the completion of an ADA accessible trail connection from the Great Western Trail to Ackerman Park. The connection was made possible with financial assistance thanks to an Openlands – ComEd Green Region Program Grant awarded to the Park District for $10,000. The trail will provide residents with an alternative access to Ackerman Park from the north side, as well as to the County’s bike trail system.
In 2008, DuPage County identified an Ackerman Park access trail as part of their updated Country Regional Bikeway Plan. The Ackerman Park-Great Western Trail Connection was created by constructing a permeable crushed limestone pathway from the bike trail, down the embankment, and along the turf area to connect with the existing asphalt roadway within the park.
Ackerman Park offers several passive recreation opportunities including a ¼ mile wood-chipped trail that winds through a wooded natural area that is used for walking and environmental education programs. Great Western Trail users will benefit as Ackerman Park provides a nice rest stop with many amenities such as: bathrooms, drinking fountains, picnic tables, fitness center, athletic fields, and a playground.
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September 17, 2015 Glen Ellyn Park District to Begin Lake Ellyn Boathouse Restoration Phase III
September 27, 2015 — The Glen Ellyn Park District is excited to announce that after several years of discussion, public meetings and refinement, significant improvements to Lake Ellyn Park will begin at the end of September. The $2.9 million capital improvement project will concentrate on restoration of the Lake Ellyn Boathouse to its historic beauty, including replacement of the roof and the addition of a flood protection wall. The project also includes landscape enhancements and a stand-alone restroom near the playground. Construction is scheduled to be completed in late June, 2016.
The master plan is an exciting vision that reflects the consensus to retain and enhance what makes it a great community park – to “polish the gem.” It provides for a historically authentic restoration of the Boathouse, with an eye towards listing the building on the National Register of Historic Places as well as achieving LEED certification Gold Level. Construction management and oversight will be conducted by Wight Construction with Conservation Design Forum and Farr and Associates serving as the design team.
During construction, the Boathouse restrooms will not be available. Additionally, part of the interior path near the Boathouse will not be accessible. A temporary path has been created to allow park patrons to continue their walk around the perimeter of the lake. During the winter, the lake will be available for ice skating should the conditions allow. The Boathouse will not be available as a warming house but access to the ice will be provided.
Upgrading Lake Ellyn Park and the Boathouse was identified as a top priority for the Park District in the 2012 Community and Attitude Interest Survey and prioritized by the Park Board of Commissioners. After a collaborative and inclusive process involving residents, neighbors, stakeholders and community organizations in order to establish priorities and direction for the Lake Ellyn Park improvements, the Park District has identified funding and pursued implementing the restoration of the Boathouse and its surrounding elements.
The Park District will minimize disruption to the park and apologizes for any inconvenience while the improvements are taking place. Additional information regarding the project will be displayed on the District website, www.gepark.org, within the next few weeks. Any questions or comments please contact Dave Harris, Executive Director, at (630) 942-7255.
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Harvest Native Seeds at Churchill Park
GLEN ELLYN, IL – Join the Glen Ellyn Park District on Saturday, September 26th for National Public Lands Day and have fun while harvesting native plant seeds. The event will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at Churchill Park, 271 St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn.
Volunteers will help collect ripe native seeds from the woodlands, prairie and wetlands of the park. The collected seeds will be used to help re-vegetate several areas within Glen Ellyn park natural areas that have been recently cleared of invasive species. An adult must accompany children under the age of ten.
National Public Lands Day is a great way to give back to your community while also helping to protect and promote our public lands and connect with other community-members.
If you go
What: National Public Lands Day
When: 9-11am on Saturday, September 26th
Where: Churchill Park, 271 St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn
Cost: Free
What to Wear/Bring: Long pants, close-toed shoes, and gardening/leather gloves
Nationwide, an estimated 175,000 volunteers are expected at sites across the U.S. for this largest, single-day volunteer effort on behalf of parks and other public lands.
For more information on, please visit www.gepark.org or email Renae Frigo at [email protected].
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September 10, 2015
Poochapalooza Returns on September 19, 2015
GLEN ELLYN, IL – Poochapalooza is returning for its 5th year at the Glen Ellyn Park District’s Spring Avenue Dog Park on Saturday, September 19. Members, non-members and their pups are invited to attend this free, dog-friendly event from 1-4pm.
Participants of the event will enjoy live performances by SkyDogz, the ultimate “high energy” Frisbee dog entertainment in the Midwest. SkyDogz are scheduled for performances at 1:15pm, 2:15pm and 3:15pm.
Pups are sure to enjoy the Fido to go™ food truck, which will be serving hand-crafted, gluten and allergen-free canine cookies & doggy ice creams/frozen yogurts! Fido to go™ is the first doggy treat truck of its kind in the nation.
Dress your pet in their best costume for a chance to win the costume contest. In addition, there will be a most unique bark and talent contest. A tennis ball raffle with prizes and a pet photo booth will also be available for canine participants.
Pet-friendly vendors will be on-hand sharing information about pet care and services. Vendors include: Countryside Animal Clinic, 3 Goldens & A Mutt, Floofins + Company, Happy Dog Barkery, Kriser’s Natural Pet, Dog N Scrubs, K9 Swim & Trim, and more.
New this year, pet adoptions will be available through Illinois Animal Clinic and the off-leash area has been expanded.
The Glen Ellyn Park District would like to thank it’s title sponsor, Countryside Animal Clinic, for helping make this event possible.
The Spring Avenue Dog Park is located at 185 Spring Avenue, Glen Ellyn. For more information about Poochapalooza, please visit www.gepark.org.
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July 10, 2015 July 10, 2015 — Renovations to the outdoor basketball court at the Main Street Recreation Center are scheduled to be completed by mid-July. The Glen Ellyn Park District is able to refurbish this recreational area thanks to a collaborative effort with the Glen Ellyn Titans Youth Basketball organization who with assistance from the community, contributed $30,000 towards the improvement project. Additional in-kind contributions were made by Pope Lawn and Landscaping, a long time family owned Glen Ellyn business.
At a cost of approximately $40,000, the project involves the complete overhaul of the existing basketball court. The basketball court and surrounding area will benefit from the improvements which include court resurfacing, basketball poles, glass backboards, park benches, expansion of a fence and landscape elements.
In March of this year, representatives of the Titans approached the Glen Ellyn Park District about contributing towards improvements for the outdoor basketball court located on the Main Street Recreation Center site. The Titans, established in 1999 as a feeder system for the Glenbard West High School basketball program, offers boys and girls the opportunity to participate in a respected and competitive youth basketball program.
After the idea to restore the outdoor basketball court was initiated, Park District staff met with Titans representatives including president, Joe Cardona and Scott Daniels, a Glen Ellyn resident, previous Titans coach and executive with Sport Court, a manufacturer of products related to outdoor athletic surfaces, to discuss their ideas further. It was mutually agreed the concepts presented by the Titans were consistent with the needs identified by the Park District. The work to improve the site began in May.
Cardona stated, “The Titans would like to thank the Glen Ellyn Park District, Sport Court Midwest, Pope Landscaping, the community and all our Titans families for their support. Together a special outdoor facility for many summers to come is being created. The court will be special place for the Titans as it not only is dedicated to the kids in our community but also honors the memory of J.R. McBride, a longtime Glen Ellyn resident, former Titan president and board member, basketball enthusiast and who influenced many lives through his passion, selflessness and dedication.”
Through the years, the Titans have successfully fundraised largely through their annual holiday basketball tournament with the proceeds going towards lowering of participation fees, financial aid and also contributing back to the community such as the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry.
“The Glen Ellyn Park District is very appreciative of the efforts made by the Glen Ellyn Titans Youth Basketball organization towards the renovation of the outdoor basketball court at Main Street Recreation Center as it will serve to benefit the entire community,” said Executive Director Dave Harris.
A dedication ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 11th beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by games and activities (weather permitting).
NEW DATE: A dedication ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 18th beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by games and activities (weather permitting).
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June 16, 2015 June 16, 2016 — On Monday, June 15, 2015, Judge Wheaton ruled in favor of the Glen Ellyn Park District and denied the plaintiffs’ petition for a preliminary injunction to halt construction of a FieldTurf synthetic turf field at Newton Park. The lawsuit was brought by Nancy Perlman, a Glen Ellyn resident and neighbor of Newton Park. Judge Wheaton’s ruling allows the Glen Ellyn Park District to continue construction and installation of the new synthetic turf field at Newton Park.
Judge Wheaton ruled that the Plaintiffs failed to prove that the synthetic turf field would cause any irreparable harm and that the allegations that plaintiffs made were based upon speculation and conjecture rather than evidence. Further, the Judge ruled that the plaintiffs did not show they had a likelihood of success on the merits of their nuisance claims.
“We are very pleased with the court’s decision,” said Executive Director Dave Harris, “while the District had to expend significant resources to defend our efforts to provide an improved athletic field, we are excited to move forward. The project has been discussed and strategized over the past four years, is the subject of an intergovernmental agreement with Glenbard High School District #87, and the outcome will be an enhanced athletic field which will directly or indirectly benefit the majority of participants in Park District sports programs and student athletes at Glenbard West High School.”
The Park District collaborated with the Glen Ellyn Golden Eagles football organization, the Glen Ellyn Bulldogs lacrosse club, the Glen Ellyn Lakers soccer association and Glenbard High School District #87 regarding this project. Each organization will benefit directly or indirectly by the installation of the synthetic turf field as will other local organizations including Glen Ellyn Youth Baseball and Glen Ellyn field hockey. Additionally, several of those groups are contributing financially to the expense of the installation and to the replacement costs that the District will incur in approximately ten years. As a result of these organizations commitments, the project will not adversely impact the Park District financially.
The safety and well being of participants and the community is a priority and the Glen Ellyn Park District is committed to best practices. With this in mind, the District performed its due diligence, researching the potential health and environmental impacts. Every single regulatory body that has performed and reviewed the substantial research on synthetic fields (including the Departments of Health for the States of California, Connecticut, and New York, as well as New York City and Norway) has concluded that the data on synthetic turf fields raises NO health concerns. As a result, FieldTurf was selected to supply and install the synthetic turf field. FieldTurf is an industry leader and has installed over 70% of the synthetic fields in the Chicago metro area. Their product is in the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center and was selected by Glenbard High School District #87 for installation at each of their four high schools. Other nearby sites that have chosen and installed FieldTurf includes Wheaton North High School, Wheaton Warrenville South High School, Wheaton College, Wheaton Park District, Wheaton Academy, St. Francis High School, Downers Grove North High School and Downers Grove South High School. Additionally the Park District chose to upgrade the infill by selecting a cryogenic product that further minimizes any risk that the sand or rubber infill will migrate from the field either by water or wind.
“I am disappointed that a resident would resort to legal action at the tail end of a major decision, rather than engage earlier in the process,” stated Board President Julia Nephew. “The Board encourages residents to participate with us during the decision making process. We can be reached by email and voice mail. All major decisions of the Board are made only after robust public discussion.”
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June 4, 2015 June 4, 2015 — Newton Park neighbor and attorney, Glen Biggus, filed a complaint on behalf of Nancy Perlman, also a Newton Park neighbor, seeking a permanent injunction that would prohibit the Glen Ellyn Park District from installing the synthetic turf field at Newton Park for which site preparation work is presently under way. The lawsuit claims that the artificial turf will be both a nuisance and a health hazard to neighbors.
The Glen Ellyn Park District has already filed its Answer and a Memorandum of Law in opposition to the suit. Those pleadings include citation to numerous studies substantiating the absence of any health concern from synthetic turf fields. Those pleadings also describe the hardship and lost revenues that will result from any delay in the delivery of the field to the community. Executive Director Dave Harris stated, “Tremendous effort, time, consideration and financial resources of the Park District as well as Glenbard High School District #87 and several community groups, have gone into researching and developing an excellent and resourceful plan to provide an improved athletic field which will be hugely beneficial for the Glen Ellyn community. The improvements to the 50+ year old existing athletic field at Newton Park have been discussed, researched and strategized for the past four (4) years. It is an outcome of the increasing demands of youth athletics within Glen Ellyn, the limited inventory of quality, rectangular athletic fields and the challenging weather conditions that are present in this area.”
The Park District collaborated with the Glen Ellyn Golden Eagles football organization, the Glen Ellyn Bulldogs lacrosse club, the Glen Ellyn Lakers soccer association and Glenbard High School District #87 regarding this project. Each organization will benefit directly or indirectly by the installation of the synthetic turf field as will other local organizations including Glen Ellyn Youth Baseball and Glen Ellyn field hockey. Additionally, several of those groups are contributing financially to the expense of the installation and to the replacement costs that the District will incur in approximately ten years. As a result of these organizations commitments, the project will not adversely impact the Park District financially.
Glen Ellyn Park District Commissioner Gary Mayo added, “It’s unfortunate that the Park District will need to spend taxpayer dollars to fight this lawsuit. What’s more, any delays that result will create serious scheduling issues for the users and a loss of revenue for the Park District.”
The synthetic turf project will directly benefit over 6,000 residents per year, all of whom contribute taxes and pay significant user fees while also fundraising in an effort to enhance community programs and facilities. The safety and well being of participants and the community is a priority and the Glen Ellyn Park District is committed to best practices. With this in mind, the District performed its due diligence, researching the potential health and environmental impacts. Every single regulatory body that has performed and reviewed the substantial research on synthetic fields (including the Departments of Health for the States of California, Connecticut, and New York, as well as New York City and Norway) has concluded that the data on synthetic turf fields raises NO health concerns. As a result, FieldTurf was selected to supply and install the synthetic turf field. FieldTurf is an industry leader and has installed over 70% of the synthetic fields in the Chicago metro area. Their product is in the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center and was selected by Glenbard High School District #87 for installation at each of their four high schools. Other nearby sites that have chosen and installed FieldTurf include Wheaton College, Wheaton Park District, Wheaton Academy, St. Francis High School, Hinsdale Central High School, Downers Grove North High School and Downers Grove South High School. Additionally the Park District chose to upgrade the infill by selecting a cryogenic product that further minimizes any risk that the sand or rubber infill will migrate from the field either by water or wind.
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May 27, 2015 The Glen Ellyn Park District Board is seeking new members for the Park District’s Citizens’ Finance Committee to review all aspects of the District’s finances, and develop a long-range financial plan to help guide the Board’s future decision making. The Board is looking for volunteers who would be willing to serve on this committee.
Applicants must be residents of the Glen Ellyn Park District and willing to devote several hours per month for a minimum of two years.
Interested community members should submit a resume to Nick Cinquegrani, Glen Ellyn Park District, 185 Spring Avenue, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.
Preference will be given to applicants with a background in finance and accounting. Expertise/ experience in municipal accounting is a plus. Deadline for applications is June 19, 2015.
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May 6, 2015 GLEN ELLYN, IL – The Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners installed its new and incumbent members at the May 5 workshop meeting. Newly elected member Chris Wilson was sworn in, alongside incumbents Gary Mayo and Kathy Cornell, to a four-year term through April 2019.
The board elected officers to one-year terms: Julia Nephew, President; Melissa Creech, Vice President; and Gayo Mayo, Treasurer. Commissioners also appointed Dave Harris as Executive Director and Western DuPage Special Recreation Representative; Kimberly Dikker as Board Secretary; and Ancel Glink as its law firm.
At the April 14 meeting, the board recognized and thanked outgoing commissioner Richard Dunn for his “years of service, commitment and accomplishments with the Glen Ellyn Park District” during his four years of service on the park board. According to President Mayo, “Richard’s passion, dedication and his desire to do what was in the best interest of the District was his most lasting achievement. Every decision, every public statement, every vote was made with much thought, sensitivity, thorough research and extensive consideration.”
The Glen Ellyn Park District would like to extend our appreciation to candidates Al D’Ambrosio and Walt Zlotow for their time and effort in running for the Board of Commissioners.
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April 16, 2015 The Glen Ellyn Park District is moving forward with the construction of the new synthetic turf athletic field for Newton Park. The starting date for the first phase of this project is Friday, April 17th. The Park District has hired Hoppy’s Landscaping to provide labor and materials for the demolition, earthwork, under-drainage, grading, curbs, and water lines in preparation for the synthetic turf installation. This first phase is anticipated to be completed by June, 26th.
The second phase will begin immediately after the first phase has passed inspection. The second phase involves the actual installation of the synthetic turf product (FieldTurf). This will be done by highly trained staff that specializes in the installation turf fields.
Once the turf product has been installed the final cleanup work will commence. All surrounding areas will be brought to a finished grade, seeded, and erosion control blankets will be laid out to protect the grass seed while it is establishing. Additionally, all construction debris will be taken care of and any needed repairs will be addressed. Final completion for the project is scheduled for July 10th; however, please remember that this project is heavily influenced by the weather, so in the event of an unusually wet spring there may be some delays. All efforts will be made to complete this project on time and with as little disruption to the neighborhood as possible.
During construction the contractors have been instructed to use the intersection of Nicoll Way and Dupage Blvd. as a way to access the construction area. Park District and Village staff agree that using this entrance would have the least impact on the surrounding neighborhood. There will be times when equipment will need to access the area from the west parking lot, but this will be on a limited basis.
While we anticipate little disruption to the neighborhood there still may be an occasional disturbance, to which we ask that you to please pardon our dust. We appreciate your patience while the work is underway and if you have any questions, please contact Dan Hopkins, Superintendent of Parks and Planning at [email protected] or at (630) 942-7265.
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