From Parking Lot to Park!

The Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce has donated $2,500 to the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation in support of the “From Parking Lot to Park!” campaign for the future Downtown Community Park. Members of the Chamber Board of Directors and Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation Board of Directors gathered today, May 19, 2026, at the future park site to view construction progress and celebrate the continued community support for the project. “It’s exciting for the Chamber to be a part of a brand new park, let alone one in the downtown area,” said Michael Rataj, Chamber Board President. “This is going to be a great addition for families and events.” “We are grateful to the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce for their generous support of the Glen Ellyn Park District Downtown Community Park project,” said Jonathan Huard, President of the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation Board. “Contributions from businesses, residents, and community organizations are helping create a welcoming new gathering space for Glen Ellyn.” The Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation continues to raise funds through the “From Parking Lot to Park!” campaign to support amenities including a seasonal skating rink, children’s nature play area, and pavilion performance area within the future park. Community members and businesses are also invited to participate through the Legacy Brick Program. The deadline to purchase a Legacy Brick or make a donation qualifying for recognition signage installed during the park’s projected Fall 2026 opening is July 10. To donate, purchase a Legacy Brick, or learn more, visit www.geparksfoundation.org. @glenellynparks #glenellynparks #glenellyn #glenellynparksfoundation

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the new Downtown Community park! Legacy Brick orders are due July 10 for installation during the projected late Fall 2026 opening of the park💚 Celebrate your family, honor a loved one, or leave your mark in the heart of Downtown Glen Ellyn. www.geparksfoundation.org

The Gator Race Returns June 12, 2026! Get ready to cheer on your favorite speedy gator at one of our favorite family fundraising traditions. Prizes include a $100 Visa Gift Card, A Family Pool Membership for 2027 and prize baskets from our sponsors. Adopt your racing gator today and help support Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation initiatives and scholarship opportunities: https://givebutter.com/GatorRace2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us on May 1 to celebrate the groundbreaking of the future Downtown Community Park. We were honored to be joined by community leaders and partners helping bring this vision to life, including State Senator Laura Ellman and State Representatives Margaret DeLaRosa and Diane Blair-Sherlock, along with Village Trustees, Park Board Commissioners, and project partners. We’re excited to share highlights from this special day and look forward to helping create a welcoming space for our community to gather, play, and connect. Stay tuned for updates. To donate to the park or purchase a legacy brick, please visit www.geparksfoundation.org.

Kick off the first Thirsty Thursday on the Deck of the season on Thursday, May 28! Enjoy an evening at the Lake Ellyn Boathouse featuring live music from Blue Martini, playing jazz, blues, and R&B. 🍷🎷☀️ Your $20 ticket includes entry and your first drink — and a portion of the proceeds benefits the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation and its efforts to support parks, programs, and community spaces in Glen Ellyn. 📅 Thursday, May 28 🕖 Live music by Blue Martini 📍 Lake Ellyn Boathouse 🎟️ Register now: https://gepark.org/gepdevent/thirsty-thursday-1/ Space is limited, so reserve your spot early. We can’t wait to see you on the deck! #glenellynparkdistrict

Come visit us at Touch-A-Truck today, Saturday, May 2 at Maryknoll Park. We’ll be here till noon sharing information about the Gator Race that’s coming up on June 12. 🐊