Fundraiser To Help Transform Old Bank Building, Parking Lot To Vibrant Community Park

GLEN ELLYN, IL — A newly launched fundraiser aims to get $800,000 together to help fund the Community Park planned for downtown Glen Ellyn. The fundraiser comes via a joint effort between the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation and the Glen Ellyn Park District.

The event park will comprise the former site of a U.S. Bank at 453 Forest Ave. It's estimated it will cost $5.8 million to transform the area by demolishing the building and parking lot and then constructing the park. Demolition is expected to begin later this summer.

Community Park will be connected to the Illinois Prairie Path and feature a stage, terraced seats and landscaped lawns. Phase one of construction work will begin in 2026 with the addition of an ice rink and an entrance along Duane Avenue that is designed to be a plaza.

The $800,000 fundraising goal will fund these amenities, along with a nature area for kids and future park operations.

We want to provide an ice skating rink so that the park becomes a place where everyone can be active outdoors during the winter,” Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation President Jonathan Huard said in a statement. “With support from donations, the addition of a children’s nature play area would bring an extra element of fun to the park.”

The site for Community Park was purchased by the Village of Glen Ellyn in May 2023 for $1.65 million. Shortly after, the village partnered with the Glen Ellyn Park District to begin workshopping design concepts.

The partnership also involves the village leasing Manor Woods and Panfish Park to help facilitate improvements to these outdoor spaces.

Residents can click the link to make a donation to the fundraiser for Community Park. Those interested in sponsorship and naming opportunities are encouraged to contact Downtown Park Events and Sponsorship Manager Susan Smentek via email at ssmentek@gepark.org or by phone at 630-942-7251.