Prior to the 1950s, the property now occupied by Eldridge Park was a landfill - swampy and unusable. Today, Eldridge is one of Elmhurst's most peaceful and versatile parks. Eldridge offers picnic areas, a playground, soccer and baseball fields, basketball, roller hockey, bike trails and a sledding hill. But one of the biggest draws to Eldridge is the lagoon, which is surrounded by huge weeping willow trees and is home to many types of wildlife. Residents often can be found fishing there or boarding a canoe at the boat launch for a trip down Salt Creek. The east and west sides of the park, separated by Salt Creek, are connected by a bridge that was built in 1983.
Elmhurst Unit District 205's Madison Early Childhood Center provides services for children ages three to five who qualify for preschool services. Children qualify to attend Madison based on results of a developmental screening.
Parents can obtain a pre-screening packet by calling (630) 617-2385. Once the information is returned to the school, parents will be notified of the screening procedure.
Staff members at Madison are trained in speech-language pathology and early childhood special education. Early childhood specialists work with families, and other educators and professionals to best serve the needs of District 205's preschoolers.
Madison Early Childhood Center was renovated over the summer, so now the entire building can now be used for early childhood programs. The building previously housed the district's administrative offices and board room. Those offices now are located at 162 S. York.
Established in 1970, Raggedy Anne Learning Center is located at the corner of York Street and Church Street in Elmhurst. Offering education programs for children ages two to six, the center teaches the children how to share and work in groups.
Christian Family Preschool is located directly behind the Elmhurst Presbyterian Church at the corner of Spring and Saint Charles Roads. The school offers morning and daytime preschool classes. The school is open to the public.
Buttons & Bows Nursery School is attached to the Elmhurst Presbytarian Church on Spring Road and Saint Charles Road. The school focuses on language and cognitive development and encourages parents to spend one or two days as a parent helper to get to know the teachers better.
Local organizations in town, like sports clubs and scouting groups, frequenstly hold picnics at Butterfield Park. The park is widely used on most summer days. Residents can enjoy a playground, tennis courts, soccer fields, lighted ball field and basketball courts at this 24-acre park. Elmhurst College also uses this park, along with others in town, for its athletic teams to practice.