The People for Elmhurst Parks Foundation
Mission Statement
The People for Elmhurst Parks Foundation (PEP) is an independent group of concerned individuals that works in partnership with the Elmhurst Park District to provide opportunities for the lifetime enjoyment of present and future generations.
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Membership & Volunteer Opportunities
If you are interested in becoming a PEP Board member or volunteer, please fill out the PEP Membership & Volunteer Application. For more information on the PEP Board or volunteering with PEP, please call (630) 993-8923 or email pep@epd.org.
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History
The People for Elmhurst Parks Foundation is a grassroots organization founded in 1985 and has played a vital role in the development of the Elmhurst community. Since its inception, the People for Elmhurst Parks Foundation has raised well over $350,000 to help complete projects such as Safety Town, the Spring Road Gazebo, and the York Commons Skate Park.
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Past Projects
PEP has assisted with many services and amenities in the Elmhurst community such as:
Mobile Band Shell
PEP sponsored the Park District’s mobile band shell. Over the years the band shell has served as a showcase for community events, such as 2009’s Battle of the Bands, which raised money for the Recreation Assistance Fund, and the annual Tree Lighting event.
Spring Road Gazebo
PEP raised funds to sponsor a gazebo at Spring Road and the Prairie Path that serves as a community gathering place and a respite from the sun and heat in summer.
Safety Town
Safety Town teaches children to practice bicycle safety, as well as the importance of fire safety, staying safe while home alone, and being a good citizen.
Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System
A lightning prediction system will provide additional safety within local area parks and warn patrons in the event of dangerous weather.
Park/Pool Amenities
This fund will provide shade structures, benches and seating, equipment, and other facilities to promote an inviting and enjoyable setting for community use.
Athletic Equipment
New equipment is provided for local youth and adult athletes.
Baseball Diamonds
PEP has sponsored permanent bat mounts at each of Plunkett Park’s three baseball diamonds, providing safer, cleaner dugout conditions. PEP is also installing a mechanism behind each field’s home plate to offer easy access to baseballs for the catcher.
Kiosks along the Prairie Path
PEP is installing brand new kiosks to replace the ones in disrepair along the Prairie Path at Berkley Avenue, Spring Road, and York Street. The Spring Road kiosk contains the names of individuals and organizations that have sponsored lampposts along the Prairie Path.
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Donation Opportunities
The People for Elmhurst Parks Foundation raise funds for many park and recreation projects that benefit the entire community. Following is a comprehensive list of current projects to which you can contribute:
Wagner Scholarship Program
Awarded to deserving high school seniors or college students dedicated to pursuing a career in parks and recreation. Click here to download the Joanne B. Wagner Scholarship Application.
Recreation Assistance Program
Assistance provided to financially disadvantaged local families so that they and their children can participate in recreation programs.
Lamppost Project
Lampposts positioned along the Prairie Path are sponsored by local residents in honor of family members and organizations.
Land Acquisition
Endowment of land and funds will help the Park District acquire more open space for the enjoyment of future generations.
Wilder Mansion Endowment Fund
Created in order to provide funds to be used toward the continued historic preservation of Wilder Mansion.
Wilder Dedications
A permanent framed dedication piece with your choice of phrasing will be placed inside the building, and your $50 donation will go toward the Wilder Mansion Endowment Fund.
Wilder Mansion Recognition Plaque
A permanent recognition plaque has been installed in Wilder Mansion’s lobby, honoring those who have helped with the building’s renovation. When you donate $1000, you will receive recognition and secure a permanent place in Elmhurst’s rich history with your name engraved on the plaque.
Wilder Mansion Room Recognition
Rooms within the mansion honor those who have donated toward the restoration and to preserve the historic integrity of the building.
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How To Donate
For information on donating to the People for Elmhurst Parks Foundation, please call (630) 993-8923 or email pep@epd.org.
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Annual Events & Fundraising
The People for Elmhurst Parks Foundation host two annual special events to raise funds.
The annual Sugar Creek Golf Open in May is coordinated by members of PEP and the Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst. Come on out to this exciting event! Teams of four will enjoy nine holes of golf along with lunch at Sugar Creek Golf Course. Foursomes compete in different contests such as closest to the pin, longest drive, and low score to win great raffle prizes. Proceeds from this event benefit the Recreation Assistance Fund & Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst. For information on this year’s event, please call (630) 993-8923 or email pep@epd.org.
The annual Wilder Mansion Gala in December is a great way to kick off the holiday season. With spectacular displays from local florists and decorators and decadent cuisine from some of the finest local caterers, the Gala is truly an Elmhurst event not to be missed. All proceeds go to PEP projects such as the Wilder Mansion Historic Preservation Endowment Fund and Wilder Mansion period furnishings. For information on this year’s event, please call (630) 993-8923 or email pep@epd.org.
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