New community center underway in Elmhurst, and more

Elmhurst starts work on new community center

Elmhurst Park District officials were on hand to mark the start of demolition of the community center, which is being torn down to make space for the new Joanne B. Wagner Community Center at 615 N. West Ave., which will have 127,250 square feet and cost nearly $85 million to construct.

Those at the ceremony included Park Board President Kevin Graf, Vice President Claire Kubiesa, Executive Director Jim Rogers and Commissioners Vince Spaeth, Meghan Scarsella, Carolyn Ubriaco and Susan Smentek.

The new center, which will be built by McHugh Construction, will add more recreation and early childhood programming, thanks to being about four times larger than the previous center.

It will feature a full-size gymnasium, indoor artificial turf field, three-lane elevated walking track, expanded gymnastics and dance studios, an indoor play area, early childhood and preschool classrooms with a separate entrance, administrative offices and multipurpose community rooms. It is expected to open in fall 2027.

Leyden Youth Basketball League starts soon

Children in first to eighth grade can participate in the Leyden Youth Basketball League from Jan. 10 to March 27 with the Park District of Franklin Park.

Players can work on their ball skills, exercise teamwork via games and once-weekly 60-minute practices and build confidence. Teams are formed from Franklin Park and nearby communities.

The fee includes a T-shirt uniform. Resident passholders in first and second grade pay $105 and others pay $115. Older grades pay $130 for resident passholders and $140 for others.

A late fee of $15 will be charged for those who register after Jan. 3. Sign up by calling 847-455-2852 or online at fpparks.org.

Learn about winter birds at forest preserve program

The Forest Preserve District of Will County presents Backyard Winter Birds from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Jan. 11 at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook.

Participants can learn which birds migrate through Will County and which stay during the winter, as well as how to attract them to a yard.

The program includes a short guided hike and indoor bird viewing with a warm drink. Register by Jan. 10 by calling 815-722-4121 or online at reconnectwithnature.org. It’s free and open to anyone 10 and older.

Storyteller highlights his new book in La Grange

Master storyteller Nestor Gomez will present stories from his new book, “Rescue Me,” at 7 p.m. Jan. 7 at the La Grange Public Library, 10 W. Cossitt Ave.

The book explores his four-legged family members and the bonds formed with them. Attendees can buy copies of his book, and a portion of proceeds will be donated to local animal shelters.

The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Registration is required by visiting lagrange.library.org or calling 708-215-3200.

Women of natural history star at garden club meeting

The Darien Garden Club presents Women of Natural History from 6:0 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at St. John Lutheran Church, 7214 S. Cass Ave. in Darien.

Kim White, a local master naturalist, will talk about some of the women who have contributed to natural history from 1458 BC to the current century, shining a light on women who rarely were given credit for their accomplishments, Dame Jane Goodall and Queen Hatshepsut are among those who will be highlighted.

A general meeting follows the presentation. All are welcome. Learn more at dariengardenclub.com.

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