Glen Ellyn Park District History

To look at the history of the Glen Ellyn Park District one must also look to the rich history of the Village of Glen Ellyn, whose early history is tied closely to present day parks owned by the Park District, its beginnings in 1919, its commitment to open space and the value of recreation.

Early accounts of Glen Ellyn's history mention a pair of settlers, Ralph and Morgan Babcock, who chose a large grove for their claim in 1833 at which time it was promptly named Babcock Grove. Portions of that grove, located near Five Corners, remain today, and are part of the Churchill Forest Preserve and the Park District.

Deacon Winslow Churchill, however, is considered the first true settler staking a claim within Babcock Grove in 1834. Churchill's contributions to this growing area included the first school house (he being a school teacher) and the first log cabin. Churchill Park, appropriately named and located north of Babcock Grove, is owned by the Glen Ellyn Park District.

In 1837, Stacy's Tavern was built by Moses Stacy, a resident of Babcock Grove, at the intersection of Five Corners. The Tavern, also called the "Halfway House" because it was halfway between McHenry and Chicago, is still standing. An adjacent park, Stacy Park, is owned by the Glen Ellyn Park District.

Through a small sampling of early settlers, whose names remain alive today through the Park District's various parks, one could say that the Park District's history started much earlier. Among other inhabitants of Babcock Grove were Danby, Newton and McChesney.

In 1889, a great "boom" took place in what is now downtown Glen Ellyn. Culture and commerce prospered under the direction of Thomas Hill. Hill's enthusiasm for the outdoors prompted him to create a lake by damming a stream; thus Lake Ellyn was formed through the cooperative efforts of the Prospect Park Improvement Association whose specific purpose was "to make an embankment by which the stream of water running to waste be checked and the lake restored".

With the progressive views of the residents of Glen Ellyn, the Glen Ellyn Park District was formed in 1919 but not before the question of establishing a park district was submitted to voters three times. On November 3, 1919, the sound of a gavel called to order the first meeting of the Park Board of Commissioners whose members were: D.S. Adams, A.E. Hayes, E.S. Hopping, William Kolacek and Dr. W.H. Pontius.

In 1923 the Park and Playground Extension Association was formed to assist the Park Board in providing additional park and recreation facilities. Through the efforts of the association the Park District acquired property now known as Prairie Path Park.

Memorial Park, a fifteen acre site, consisting of four separate contiguous tracts, was purchased by the Park District in 1926 at a cost of $40,917.75. The old frame Community House was replaced in 1966 with a brick, 2300 square foot Park District Administration Building, for a cost of about $90,000.

The years 1931, 1932 and 1933 were difficult for the District. Funds were lost when the Glen Ellyn State Bank closed its doors. Five maintenance workers were laid off and still the District could not meet the interest payments on bonds that were maturing. In 1937 the W.P.A. workers built the Recreation House (Boathouse) at Lake Ellyn which was officially opened on November 12.

On April 4, 1939, a proposition submitted to voters for construction of a swimming pool and an increase in indebtedness was approved. The sight for the pool was Sunset Park which was acquired by the Park District in three separate purchases in 1928, 1929 and 1930. The main swimming pool opened in 1941; the wading pool in 1961 and the shallow pool in 1964. In 1985, a concession stand was built and the entryway was renovated.

In 1939, Mr. George Ball donated three acres. This was developed into three tennis courts and parking facilities. In June 1967 the Park District entered into an agreement for a irrevocable license between the Park District and the Glen Ellyn Tennis Association to operate the clay courts in Lake Ellyn Park and three courts to be constructed at Ball Park for a term of ten years with a financial return as stipulated.

In 1948 the Board adopted an ordinance providing for the regulations and restrictions governing the use of the Park system. This ordinance was amended and revised in 1968, 1985, 1996, 200 and 2002. Also in 1948, the Board was petitioned by three hundred and fifty residents requesting that the Park District sponsor a recreation program under the supervision of a Recreation Director to promote and coordinate recreational activities in Glen Ellyn.

In order to carry out the plans of the Park Board for rehabilitation of the park system, the first professionally trained Superintendent of Parks was hired in 1962. The expenditure of $100 was authorized as a contribution to the expense of a survey as to the feasibility of securing the Duane Street School for Park District and Municipal purposes. A resolution was adopted accepting dedication of Spalding, Park, Glen Oak and President's Park from the Village.

On March 13, 1963, a proposition submitted to the voters to authorize the levy and collection of .05 percent for the purpose of providing recreational programs was defeated.

Pfuetze Park, a triangular shaped lot, located just north of 603 Phillips Avenue, was dedicated to the Park District in 1964 by Dr. Karl H. Pfuetze. While this property is unimproved, it provides a convenient play place for children of nearby homes. A resolution was passed by the Board to sell a portion of the tract known as Forest Park (now Prairie Path Park) to Stephens Lumber Co. for $5,280. The proceeds were placed into the newly formed Land Acquisition Fund.

In 1965 agreement was reached with School District #87 on the use of Memorial and South Parks for a period of 20 years at $1.00 per year. This agreement was renegotiated in 1985. The engineering firm of Deuchler Associates was commissioned to study the problem of sewage entering Lake Ellyn via the storm sewer and causing fish kill.

In 1966, 25 acres of land was purchased, now known as Ackerman Park, from the School District #87 for $35,000. Since that time additional land has been purchased from private individuals which brings the total acreage of the park to sixty-five.

In 1967, the League of Women Voters conducted a study which indicated that there was a need for a community-wide recreation program and petitioned the Park Board to go on record as accepting the responsibility for providing for a recreation program in the Glen Ellyn Park District. The Board agreed there was a need for a comprehensive master plan for parks and recreation in the Glen Ellyn Park District and entered into an agreement with the architectural firm of T.E. Samuelson and Association to develop a master plan for a total cost of $5,000. A questionnaire requesting the attitude and opinions of the citizens of the Park District in the implementation of the master plan were distributed and collected with the assistance of the Glen Ellyn Jaycees.

In April 1972 the Park Board created the position of Director of Parks and Recreation.

The ten acre Lake Foxcroft Par, was acquired through a developer donation from Hoffman Roesner Corporation in July, 1973.

The year 1975 was a year of land acquisition and park development projects. A study by the League of Women Voters recommended consolidation of the Village Recreation Commission and the Park District. This recommendation was not followed. In March of 1975 the Jefferson Ice House property (now Dr. Frank Johnson Center) was purchased for $155,000

In 1976, the Park Board adopted a resolution to form an Association with the Naperville Park District, West Chicago Park District and the Wheaton Park District to provide special recreation services for the handicapped to be funded by the levy of a tax to be collected for said purpose known as Western DuPage Special Recreation Association. The purchase and development of Co-Op Park with funds from the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation in a joint venture with the Village of Glen Ellyn was confirmed.

In July 1978, the Park Board approved a lease agreement with School District #41 for the rental of Glen Oak School from August 1978 through July 1, 1979 at $3,000 per month. Also authorized was $15,054 for equipment necessary for recreation programs to be offered at the site.

In 1980 the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission (NIPC) installed water monitoring equipment at Lake Ellyn for the Federal 208 Water Quality Project.

In November of 1981 the Park District was notified by District #41 that the Glen Oak School lease would be terminated as of January 30, 1982. The Board of Education voted to sell the Main Street School to the Park District. The Park Board signed a contract with L. Wolf & Sons for the renovation of Main Street School in the amount of $235,964. On February 6, 1983, the dedication of the Main Street Recreation Center was held.

Also in 1983 the Park Board entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Glen Ellyn to construct a neighborhood park on Village property called Walnut Park, now known as Walnut Glen Park. The cost set for construction was $7,500 using Park District labor.

In October of 1984 the Park District authorized the sale of $600,000 in non-referendum bonds for the purpose of park improvements. In November of 1984 the Park Board renewed their commitment to long range planning by authorizing the development and administration of a survey of the leisure interests, attitudes and priorities of Park District residents.

In January 1986, the Park Board authorized the formation of a citizen based long range planning committee to study the needs and priorities of Park District residents. The result of this study followed with the development of a comprehensive master plan was approved by the Board in 1991.

In March 1986, the District was notified by the Illinois Department of Conservation that it had received $98,000 as their contribution to a matching grant for the renovation and development of Lake Foxcroft Park.

In August 1990 the Park Board awarded a contract in the amount of $10,000 to H. Efflandt for drilling a well at Ackerman Park, a contract totaling $30,000 to Watertronics to construct a booster pump and a contract to J.M. Irrigation for $41,000 to install an irrigation system.

In May 1990 the Park District was awarded $200,000 in matching grants from the Department of Conservation for the rehabilitation of Lake Ellyn and Lake Ellyn Park. The Park Board hired Harza Engineering Company to design the plan and in 1991 hired Thomas Madden Company to perform the work. The Village of Glen Ellyn contributed $400,000 to the cost of the project which totaled over $1.5 million dollars.

In May 1990 the Park Board agreed to place three advisory questions on the November ballot asking residents whether $4.5 million should be spent on a new pool that would be located in Newton Park; whether land adjacent to Newton Park should be purchased and a pool constructed on that site; or whether a task force should be formed to study the need and location of a new pool. Each question was defeated by the voters.

In September 1990 the Park Board issued $1.5 million in non referendum bonds to pay for the dredging project as well as the renovation of the Lake Ellyn Boathouse.

In October 1990 the Park Board approved a contract in the amount of $400,000 with Sundene Construction Company to remove the boiler heating system in Main Street Recreation Center and install a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system.

In November 1990 the Park Board awarded a contract to Sundene Construction Company for $224,000 to renovate the Boathouse in Lake Ellyn Park. Williams/Pollock/Associates was the architectural firm chosen for the project.

In December 1990 the Park Board approved the annexation of Arboretum Estates, located at Park Boulevard and Butterfield Road.

In March 1991 the Park Board adopted a Long Range Plan. The Plan was the result of many hours of work by the Park Board, staff and a resident committee. The Park Board also agreed in March 1991 to increase the size of the Board from five to seven members, effective March 1993.

In April of 1991 the Park Board met with residents of Glenbard Acres Homesites and Ahlstrand's Arboretum Estates to discuss the annexation. As a result of the residents not supporting the annexation, the Park Board voted not to go forward.

In August 1991 the Park Board approved the formation of an Ad Hoc Pool Committee to study whether to rehabilitate Sunset Pool, replace the pool and construct it on the same site as Sunset Pool or an alternate location. The Park Board agreed that their choice for a new pool would be Sunset Park. In February 1992 the Committee presented its report to the Board, including the results of a community-wide survey, indicating that they felt a new pool should be constructed on the same site as the present pool in Sunset Park.

A lot measuring .28 acres adjacent to Dr. Frank Johnson Center was purchased from Scripture Press for $80,000 in November 1991.

A seven member Environmental Policy Review Committee was formed in June 1992. In September 1992 the Park Board approved an environmental policy prepared by the Committee and staff.

In August 1992 the Park Board agreed to go to referendum to ask residents to approve the issuing $2.9 million general obligation bonds to construct a 900 bather pool. The Park Board had made it clear that their preference was to build the pool in Sunset Park, dependent on the outcome of soil tests. In November 1992 the voters approved the referendum. Alan Mack & Sons was awarded the bid to construct the pool.

Williams/Pollock/Associates was the architectural firm hired by the Park District in January 1993 to design a new pool. The dedication and opening of the new pool was held in May 1994.

After being approached by the American Legion to relocate the war memorial, the Park Board approved relocating the memorial from Memorial Park to Lake Ellyn Park. The new memorial was dedicated in May 1994.

In June 1994 the Park Board initiated steps to formulate a Strategic Plan for the Park District. Seven residents were chosen from applications received to serve on the planning committee. In February 1995 the Strategic Plan was adopted by the Park Board.

In July 1995 the Park Board entered into an agreement with Glenbard West Boosters to renovate the fields in Memorial Park. The Boosters contributed $45,000 toward the $125,000 project. Packey Webb Ford donated a scoreboard for the field at a cost estimated to be $25,000.

In September 1995 the Park District was approached by Central DuPage Health Systems to share in the cost of constructing a health/fitness center at a cost to the District estimated at $3 million. After many meetings with residents the issue was put to the voters in April 1996 and was defeated.

In June 1996 the Park Board agreed to reduce the term of office for a Park Commissioner from six to four years, effective with the April 1997 election.

In 1997 the DuPage County Forest Preserve District agreed to sell their facility on Spring Avenue to the Park District for $990,000. The Park Board hired Environ Consultants to conduct a facility use study of the new facility as well as Main Street Recreation Center, Dr. Frank Johnson Center and Memorial Park Center; and a survey of residents was conducted to determine what types of programs and facilities they preferred.

In 1997 the Board encouraged staff to pursue the acquisition of the former Maryknoll Seminary property on Route 53 and Pershing Road. The staff was in contact with the owner of the property for over a year.

In February 1998 Park Board entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement with School District #41 to share in the cost of constructing gymnasiums at Ben Franklin and Churchill Schools. The Park Board committed $725,000 toward the project. $475,000 for Churchill School and $250,000 for Ben Franklin School. The agreement insures the use of the gymnasiums for Park District programs during the week after school hours and on weekends.

In December 1997 the Park District was notified by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources that they were the recipients of a $250,000 matching grant for the Lighthart property, north of the District's Churchill Park. The property was purchased from Mr. & Mrs. Vern Lighthart in August 1998 for $500,000.

In May 1998 residents of the Maryknoll subdivision approached the Park Board asking that they consider purchasing a 25 acre parcel commonly known as the Maryknoll Seminary property. Discussions were held with the Village of Glen Ellyn and Forest Preserve District of DuPage County regarding partnering with the Park District to acquire the property. Both government agencies indicated they would agree to a partnership.

A referendum question was submitted to the residents in November 1998 to increase the Park District's Corporate tax rate 20%. The money generated from the increased tax rate would fund capital projects and land acquisition. The voters did not approve the tax increase.

In April 1999 the Park District was successful in submitting a proposition to the voters to sell bonds in the amount of $3,500,000 for the purpose of acquiring land, building, maintaining, improving and protection parks and facilities of the Park District.

The Park Board awarded the bid to renovate the Spring Avenue Recreation Center to John Edward Construction Company for $2.1 million in November 1999. An Open House for the renovated facility was held December 10, 2000.

In December 1999 bids were approved for the removal of the sand volleyball court at Sunset Pool and the construction of a six lane lap pool and filter building. To reduce construction costs by approximately $45,000, the Board agreed to allow Parks Department staff to do the excavation work. Bids were awarded to Elliot Construction for concrete work and Paris Contracting for plumbing, painting and electrical work. $625,000 was budgeted for the project. The new six-lane lap pool was opened in June, 2000.

In January 2000 the 25-acre Maryknoll property was purchased for $5.3 million. Through the Village of Glen Ellyn, the Park District was granted $2,000,000 from the Illinois First funds to assist in acquiring the property. The Village of Glen Ellyn loaned the Park District $1,000,000 interest free to help in the development costs. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County purchased nine acres of the property for $900,000. The Glen Ellyn Park District will maintain and operate the nine acre parcel. The 310,000 square foot building on the property was demolished by DMD Demolition Services of Bensenville.

Memorial Park was sold to the Village of Glen Ellyn for $1.8 million in March 2000. The Village of Glen Ellyn then sold the property to Glenbard Township High School District #87.

Planning Resources Design was hired in December 2000 to finalize the design and prepare bid specifications for the renovation of the Main Street Recreation Center parking lot.

In its on-going efforts to preserve open space, the Park Board approved an Ordinance in February 2001 directing staff to proceed with the acquisition of the Moorhouse property on St. Charles Road, adjacent to Churchill Park. The five acre parcel was purchased, for $490,000 in August 2001. To assist in the cost of acquisition, in December 2001 the Park District entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, to convey a portion of the property to the Forest Preserve. The Park District received $300,000 in return and agreed to accept the responsibility for the preservation, management, development, operation, planning and maintenance of the property.

An OSLAD (Open Space and Land Acquisition Development) grant was submitted to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in 2001. In March 2002 the Park District was notified that the $350,000 matching grant had been awarded to the Park District. The funds will be used for the nature center in Churchill Park.

The Park District entered into an agreement with the DuPage County Department of Transportation for a permanent easement on the south side of Stacy Park, in March 2002. The easement was needed by the County in order to facilitate the re-design of the five-corners intersection. The Park District received $130,000 from the County for the easement. The money was earmarked to renovate the park.

For the safety of park users, in April 2002 a lightning detection system was purchased and installed at Main Street Recreation Center, Sunset Pool, Newton Park, Ackerman Park and Lake Ellyn Park at a cost of $26,650. These sites were chosen for the system because of the large number of users on any given day.

In keeping with the Board's commitment to develop Maryknoll Park with the family in mind, in August 2002 a contract was signed with Harris Miniature Golf Courses, Inc. of Wildwood, New Jersey to construct a 36-hole miniature golf course in Maryknoll Park. The course was designed to produce the same putting challenges found on regulation size greens - only in a miniature form. The design features mounding and varying elevations accented by rippling streams, waterfalls and colorful landscaping.

Also in August 2002, the Board approved a bid with TrueRide Skatepark Design of Duluth, Minnesota, for the Newton Park skatepark equipment. A grand opening celebration was held on October 13.

Through the vision of the Park District residents, Park Board Commissioners, Park District employees and community groups, the Park District has prospered and grown.

The Park District's concern for open space and natural growth has left Churchill Park, Perry Nature Preserve, the Benjamin Gault Wildlife Bird Sanctuary, and Ellynwood Nature Preserve virtually untouched.

Senator Daniel Cronin notified the Park District in October 2002 that $100,000 in caucus funds had been dedicated to the continuing development of the Churchill Park Nature Center.

In November 2002 the Park District entered into an agreement with Glen Ellyn Baseball to assume the responsibilities of their youth baseball program. The agreement was contingent upon the Park District being successful in its attempts to lease Village Green. For more than forty years the Glen Ellyn Baseball organization oversaw the youth baseball program.

On December 17, 2002, the Park District entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Glen Ellyn to lease the Village Green sports complex for 25 years. This park will not only accommodate the youth baseball program but also Park District athletic programs and Glenbard West High School varsity programs.

References:
"Village in a Glen", Frederick S. Weiser
"Glen Ellyn's Story", Ada Douglas Harmon