Activity Guide Winter 2019 | Page 6

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.