The Building's History The facility was originally Cornille grade
school (built in the late 1950’s) and was part of School
District #3 in Bensenville. In 1974, the school became part of
Elmhurst School District #205 but in 1982 was sold to MacCormac
College for their suburban campus. The Park District purchased the
building and seven acres of land in May 2003. Renovations were
begun to add meeting rooms, classrooms and office space. A new
gymnastic facility was built in January, 2004.
The Community Center is named as a tribute to Elmhurst Park
District advocate and Park Board Commissioner for 29 years, Joanne
B. Wagner. Her tenure as president saw many changes and
improvements at the Elmhurst Park District including the
construction of Courts Plus, the Sugar Creek Golf Course, and the
acquisition of The Abbey, Berens Park, and land along the Prairie
Path and Salt Creek. Also, park facilities and program offerings
were expanded and a full time Director was hired.
How Did The Wagner Community Center Become A Reality?
The Elmhurst Park District's Board of Commissioners, in
cooperation with MacCormac College Board of Trustees, was pleased
to announce the agreement for the purchase of MacCormac College
school building and all adjacent college properties contiguous to
Berens Park, 615 West Avenue for $3 million dollars. The purchase
was finalized on May 30, 2003.
Based on the Park Board's strategic plan and comments made by
residents throughout the community, the lack of indoor programming
space is a critical issue that confronts the Park District. The
addition of this 25,000 sq. ft. facility, which houses recreation
division offices, another outlet for program registration, various
preschool programs, gymnastics, dance, music, and other recreation
programs currently housed in leased facilities, will help the Park
District move closer to achieving its strategic goal of obtaining
indoor program space.