Centennial Park, located at 155 E. St. Charles Road, was named in honor of the park districts 100th year anniversary (Giuliani,D.2021) It has been 30 years since the Elmhurst Park District established a new park and the neighborhood around the new park was part of a park desert, meaning prior to this space being imagined, residents of this neighborhood were unable to access a park without crossing railroad tracks or a busy intersection. Studies have shown that when community members have access to parks, it can “help reduce obesity and incidence of chronic disease by providing opportunities to increase rigorous physical activity in a variety of forms… Public parks and recreation are the gateways to a healthier America, and they ensure that communities are truly livable”. (National Recreation and Park Associate (NRPA), n.d.).
Upland Design was honored to be a part of imagining what this park could be. Our team engaged with residents, stakeholders, and neighborhood kids to find out what they wanted at the park site. With the help of E. Hoffman Inc., general contractors to build the project, Centennial Park now boasts a ton fun including a 2-12 playground with custom climbing structure, fitness equipment, game tables, green roofed shelter, and a mini-splash pad.
For More Information
An Elmhurst ‘Park Desert’ No More
Official. Patch. Retrieved September 20, 2022
