Celebrating
100 YEARS OF FUN
Established in 1919, the Glen Ellyn Park District has been providing residents with countless
recreational opportunities and serving as stewards of open space for 100 years. We invite
you to explore your park district this year and join us in celebrating this milestone - whether
it’s heading to the sled hill at Newton Park for a cold-weather adventure; taking a quick hike
through Churchill Park with views of woodland, wetland, and prairie; chasing an afternoon
bike ride over to Lake Ellyn to view the Cardboard Regatta; or participating in one of our
athletic, special interest, or art programs. Here’s to another 100 years!
1923 1941
The official deed for Lake Ellyn
was finally given to the park
district in 1923, after waiting 4
years. The lake originally covered
about 20 acres, but is now
only about 10-12 acres after
Glenbard filled in 5 acres of it to
create a football field and other
occurrences of it being filled. The original Sunset Pool was
first opened on July 1, 1941.
Over 300 people showed up to
the opening, according to The
Glen Ellyn News. The pool was
rebuilt in 1994, after the original
pool was deemed structurally
unsound. It has been a staple
in the community ever since;
whether people are gathering for
swim practice, swim meets or a
leisurely day in the water, there
always seems to be a crowd.
1919 1937
Elections were held, and the people
voted for a park district to be
established. The board held its first
meeting on November 3, 1919. The
original commissioners were D.S.
Adams, A.E Hayes, William Kolacek,
E.S. Hopping and Dr. W.H. Pontius. Lake Ellyn Boathouse was built,
for a cost of $32,242 to serve as
a community facility, and it has
been in use since then. The costs
were shared between the Works
Progress Administration and
the park district.
6
It was designated as a First Aid
Station during WWII. In 2016, it was
fully restored to mirror its original
beauty. This renovation attained
Gold-level LEED certification.