You Can Opine On Elmhurst Bandshell Controversy

ELMHURST, IL – After months of debates, Elmhurst residents can now take part in the park district's first survey on where the Wilder Park bandshell should be built.

On Nov. 20, the survey opened. Residents have until 5 p.m. Monday to finish it.

Residents have two sites from which to choose – the lawn just east of the iconic Wilder Mansion and the ice rink north of the mansion. The survey also includes other questions.

Last November, local voters approved a $90 million referendum, which included a bandshell at Wilder Park.

In May, the Elmhurst Park District's board majority said it had already been established that the bandshell should be on the lawn east of the mansion. They said the spot was included in maps in pre-referendum literature.

But at least two members said they didn't know that the board had settled on a site. They said consultants had selected it.

In later meetings, residents showed up to protest the site, saying it would block the sight lines to the mansion. They suggested other sites.

The board's debates got particularly heated in July and August.

Finally, members agreed on a survey that included the location question. (A previous one during the summer did not.)