Save The View of Wilder Mansion

Built in 1868, Wilder Mansion is the cultural heart of Elmhurst. Every week, thousands of residents, students, churchgoers, and visitors enjoy its iconic view from Cottage Hill. Placing the bandshell at the Ice Rink site protects this treasured view–now and for generations to come.

Wilder Park’s beauty and tranquility come from its open, green central space. Placing the bandshell at the park’s edge (the Ice Rink site) protects this character while avoiding interference with events at the Mansion and Formal Gardens.

Positioning the bandshell to face north minimizes noise impact on nearby neighborhoods, prevents sound reflection from the mansion, and keeps the sun out of both the audience’s and performers’ eyes.

As sustainability experts remind us, “The greenest building is the one that’s already built.” The nearby 1972 Recreation Building can be adapted to support the bandshell–housing restrooms, storage, and concessions–while reusing existing water, sewer, and electrical systems. This reduces costs, waste, and environmental impact.

Wilder Park has 76 parking spaces on the west side and 27 on the east. Locating the bandshell on the west side helps separate event traffic from church and school activities on the east, improving safety and convenience for everyone.